Police community support officers trained to tackle fires under new pilot scheme

A pilot project to give Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) the skills to take on fire-fighting duties as part of their daily role is being launched this week.

The joint project, run in partnership with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS), will see two PCSOs carrying a fire pager and responding to emergency fire call-outs where possible.

Extra training will also be given so that the officers will be enabled to conduct fire ‘safe and well’ checks in their community policing role, as well as jointly delivering fire and policing advice at engagement events.

The scheme, which will run for six months, is a result of Wiltshire Police and DWFRS implementing Home Office directives on collaborative working with partner agencies. It also aims to improve the Force’s ability to meet the needs of communities but it also aims to deliver efficiencies and savings for both partners.

Angus Macpherson, Wiltshire and Swindon’s PCC, said: “This pilot is an example of two public services trying to improve its service to communities while there is increasing demand and a continuous squeeze on funding.

“The community is at the heart of everything Wiltshire Police does. This has given us the chance to work together with the fire service to identify where, and how, we can best align our resources and processes to give a better service to the public."

Ben Ansell, Chief Fire Officer of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Rescue Service, said: “I am really pleased to support these officers, who are both already fully trained on-call firefighters.

"This is the next exciting step in collaboration between the fire service and police and not only will it provide us with a greater understanding of each organisation, we also have the opportunity to provide an even better service to our local communities.

"We continue to face challenges with recruiting on-call firefighters and this innovative approach to service delivery is an excellent example of implementing collaborative working initiatives that are both in line with government thinking and provide real benefit to local communities.”