South Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings, met police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs) in two Doncaster police stations last week (Tuesday, 28 April).

He was taken around the communities of Edlington, Conisbrough and Mexborough by neighbourhood police officers to gain a better understanding of the type of policing that these communities need.

In Edlington he spoke with police officers about the new Local Policing Teams that will shortly begin work across the Doncaster area. The Commissioner also talked about the scale of cuts likely to be demanded by whoever formed the next government and officers spoke about the strains they are feeling at a time of reduced numbers.

Dr Billings said: “I think I realise more than I did how crucial the police can be in helping to regenerate communities. They have an important role in bearing down on those anti-social activities that can blight the lives of individuals and communities.”

At the Mexborough station the Commissioner met local Police Community Support Officers and thanked them for their work.

The Commissioner said: “Wherever I go, the public always speak highly of PCSOs and what they do. I regard them as crucial for keeping the force in touch with local people and local issues.”

The Commissioner is spending a few days each month going round South Yorkshire meeting police who are on the front-line and having frank discussions with them.