Police chief hits back at criticism of support team

Not only is the letter factually inaccurate, perhaps born of ignorance of the writer, but also offensive.

While it is true that police community support officers (PCSOs) do not have the full powers of arrest that police constables have, they are exceptionally well trained and dedicated to providing a valuable, highly visible and reassuring service to each and every ward within Adur.

They also have more time to concentrate on the issues that cause most concern to the community, namely anti-social behaviour being committed by small groups of youths, and, for that, I receive almost daily signs that they are deeply appreciated by the communities they serve and are making a real contribution, despite lacking in certain legislative powers.

In that sense, they are better trained and equipped than some of the response officers.

The letter also suggests that we are "rapidly closing down police stations" and that we have fewer police officers than before.

I am afraid this is simply not true. Policing Adur is very much a team effort and I have more staff within my team than at any time in the last 20 years.

As a result, crime has fallen dramatically. This is an unmistakable fact often overlooked by the tabloid media.

Lastly, the writer said that he could not see "one qualified, fully trained police officer" within the photo gallery.

I suggest he looks a little harder, and he will see police constables Duffy and Fisher, who are an integral part of our neighbourhood specialist team.

What the gallery does not show is the police officers who supervise this team.

Chief Inspector Lawrence Hobbs

Adur district commander