THAMES Valley Police is walking a fine line with its scheme allowing private organisations to ‘buy’ Police Community Support Officers.

Funding of Pcsos was always going to be a tricky issue when they were first introduced by the Government.

Central funding was guaranteed for the first few years – but the question was, who would pick up the bill afterwards?

Thames Valley’s new idea appears to be a positive one, because ultimately it does increase the number of Pcsos on the streets.

While a Pcso who is funded 100 per cent by a private organisation — hypothetically, let’s say a university — dedicates all their time to the area dictated by the ‘client’, at least they are available to help their colleagues on general duties with any emergencies close by.

Overall, it will mean a slight increase in manpower when urgently needed.

So far, both city universities and the mental health trust have signed up to get their own officers, and they are the correct organisations to attract.

But private companies buying a Pcso would be less appropriate.

Ultimately the force, as a publicly-funded body, should not be seen to have its staff available as ‘guns for hire’ for anyone willing to put up enough money.