THE Queen's representative for law and order in South Yorkshire has branded police targets "frustrating" and said they get "in the way of common sense".
The High Sheriff of South Yorkshire, Dr R J Giles Bloomer, was speaking after taking to the streets of Rotherham and spending time on patrol with beat officers and Police Community Support Officers.
Dr Bloomer said: "Each day is quite unpredictable, which in some ways is invigorating but can be stressful.
"The number of targets can be frustrating and sometimes get in the way of common sense but they are accepted as a necessary evil and it is recognised efforts are being made to simplify them." He added: "I was impressed with morale and enthusiasm and a real willingness to do the right thing. Some initial scepticism regarding the role of PCSOs is now being replaced by an appreciation of their valuable contribution."
The High Sheriff attended a morning briefing and then accompanied response officer PC Neil Palmer on patrol.
In the afternoon he visited Rotherham North Safer Neighbourhood Team at Kimberworth where he met PCSOs and found out more about their roles. He watched a PC deal with a gang of youths and saw a PCSO address a tenant about whom other residents had complained.
Dr Bloomer said: "There is a proper balance between preventing and fighting crime and the crime figures are much better than many people realise. In addition to the emphasis on community involvement, there have also been successes in solving major crimes."
He finished his visit by discussing the day's activities with Chief Superintendent Matt Jukes, the district commander for Rotherham.
He said: "One of my stated objectives at the beginning of my year of office was to meet and encourage as many people as possible whose working lives are dedicated to improving the delivery of justice and law and order, day in and day out. It was a most interesting and enjoyable day where I learnt a lot."
Chf Supt Jukes said: ""We are immensely proud of what we achieve every day but it can go unnoticed - the High Sheriff's recognition of frontline officers is really very welcome."
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FeaturesMore Rotherham newsMore Doncaster newsMore Barnsley newsCheck out the very latest on South Yorkshire's roads - including live traffic cameras on Sheffield's commuter routes - with our Traffic sectionLatest sport. The full article contains 406 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
