 Hampshire police already has over 114 community officers |
Hampshire Chief Constable Paul Kernaghan says he is disappointed with his authority's decision not to employ civilian support officers. Hampshire Police Authority was offered funding until 2006 for 25 police community support officers (PCSOs).
It rejected the Home Office offer because of concern long-term funding would fall on local council tax payers.
In a letter to the Home Office, the authority said it would have preferred more trained police officers.
 |  I am disappointed that there will not be 25 additional members of staff working for Hampshire Constabulary  |
Local councils have already put 114 accredited community safety officers (ACSOs) on the streets of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
They target known anti-social behaviour trouble spots and offer a uniformed presence able to issue fixed penalty notices for issues such as disorder, litter and cycling offences.
Police community support officers have similar powers, but are also entitled to detain someone using reasonable force for up to 30 minutes until a police officer arrives.
Mr Kernaghan said: "I understand the authority's concerns about long-term funding and their representations on behalf of the council taxpayers of the two counties, however I am disappointed that there will not be 25 additional members of staff working for Hampshire Constabulary."
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