SIR - It is good to see people are willing to take the time to air their opinions about members of our extended policing family.

While there appears to be a balance of views, I think a lot of residents are unaware of the vital work carried out by PCSOs.

Walking, talking, looking and listening promotes public reassurance through being visible. This daily contact builds up trust and is generating far more information from residents who are coming forward with pieces of community intelligence.

Increasing numbers of warrants to search premises are being issued from this public interaction leading to the recovery of stolen property and drugs and the arrest of key individuals.

But this is not their only role. The PCSOs attend all criminal damage incidents, recording crime details and carrying out house to house enquiries.

PCSOs account for 60 per cent of Neighbourhood Policing Teams who are working towards attending 20 per cent of daily calls.

Their late-night patrols up to 3am in the prime entertainment area on a weekend as part of a partnership initiative has contributed to a 50 per cent reduction in violent crime in that area.

PCSOs carry-out a vital support role in an ever changing and challenging policing environment.

Chief Superintendent Sarah Brown, Bradford South Divisional Commander, Nelson Street, Bradford