Purpose

The Council’s Service Level Agreement
with Suffolk Constabulary for three PCSO’s based in the town
centre ends on 31st March 2025.
 
The fundamental role of the PCSO is to
contribute to the policing of neighbourhoods through visible patrol
with the purpose of reassuring the public, increasing orderliness
in public places, being accessible to communities and working at a
local level with partner agencies. The additional priorities of the
town centre PCSO role and responsibilities include providing a
visible presence and deterrent within Ipswich town centre and
increasing confidence within the town centre through regular public
and stakeholder engagement.
 
In consultation with the Portfolio for
Communities, the Council’s Monitoring Officer, Section 151
Officer and other relevant officers a decision has been made to
enter into a new agreement with Suffolk Constabulary to continue
the provision of Police Community Support Officers in the town
centre from 1st April 2025.

Decision

To enter into a Service Level Agreement with
Suffolk Constabulary for the provision of Police Community Support
Officers for the period 1st April 2025 until 31st March 2026, with
the option to extend this provision for a further 3-month period
until 30th June 2026.
 
The cost to the Council for the provision of
this service will not exceed £180,000 in the period 1st April
2025 to 30th June 2026 and will be funded from the existing agreed
budget for this purpose.
 
Reason:
To provide a visible presence and deterrent
within Ipswich Town Centre and increase visitor confidence within
the Town Centre through regular public and stakeholder
engagement