A MASSIVE drive to recruit more police community support officers across Avon and Somerset has been launched. The force wants to employ a further 400 PCSOs who will support police officers, carrying out foot patrols and working with communities to tackle

A MASSIVE drive to recruit more police community support officers across Avon and Somerset has been launched.The force wants to employ a further 400 PCSOs who will support police officers, carrying out foot patrols and working with communities to tackle local problems.The PCSOs are being recruited in preparation for the force's roll out of Safer, Stronger Neighbourhoods, a new approach to reducing crime and the fear of crime, which will be launched across the country by March 2008.Assistant Chief Constable Steve Mortimore, who is in charge of delivering Safer, Stronger Neighbourhoods in Avon and Somerset, said: "Safer, Stronger Neighbourhoods is all about team work."The PCSOs will play a crucial part in supporting the work of the neighbourhood beat manager, a police officer with overall responsibility for reducing crime in a dedicated area. They, in turn, will be joined by special constables, who are volunteers and the team will work closely with Neighbourhood Watch members and council services to provide a complete response to any local issues."The force aims to recruit 387 PCSOs by March 2008, making a total of 540. To find out more go to www.avonandsomerset.police.uk or call 01275 816046.