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Fluffy Sheep
Discworld
1186 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2007 : 23:40:08
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In our area the PCSO`s are proving themselves pretty well, particularly in being a visible and known `police presence`, which has encouraged some folks to actually press charges and/or give evidence to deal with some local thugs. OK, so they had 3 weeks training, but they`re working in collaboration with the police officers who are fully trained, they are learning as they gain experience in their role, and many of them will probably go on and apply to become `proper coppers`.
If you go into any NHS hospital now, and are dependent on a high input of `hands-on` care, much of that care will be delivered by `health care support workers` - Nursing Auxiliaries with NVQ`s. N A`s have a TWO week induction course! OK, it`s nursing on the cheap, they work alongside and feedback to qualified nurses, and many of them have gone on to do the full 3 years` training. Some of these are the best nurses you could wish for, while some of the `straight from college` nurses take so much longer to develop their skills.
I view the PCSO`s the same way. I do understand the fears that the `real professionals` will be replaced, that the skills and standards will be watered down, but I see it as more than a cost-cutting exercise, it`s a real resource as it stands ( most of the naff ones will drop out of their own accord) and it`s also likely to be a very good recruitment pool. |
Row faster, slaves! Caesar wants to waterski! |
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Policing on the cheap
Posted - 04/08/2007 : 22:40:51
