New boost for community policing

There will be 30% more community support officers on the street

People in North Yorkshire will soon have a more visible and accessible police force, senior officers say.

A network of 53 neighbourhood policing teams is being rolled out across the county in April, which means a 30% increase in community support officers.

The teams will contain police officers, special constables, community officers and other volunteers.

Chief Constable Della Cannings said the new teams would be key to the continued success of the force.

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The teams will be focusing on local issues such as anti-social behaviour, the force said.

Police community support officers are to be given limited powers of detention and the ability to issue more fixed penalty notices.

Mrs Cannings said the teams would also allow the force to develop closer links with the public.

Councillor Jane Kenyon, chair of the police authority, said: "Neighbourhood policing will mean more visible and accessible police, and residents having more say and being able to hold the authorities to account."