A campaign recognising Police Community Support Officers and the value they add to policing in Wales is being celebrated for its second year next week (Dec 10-14).
Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) work on the front line providing a visible and reassuring presence on streets throughout the country.
The campaign, called #ThoseInBlue, is being supported by Dyfed-Powys Police, South Wales Police, Gwent Police, North Wales Police and British Transport Police. All week they will be showcasing the work of their PCSOs and recognising the vital role they play.
PCSOs are the eyes and ears of police in communities – building trust and gathering information that is crucial to tackling crime and antisocial behaviour.
Dyfed-Powys Police’s Temporary Deputy Chief Constable, Richard Lewis, leads the portfolio for PCSOs in Wales. He said: “PCSOs are an integral part of the police family. It is different to being a warranted Police Officer, and is a job in its own right.
“PCSOs are not only the eyes and ears in our communities, but also help tackle problems which cause the most concern for people living in Wales.
“PCSOs bring a wide range of skills and experience to the role and in the Dyfed-Powys area we have specialist PCSOs tackling rural crime, cyber crime and antisocial behaviour, and crime reduction experts.
“This Christmas, PCSOs will be a reassuring presence for some of the most vulnerable people living in towns, cities and villages across Wales.”
As part of the campaign, Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Officers will be heading ‘back to the floor’ – going on patrol with PCSOs working across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys.
All week PCSOs across Wales will be using #TweetMyWeek on Twitter to showcase the work they do every day that helps keep people safe. Follow the hashtag or keep up with the campaign on Dyfed-Powys Police’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
If you have concerns about crime or antisocial behaviour in your community speak to a PCSO or call 101.
MEET CARMARTHENSHIRE PCSOs
Name: PCSO 8009 Sharee Treharne
Where you’re stationed: Cross Hands
Length of service: 14 years
Why did you join: It was the first full time job I ever applied for after leaving school and working part time in retail.
Best moment: Too many to choose from, the job satisfaction is immense at times.
Interests outside of work: Rugby, netball, cycling and photography
Aspirations: To keep providing a high standard of neighbourhood policing and consider further opportunities to develop my skills and knowledge.
Speciality: Engagement with my communities and schools, young people in particular.
Previous experience: I started working in the criminal justice department in 2004. In 2009 I started my role as a PCSO stationed at Ammanford police station and transferred to Cross Hands police station in 2015.
Name: PCSO Helen Fender
Where you’re stationed: Rural Crime Team Llandeilo
Length of service: 3 years
Why did you join: I wanted to work directly with the community and make a difference through helping and supporting people.
Best moment: The Dementia Town launch in Llandovery and having the opportunity to expand my links with the farming community through my new role as a Rural Crime Officer.
Interests outside of work: Travelling and reading
Aspirations: To have all the farming communities in Carmarthenshire know my Rural Crime Team by name, and have confidence in us to provide support to make rural areas safe.
Speciality: Rural Crime and Mental Health support.
Previous experience: I was a Practice Manager in a doctor’s surgery for 23 years.
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