University 'buys' two PCSOs for £62,000 each (From The Oxford Times)

University 'buys' two PCSOs for £62,000 each

Oxford Brookes University is buying a pair of police community support officers (PCSOs) to patrol its campus, the Oxford Mail can reveal.

Pc Martin Wizard, left, with PCSOs Claire Nicholson, Gareth Herniman, David Vermeulen and Fiona Heaver on the Oxford University beat in 2008

Thames Valley Police also said it was open to offers from other businesses which wanted to buy pscos.

The university will fund the entire cost of two pcsos for the next two years – estimated to be £124,000. They will be assigned specifically to patrol the Headington campus and surrounding areas where students live.

Chief Supt Brendan O’Dowda, Oxfordshire Commander, said the pcsos could be recalled from the university to help in major incidents and the officers would remain police employees directly answerable to the force.

Mr O’Dowda added: “This has nothing to do with saving money.

“This is about creating a safer and stronger Brookes University and surrounding community, and providing a visible policing presence that both parties want.”

There are currently four pcsos funded by Oxford University and one by the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Trust (OBMH).

A document entitled Third Party Funding for Pcsos, which is offered to applicants and has been seen by the Oxford Mail, said there were no restrictions on which organisations could apply to fund a pcso.

Police spokesman Chris Kearney said last night that the force had rejected a number of applications deemed ‘inappropriate’.

He said: “There are checks and balances the applicant needs to go through – just because there is an application it does not mean they will get them.

“Ultimately, the final decision lies with Assistant Chief Constable Steve Rowell.”

Mr Rowell was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Dr Anne Gwinnett, director of corporate affairs at Oxford Brookes University and chairman of Oxford Brookes Residents’ Association meetings, said final details of the partnership were still being agreed.

She added: “It is intended they will work with the student population on a range of matters, from personal safety to responsible behaviour, and with the local community to encourage good relations.”

In March 2008, Oxford University agreed to pay £120,000 over a two-year period to fund four pcsos and a spokesman said the deal is being currently reviewed.

Last month, OBMH announced it would replace three security guards with a single pcso at the Warneford Hospital, in Headington. It is also in talks to provide a second part-funded pcso for Littlemore Hospital.

Matthew Collaire, manager of R&R Frontline Security, Oxford City Council’s approved security contractor, said security companies could lose out.

He added: “This could put a lot of people out of business. We have to pay the Government for licences – do the police? A Pcso cannot provide the same presence as trained and licensed security. They don’t have the qualifications.”

John Grant, chairman of Thames Valley Police Federation, which represents officers, said: “Money is the key. If organisations appear willing to pay for Pcsos then I am sure that will be attractive.”