Staffordshire's police and crime commissioner has defended controversial proposals to change PCSO shift patterns. 

Ben Adams says Staffordshire Police's plan to reduce PCSO evening patrols and increase day shifts, with the last shifts ending at 9pm instead of 10pm, will allow the support officers to be 'in the right places at the right times'. 

The proposals have attracted criticism from union representatives and local politicians, who claim that they will leave communities exposed during the evenings, with PCSOs themselves losing pay. Labour councillors and MPs have called on the Conservative police and crime commissioner to reconsider the changes. 

But Mr Adams insists the proposals are supported by evidence, and will help Staffordshire Police get the best value out of its staff. He said: "Staffordshire Police has completed a significant consultation process with PCSOs as part of a review of their shift patterns. 

"PCSOs provide a visible presence in their communities, helping to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB), and improving local people's quality of life. 

"The proposed changes to PCSOs' working hours maintain the number of hours currently delivered, and are based on clear evidence of what PCSOs currently do and, importantly, how the force sees this vital role developing in the future. 

"The proposals reflect demand, allowing PCSOs to be in the right places at the right times to offer community engagement and visibility, and to tackle town centre ASB, shoplifting and other local issues at the most appropriate times. 

"Delivering the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee means forces have a duty to get the best value out of all staff, which includes reviewing shift patterns, role expectations and role consistency around evidenced demand." 

Mr Adams insists the proposals are supported by evidence, and will help Staffordshire Police get the best value out of its staff (image via LDRS)

Mr Adams welcomed the input from PCSOs during the consultation, saying it would help shape the role going forward. 

Meanwhile, political opposition to the shift changes is continuing to grow. Stoke-on-Trent City Council leader Jane Ashworth told a full council meeting that she would be raising the issue with senior officers at Staffordshire Police. 

She said: "We know there is considerable anti-social behaviour after 8pm and the PCSOs are able to nip things in the bud and provide a reassuring presence. We do not want to see PCSO shifts changed to the detriment of their pay or the service they are able to deliver." 

Potteries Party leader Andy Polshaw has launched a petition calling on the council to publicly recognise the 'essential role' played by PSCOs and urge Staffordshire Police to withdraw the proposals. 

In his petition, Mr Polshaw said the changes to PCSOs' shifts would risk 'undermining their morale, capacity, and role in community policing'. 

Unison has claimed that the changes would result in PCSOs receiving less unsocial hours payments, which the union says could equate to a pay cut of up to 14 per cent. 

The union claims this would drive some PCSOs to leave Staffordshire Police. The changes are expected to save Staffordshire Police around £700,000, but bosses insist that this is not the main reason for the 'data-driven' plans, which they say will result in a stronger presence during the busiest times of day. 

Unison West Midlands regional organiser Ashley Morley said: "These changes to PCSO shift patterns are ill-conceived, and would hit not only the workforce but the public they serve. The proposed £700,000 annual saving would come straight out of the pockets of staff through pay cuts.

"Some PCSOs would see their income drop by as much as 14 per cent, a cut many simply can't afford. These aren't highly-paid staff, but key workers who are out and about in their communities keeping people safe. 

"There's deep concern that experienced, dedicated officers will be forced to leave their jobs because they won't be able to cover their bills. That'll have a knock-on effect for people across Staffordshire if there are fewer staff to provide a visible presence, give reassurance and deter crime. 

"It's not too late for Staffordshire Police to rethink this plan, to protect both public safety and jobs." 

Staffordshire Police says the 'evidence-based' proposals will ensure a greater police presence in town centres, shopping areas and public spaces when it is most needed. But the force insists that the review of the PCSO role is still part of a formal consultation and no final decision has been taken. 

A spokesperson for the force said: "We understand that any review or proposed changes can raise concerns, but it's important to be clear about what these proposals mean. 

"This is about protecting and strengthening neighbourhood policing within Staffordshire and we remain firmly committed to the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. This means that there will be no reduction in the number of PCSOs or the hours they serve our communities. In fact, we have a new cohort currently in training. 

"We have been open about the financial pressure facing policing nationally. What that means for us at Staffordshire Police is that we must make savings of around £9m this financial year and £11m next year. 

"However, our focus remains on delivering services more efficiently and effectively, our PCSOs are important to us and we want to retain, not lose them. 

"We know this is a worrying time for our colleagues and we are engaging closely with them and Unison throughout this consultation process. Our colleagues welfare and wellbeing are extremely important to us and we are committed to listening to their views before making any formal decisions."