Celebrating 20 years of Police Community Support Officers, Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings, has thanked South Yorkshire’s PCSOs for their dedication to serving local communities.

Dr Billings said: “PCSOs provide a visible police presence. They help deter anti-social behaviour, provide reassurance in the communities they serve, gather intelligence and work with local businesses to keep communities safe.

“Over the years they have performed a range of duties: high visibility patrols; tackling anti-social behaviour; crowd control; directing traffic at public events; getting evidence; supporting front-line officers.

“They are a vital resource in local communities and their knowledge of the areas they serve is crucial to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

“During the time of austerity, when police officer numbers were cut, the PCSO was often the visible presence of the police in many communities.

“PCSOs are valued by all the communities of South Yorkshire and I thank them for their dedication over the years.”