In reply to Derek Smith, Use the money on real police, (Oxford Mail, September 29), it is not my place to comment politically on the funding for these new and valuable Police Community Support Officers.

But cost must be a consideration because, as he points out, it is public money. It is essential that it is spent wisely and for the public's benefit.

PCSOs do cost less, and are perfectly suited to the role they perform. Why spend money on 90 police officers when the role can be filled as effectively by PCSOs?

You can have 120 pairs of feet on the street rather than 90.

Across Oxfordshire, Thames Valley Police expect to recruit nearly 150 PCSOs over the next 18 months, and at least 39 of them will patrol the city. That will make a huge difference to people.

The PCSOs are not a replacement for police officers, but an additional resource to tackle specific issues. They are recruited, trained and equipped to provide a high profile, visible presence on the streets.

They get to know their communities and the underlying issues and concerns. The powers they have are those they need to do their job effectively, and they are constantly under review.

Where PCSOs are deployed in the city, they have been well received by these communities, and have had a positive impact.

The question people ask police, once they have seen PCSOs in action, is - when are we getting ours?

Policing is increasingly stretched in terms of police officers. Locally, my officers and staff work hard tackling crime and disorder.

PCSOs across the city will increasingly be led by local neighbourhood police officers and work closely with street wardens, park rangers and environmental wardens.

This is why PCSOs are right for the focus of the current funding. They spend their time where we all accept a policing presence is so important - out in the communities.

JIM TROTMAN (Supt) Police Area Commander Oxford City Thames Valley Police