COMMUNITY Support Officers are being celebrated as part of a campaign to highlight the work they do.

The Those in Blue campaign, which is running this week, aims to give the public an insight into the efforts of Community Support Officers (CSOs) and the work they do in the community.

Policing Lead for Community Support Officers across Wales, Deputy Chief Constable Pam Kelly explains: “CSOs play such a vital role in our communities.  Every day I hear about the fantastic work they do and I know that communities value the service that they provide. Welsh Government fund more than half of the posts across the whole of Wales, I have no doubt that this funding combined with the commitment of our CSOs helps keep the Welsh communities safe.”

“The role of a CSO is challenging yet rewarding, and is integral to providing a visible and reassuring presence in the communities, I am aware that many CSOs are a familiar face to many.  Although CSOs do not hold the same powers as regular Police Officers, they still carry a great deal of responsibility, assisting not only in community engagement, but supporting regular Officers at major crime scenes and events.”

Gwent Police will be hosting an All Wales workshop with representatives from across Wales. The workshop will discuss best practice, powers, the deployment of Community Support Officers and the vision for the future regarding CSOs.

As well as activities CSOs from across Gwent will be Tweeting their experiences during the week, using the hashtag #tweetmyweek #thoseinblue. 

Chief Inspector for Caerphilly, Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent, Paul Staniforth and Chief Inspector for Newport and Monmouthshire David Morgan will also be going out on patrol with CSOs in Blaenau Gwent and Newport – you can see their return to Neighbourhood Policing by visiting our Facebook and Twitter page during the week.

In January and April 2017, a recruitment drive for new CSOs was launched in Gwent Police. There were 41 applicants in January and 206 in April that had to pass basic eligibility criteria before submitting a competency-based application form.

Following on from this, applicants needed to complete an interview process as well as pre-appointment checks. 35 successfully appointed applicants then went on to complete an eight week course in July covering: legislation, practical assessments as well as dealing with anti-social behaviour, conflict management and hate crime.

On Friday, December 15, following the April recruitment drive, 18 new CSOs will Pass Out after completing their training in Gwent Police.