The first new Police Community Support Officers for South Wales funded by extra money from the Welsh Government started their training at the end of March. It is expected that the 206 extra recruits allocated to South Wales will have been trained and deployed by September 2013.
Cynon Valley AM Christine Chapman said: “These extra Community Support Officers will play an important role across the Cynon Valley in helping to tackle anti-social behaviour, related criminal activity and domestic violence.”
At last year’s Assembly election, Welsh Labour was elected on a manifesto that pledged to fund 500 CSO posts. In addition to the 206 for the South Wales Police Force area, it is planned that 6 extra British Transport Police CSOs will be based in Aberdare, with their training due to commence in May 2012.
Mrs Chapman said: “These new officers will go a long way to countering the cuts in police funding that have been imposed by the Westminster Government, and I know communities all across the Cynon Valley will welcome these extra CSOs.”
Minister for Local Government and Communities Carl Sargeant said: “These CSOs are not a replacement for warranted police officers. They will be a valuable and visible addition for existing police resources, engaging with local residents and community organisations and providing support and reassurance.”
