A CUT of more than 28 per cent in the number of police and community support officers (PCSO) in Essex could lead to a rise in crime, according to UNISON.
The union's warning is in response to data showing more than 3,500 PCSO jobs in England have gone since the start of the coalition government, following 2010's general election, despite ministers' commitment to protect front-line policing.
PCSOs are uniformed, non-warranted officers working alongside regular constables.
The UNISON report, Trouble in the Neighbourhood, shows there has been an overall 22 per cent reduction in the number of PCSOs in England with nine police forces - including Essex - having cut more than 20 per cent of their ranks.
This includes a 49 per cent reduction in the Metropolitan Police, a loss of 2,280 PCSOs in the capital, almost two thirds of the overall cut.
Only five police forces out of the 39 in England have maintained or increased their number of PCSOs.
The report also shows that 60 per cent of UNISON members working as PCSOs had seen cuts in staff or resources in their police force.
As well as a reduction in the number of PCSOs, cuts in supporting roles also impact on front line policing as PCSOs often find themselves covering for these roles and spending less time out in the community.
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: "Neighbourhood policing is dying on the beat. What took years to build up is being lost because of reckless government cuts.
"PCSOs are under growing pressure. They tell us how they have to cover larger beats and more of them have to work alone, often leading them to feel vulnerable.
"PSCOs play a key role in intelligence gathering, tackling minor crimes and anti social behaviour. They are a reassuring and deterring visible presence in our streets and without them crime is likely to rise.
"The Government's claims that front line policing would be protected are in tatters. The cuts on neighbourhood teams are putting the public safety into jeopardy. That is why we are calling on the Government to fund and maintain neighbourhood policing teams at their 2010 level.
"Because the fall in the number of police community support officers will impact on how safe people are, we also want HMIC to investigate neighbourhood policing to see how the cuts have affected the quality of the service."
Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: "I am committed to local policing. I have met many of our PCSOs and found them impressive, professional and highly knowledgeable about their local areas.
"They perform important work in our communities, and I am grateful for everything they do. I am clear that PCSOs are a vital part of local policing across Essex and I remain completely committed to PCSOs as key members of our community policing teams.
"There has been a reduction in PCSO numbers in our county, but that reduction would have been even greater had I not acted to support funding for policing through modest rises in council tax.
"However, with less resource available, the policing model will have to be different. Around 85 per cent of the budget for policing and community safety consists of the salaries of police officers, PCSOs and police staff.
"Since I became PCC, no PCSOs have been made redundant and I hope that won't happen. Indeed, I am pleased that many PCSOs have now been able to train as police officers, continuing to use the experience they gained as PCSOs in their new roles.
"The sickness rates have recently reduced very significantly which is also good.
"The Chief Constable has to complete the Evolve analytical work before we will know how many PCSOs our county can afford and where they will be deployed. The government allowing Chief Constables to give more powers to PCSOs is also helpful.
"I am delighted some councils have decided to fund PCSOs; it allows communities to really invest in what they regard a key local priority.
"I will do all I can to drive further efficiency to free resources for the front line, but I will also ensure we invest in the future.
"We will have fewer PCSOs as we are also likely to have fewer officers, staff and even police stations. But crime has continued to fall through all the recent changes and I am confident the Chief Constable and his officers, PCSOs and police staff will do all they can to continue to deliver professional policing to all of us in Essex."
In contrast to England, there has been a 57 per cent rise in the number of PCSOs in Wales, with an extra 409 posts created, with dedicated funding from the Welsh government.
The 28.54 per cent cut in Essex was the fourth highest in the country.
