Stab vests for West Midlands community support officers

[dutchman]

The only police force in England that does not issue stab vests to police community support officers (PCSO) is to change its policy.

The West Midlands Police Authority said the decision followed a review of the 800 PCSOs with the West Midlands force by its chief constable Chris Simms.

His report said the vests would enable officers to patrol alone increasing "visibility and productivity".

Stab vests are standard issue for neighbourhood and response officers.

PCSOs are civilian staff with limited powers to help combat anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime, West Midlands Police Authority said.

'Generated strong opinions'

Until now, the force was the only one in the country that did not issue the vests to PCSOs, the spokesman added.

In 2007, Tom Watson, Labour MP for West Bromwich East, issued a Commons motion for the officers to be able to have them after hearing police dogs in South Yorkshire had been issued with them.

Derek Webley, chairman of the authority, said he welcomed their introduction.

"The debate about the role of PCSOs has generated strong opinions nationally and locally.

"The authority recognises the key role PCSOs play in the public's confidence in policing and wants to see them deployed as effectively as possible.

"We believe that PCSOs are an indispensable part of local policing."

Buying the vests will cost the force £247,000, the authority said.