Archived decisions

COMMUNITY SAFETY SERVICE

Accredited Community Safety Officers (ACSOs) were introduced in Hampshire in 2004 in four pilot areas to tackle anti-social behaviour and provide a visible presence in the county's towns and villages in response to residents' concerns. The officers deal with low-level crime such as underage drinking, untaxed vehicles, cycling on footpaths, fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles, all of which have a significant impact on people's lives in terms of feeling safe and secure. Over 20,000 incidents have been dealt with since the introduction of the service, often involving issues that cause most concern to residents.

The introduction of ACSOs has proved so popular that the Cabinet took the decision in November 2006 to extend the service to cover the whole county as the second phase of development. Approval was given to increase the number of officers to 48, which included a small group of apprentice ACSOs as part of the overall team, to be deployed within new Tactical Areas of Responsibility (TAORs) developed in partnership with Hampshire Constabulary.

On 23 July 2007, the Cabinet received a progress report confirming the successful completion of the second phase of development as detailed above which the Cabinet welcomed along with the many excellent results being experienced across the County as a result of the commitment of the ACSOs. The Cabinet also welcomed the emerging role for the officers which is leading them into partnership working in community and regeneration projects which help develop greater ownership and influence within local communities. In order to deploy the officers across the county in the most effective way, the Cabinet agreed to some adjustments to the TAORs following consultation with partners. The new configuration is as follows:-

It was also reported that following a request from the Cabinet, a formal protocol has been developed to facilitate the deployment of ACSOs alongside Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). The protocol builds on the existing good working relationship between the two services as well as providing a practical guide on legal powers, tasks and procedures.

The service received positive feedback from inspectors as part of the recent Comprehensive Performance Assessment, and progress against outcomes and targets in the Corporate Business Plan continue to be carefully monitored as the service develops.

Since the publication of the Cabinet report ACSO Rob Green, deputy leader of the Central TAOR has been awarded the Margaret Leece Community Safety Officer of the Year Award for taking a lead role in the expansion of the service and helping set up the recently created central team based in Winchester.