Funding announced for 100 new PCSOs as Plaid calls for Wales to have its own policing powers
The Welsh Government has announced extra funding to recruit 100 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).
Opposition parties said it was a "step in the right direction" but Plaid Cymru called for greater policing powers for Wales to boost police recruitment.
The Welsh Government announced an extra £3.7m for additional PCSOs across the country, bringing the total budget to over £22m.
It is a bid to cut crime and create stronger, safer communities, the Welsh Government said with the First Minister stating that PCSOs play a "vital link" between neighbourhoods and the police.
But Plaid Cymru have said police recruitment could be far higher if Wales had control over its own policing matters.
Peredur Owen Griffiths MS, Plaid Cymru's spokesperson for communities, said: "Police should be visible, accountable and accessible, and the funding of additional PCSOs is a step in the right direction, however, Welsh Government must also outline how they will ensure these new PCSOs are better integrated into our communities."
"It's essential that steps are taken to increase cooperation between the police and the public, reduce fear and ensure that officers are on hand to provide assistance and services to the public across both urban and rural settings."
"But why stop at 100 new officers? If policing was fully devolved to Wales, there would be far more opportunity to improve the lives of people in Wales by being able to introduce radical reforms in the fields."
"Devolving justice and policing to Wales would see us receiving an additional £25 million to spend on policing and justice – the equivalent of 900 extra police officers.”
Some powers available to PCSOs include restricting speeding outside schools, reporting vandalism or taking steps to reduce anti-social behaviour incidents.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "They [PCSOs] have played a critical role in responding to the pandemic and I want to pay tribute to their unwavering commitment.
"The PCSOs have continued to step up, providing support and developing innovative ways to keep their communities safe."
The Welsh Conservatives welcomed the funding and called on the Welsh and UK governments to work together to ensure safer streets and communities.
Shadow Justice Minister Mark Isherwood said: "Extra investment in PCSOs is welcome and was a key plank of the Welsh Conservative Senedd manifesto in May, and will complement the fantastic recruitment of new police officers undertaken by the Prime Minister and the UK Conservative Government."
He said almost 450 additional police officers have been recruited across Wales over the last two years.
South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael welcomed the funding, saying: "PCSOs strive to make our communities safer and stronger by the part they play and their visible presence helps to inspire confidence."
"That is why I am absolutely delighted that Welsh Government ministers have moved so quickly to implement their manifesto commitment to 100 additional PCSOs across Wales, in addition to the 500 they already fund."
"Their financial commitment enables the four Welsh forces to press ahead with the additional recruitment and to restore and enhance this important frontline resource in each of our communities at the same time as tackling the competing demands of tackling violent crime, drugs-related exploitation, domestic violence and abuse and internet-enabled crime."