PCSOs campaign for long-service medal equality

The pair have the backing of Leicestershire's chief constable and the county's police and crime commissioner

Two police community support officers (PCSOs) are leading a national campaign for 20-year service medals to be awarded to support officers just as they are to police constables.

Jo Burton, 58, and Pete Smith, 56, have both worked for Leicestershire Police for more than 20 years.

Their campaign has received the backing of the force's chief constable and the county's police and crime commissioner as well as colleagues.

A decision rests with the Home Office which has yet to reply to the BBC's request for a comment.

Ms Burton said the award was important to her

The pair were in the first tranch of officers to serve with Leicestershire Police in 2003 after the role was first introduced under the Police Reform Act 2002 with the aim of connecting communities with their local force.

They are paid for the role, which involves tackling antisocial behaviour and hate crime but do not have the full powers of police officers.

Ms Burton, who has a specific role educating teenagers about knife crime and county lines offending, said the 20-year medal was important.

It's something I'd like to hand down to my son and daughter and grandchildren when I'm no longer around," she said.

"We've had so much support [for the campaign] from lots of walks of life. I'm hoping the Home Office will make the right decision for us."

Mr Smith has started a petition on the government website and hopes his campaign will be debated in parliament.

Mr Smith, who has served the New Parks area for the past 21 years, said: "The campaign hs gone really well - it's gone nationwide. I'd be really happy if we could get this medal.

"I cannot think of any major event in Leicestershire or crime scene where we have not stood by police officers in the past 20 years and I believe this is a way of saying thank you.

"I believe in the role of PCSO and I'm trying to champion the role."

Leicestershire's police and crime commissioner, Rupert Matthews, has joined Leicestershire Police's chief constable Rob Nixon in throwing support behind the campaign.

Mr Nixon said: "Modern policing requires a balanced mix of staff, all of whom make an invaluable contribution to the running of the force."

The Home Office, the body which awards policing medals, has not responded to a request by the BBC for a comment.