BEFORE hitting the streets of Tavistock and Okehampton, newly recruited police community support officers will start their initial training. Denton Williams, Seonaid Greenwood, Joe Raeburn and Mark Canvin are some of the first of South and West Devon Basic Command Unit?s intake of additional police community support officers (PCSOs). The four new recruits will embark on their nine-week induction into the force and their new role at the constabulary?s training facilities at Seale Hayne. Having made it through the selection process the recruits will learn about community safety and their powers. Supt Barry Marsden, South and West Devon deputy commander, said: ?On completing their training the new PCSOs will provide a highly visible presence in the urban and rural communities of South and West Devon. ?The responsibilities of the PCSO means that they won?t be abstracted from their patrol for other duties or to deal with other incidents. ?They will be spending nearly all their time in the communities they have been allocated to serve.? The powers of the new PCSOs will be sufficient to deal with minor disorder and to tackle anti-social behaviour, under-age drinking, truancy and dealing with abandoned and unlicensed vehicles. They are part of the neighbourhood policing teams, investing time into local issues where the full powers of a police officer are not required. Denton Williams, who will be based in Tavistock, said: ?I see one of the roles of PCSO as an opportunity to have more time to allay any fears and anxieties of the general public. ?I hope I can contribute and help maintain the high standard that has already been achieved in West Devon and really give something back to my community.? Seonaid Greenwood, based in Tavistock, said: ?By becoming a PCSO, I hope I will represent the police to help and assist the community in which I live and work.? Mark Canvin, based in Okehampton, said: ?The local police officer was an important influence in our community when I was growing up and I wanted to be able to put something back into the community in the same way. ?I served as a special constable for 15 years, working with local issues, and was given the special constabulary medal for my contributions to the service. ?I am delighted to be part of the police team and community life in Okehampton.? Joe Raeburn, who will be based in Okehampton, said: ?I enjoy meeting and talking with people of all ages which is why the job of the PCSO appealed to me. ?I am looking forward to meeting the community in and around Okehampton and the surrounding areas where I will be working.? Over the next two years, an additional 107 PCSOs will be introduced throughout South and West Devon.
