“Perhaps the police could tell us what exactly was wrong with the detail and figures on that tv programme which showed us the very poor performance and record of the D&C PCSOs.”

“Taxpayer - You've come up with exactly the same answer as our PCSO's. Perhaps you are one of them. Are you? The whole point is that a PACT Meeting is a serious, formal meeting attended usually by some of the Partners, Plymouth City Council, The University of Plymouth and the Students's Union, etc., etc. These other events are aimed at specific groups 'the over 50's,' and the PACT in the Park at 'anyone they can attract in to their Gazebo or the Cafe etc., this is also, I'm told supplemented by 'doorstep calls' and 'street surveys.' But, what we really need is a mixture of these activities and it is not happening.

Terry Leech - you're what I would referred to as a 'vested interest.' As an employee of West Country Housing and the former Manager of the Greenbank Hospital Estate, it has suited your purpose to cosy up to the PCSO's in order to bring certain elements on that estate under control, perhaps to the detriment of the rest of the Greenbank Area.”

“Tax Payer...

I don't expect to have to ring up to report a crime when I can go out and tell the PCSO's myself.

They are there to create a link to the community, but with this, please phone it in as we cannot do anything is just going against this..

Utterly Pointless in my opinion.”

“Firstly, Mguuyakuku - i would assume from your comment that you are an older gentleman and therefore unwilling to adapt to change. I would imagine that your PACT meetings were full of residents who just simply like to moan and therefore the Police do not recieve a representative view from the neighbourhood. Whereas, a meeting of such in a park I feel is an excellent idea and would welcome such an event in my area, which would therefore allow families like myself to attend and air our views as we would not have to arrange childcare. Secondly, Dan, what response did you require? Would a Police Officer not simply tell you the same as the PCSO's?”

“PCSO's are a waist of time.

I approached the two who patrol our area...

I told them how over the past week several cars had been vandalised.

They then told me I needed to report it!!!

Seriously what did they think I was doing right then?

I asked them that... and they said...

"Sorry sir you need to phone it in else it won't be recorded"

I then told them how useless I thought they were a procedded to walk away from Bill and Ben the Flower pot men!!

Get some real Bobbies on the beat and not these usless idiots!!”

“@James.

Nice Wiki -ing.”

“There was always going to be uncertainty when the PCSOs were created. Their job is supposed to be liaison with the public to act as a conduit between them and the police force.

As created a very pleasant task for those chosen, especially in rural and suburban areas not least because they are not expected to deal with incidents which the public always thinks it can sort out better than the police anyway. It's a bit like football refereeing. I'd like to see the armchair critics try both but I digress.

Two problems - many members of the public aren't really aware of the true role of PCSOs and police forces are using them more and more as police officers without the powers or training.

This was inevitable and it won't be many years hence before the only uniform 'police' on the streets will be PCSOs who will be the ones who roll in the gutter with the violent drunks, take miscreants to the police station where they will then be dealt with by a range of people who will never go onto the streets or feel the collar of a tea leaf or be aware of what it's like to be in the middle of a punch-up in a city centre on a Saturday night..

Policing on the cheap and it's coming to a neighbourhood near you shortly.”

“The local PCSO's, were tasked locally last week with the challenging job of making sure nobody parked outside the local houses near the local school (Burraton CP).

It took one old gimmer, and one young ginger to sort it all out.

Thankfully, nobody parked at all, anywhere.”

“CHIMPS - Completely Hopeless In Most Policing Situations...that applies to both the bottom rung PCSO's and the top rung ACC 'Harry Potter' Netherton. Where will it all end?”

“On the subject of P.C.S.O.s I feel that I must add my voice.In the Pennycross and Ham area of Plymouth I think we have a great team .In the last year I have had many problems with anti social behaviour on many occassions. Both male and female P.C.S.O.s that I have dealt with have been excellent in dealing with my problems and have made a real difference.Once again well done to you both .You are doing a great job keep it up many thanks.”