A pair of police community support officers have shared their passion for their job and their work connecting with businesses and members of the community.

PCSOs Lauren Lewis and Tilly Earley shared their love for the role, adding that it is “rewarding” to build relationships with people and make a difference to their lives.

The Argus was invited down to shadow the officers on their shift and take a look at the people behind the uniform.

PCSO Lewis, who has been in the force for two years after previously working as a nurse, said: “It’s great to get out to reach out to people we wouldn’t normally reach.”

PCSO Earley, who has been in the role for around six months, added: “It’s rewarding to build the relationships with the police and breaking the stigma.

“We are there to keep people safe. We are out helping the most vulnerable and you can make a real difference to someone’s life.”

While out on their shift, the PCSOs visited the Black and Minority Ethnic Community Partnership Centre in Fleet Street in Brighton to offer community members a point of contact to voice their concerns.

Other work that PCSO’s do includes building relationships with businesses and helping them to report crimes such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.

In one case, the pair visited a shop on London Road in Brighton where they have been working with a business to try and catch a suspected drug dealer.

The Argus: PCSOs Lewis and Earley on patrol in London RoadPCSOs Lewis and Earley on patrol in London Road (Image: NQ Staff)

PCSO Tilley shared that she enjoyed seeing cases like these through to the end, adding: “We have gone from not knowing them to now spotting them and being able to work out who it was.”

Comparing themselves to police constables, PCSO Lewis said: “Whereas response is more of a plaster we are like the doctors, we are problem solving.”

PSCO Tilley added that she felt her role was more proactive compared to the reactive approach needed to tackle ongoing crimes by police constables.

PCSOs and police community work are being highlighted as part of a national Neighbourhood Policing Week, with the aim to “shine a light on the work of Sussex Police’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams”.