Community renewal news: Off the beat

Sickness among police community support officers (PCSOs) is rising, sparking fears that the monotony and day-to-day routine of their roles is leading to apathy among workers, according to findings published this week. A report by the Metropolitan Police says that in the 12 months to the end of May 2004, PCSOs took an average 11.4 days off sick, compared with an 8.3 day average for police officers. But a break down of the figures shows that PCSOs based in communities averaged only 3.7 sick days, and that those officers with transport and security roles - 12.9 sick days and 17.4 sick days respectively - took the most time off. Human Resources Directorate Strategic Assessment: June 2004 is available at www.met.police.uk.