NELSON'S COLUMN By Dt Sgt Bill Nelson

THE first intake of police community support officers has hit the streets.

The new bobbies on the beat will assist regular police officers in their fight against crime and help to provide high profile patrolling.

The first 32 of 160 recruits have passed training courses and received their warrant cards.

Sixteen of the new officers have been allocated to the Wigan-Leigh division and they will have selected powers to deal with anti-social behaviour, littering, dog fouling and alcohol confiscation.

Working with the communities they serve will provide an additional link between them and the police and they will also be able to issue certain fixed penalties.

The main objective of the community support officers is to provide high visibility patrolling and intelligence gathering. They will work regular shifts under the supervision of a community beat sergeant.

Their uniform is comprised of a blue anorak with a PCSO embroidered badge on the breast pocket, black trousers, white shirt with either a blue tie or cravat for the female officers, and a black cap with blue banding and support staff badge.

They will carry radios, torches and an infectious diseases pouch.

These first PCSOs are valuable additions to the ability of police, partners and the public to improve the quality of life for people in the division.

They will be the eyes and ears of the police service and provide continuity of policing presence in many localities where it is currently difficult to guarantee a sustained police presence.

They will work with the community to reduce the effects of anti-social behaviour, public nuisance and associated crimes, allowing a better flow of information from the public to the police about what is happening in their communities and who is responsible for causing disquiet in the neighbourhoods.