Revised Neighbourhood Policing Model sees 30 extra officers on the beat across Cheshire

From Wednesday 1 April changes to the Constabulary’s Neighbourhood Policing Model came into effect.

The current Neighbourhood Policing Model is based on all 122 wards across Cheshire having a named officer or Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).

While this commitment will remain, changes to how we deliver engagement, visibility and contact with the community and partners will evolve to meet the demands of modern-day policing, with an increased focus on enforcement and problem solving.

The Constabulary recognises the public’s concerns following the recent departure of 30 PCSOs across the county as part of wider financial restructuring. However, under the new model, changes to staff distribution mean that an additional 30 Police Constables will now be allocated to neighbourhood teams across the county.

This brings the total number of neighbourhood policing positions across the county to 327, reinforcing the force’s commitment to investing in our communities. As part of this, every beat area in Cheshire will have a named, contactable Police Constable.

The Constabulary’s 57 active PCSOs will continue working in their local areas and will now work closer with area Beat Managers in the communities they cover with a clear focus on engagement, further strengthening the crucial link between the police and the public.

As part of this, each beat area will now be required to hold at least one police surgery or drop‑in session every month, as well as visit every primary and secondary school in their area once per half‑term, amongst other engagement expectations to ensure we are visible and accessible to our communities.

Beat teams will continue regular contact with local faith groups, parish councils, local councillors, and Neighbourhood Watch groups.

Recent updates triggered by the Sentencing Act 2026 will increase the likelihood of more offenders,  including priority and sexual offenders being managed within the community.

Integrated Offender Management (IOM) teams will prioritise the management of high‑risk offenders as demand increases. Meanwhile, lower risk offenders who still pose a threat will be managed by neighbourhood officers equipped with warranted powers such as arrest, search, and seizure of property and digital devices.

Head of Local Policing, Chief Superintendent Saf Ali, said:

“In an ever‑evolving world, we as recognise that our approach to policing on every level needs to evolve and change with it to tackle the growing issues of the day.

“This new approach to neighbourhood policing, which is based on evidential factors such as Local Policing Unit area size, crime and incidents demand, the number of wards, local schools and engagement opportunities, builds upon the incredible efforts delivered by our officers and staff around the clock to keep our residents safe and the county a hostile environment for crime.

“We are aware of the level of concern felt across the entire force area following the recent departure of 30 of our Police Community Support Officers. However, through this revised approach, local communities can expect to see an additional 30 officers patrolling the beats across the county, with our remaining 57 PCSO’s working closely alongside local Beat Managers to continue to strengthen the relationship between communities and police. The recruitment for the additional 30 officers is currently ongoing.

“Every Local Policing Unit has received an uplift in Police Constables numbers and every beat area in the county will continue to have designated named police officer residents can contact when needed.

“As always, Cheshire Constabulary’s top priority remains keeping our residents safe. Through these changes residents can expect to see a more visible policing presence, with officers tackling the issues that matter to our residents and communities the most.”