New PCSOs being recruited

Dyfed-Powys Police was given the go-ahead to take on 74 new PCSOs earlier this year following a £40 million nationwide grant from the Welsh Assembly.

Now the force is holding a recruitment day in Newtown next month to fill the vacancies.

And the force's Police and Crime Commissioner has promised he will focus on bringing more bobbies on the beat in the coming months.

Chief Constable Simon Prince said: "We know where we need more officers so we are being very specific in the recruitment process.

"Over the last year we have been asking people living in our more rural communities what they want from us as a police service, and one of the answers was quite simply, more officers on patrol.

"It isn't an easy job, and it will not suit everyone.

"To help people find out more information about what the job entails we are holding series of familiarisation events in the communities where we are recruiting.

"People who are interested in finding out more can also speak to their local police team."

Powys Chief Inspector Jon Cummins said: "Being a police officer is a rewarding job. We make an important difference to people when they need help and are responsible for ensuring the community where we live stays safe.

"The difference to this recruitment campaign compared to previous times we have asked people to apply to join the force, is that we know that the new recruits will work in North Powys, North Ceredigion or Pembrokeshire and we want them to live within a 30 mile radius of the station.

"This is important because we want to increase the number of officers in those particular communities."

Commissioner Christopher Salmon said recently that he will focus on "bobbies not bricks" after announcing that Knighton Police Station will close.

The recruitment event will be held on September 8 from 2pm to 7pm at the Elephant and Castle Hotel, Broad Street, Newtown.