Police Community Support Officers

The role

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), also called Community Support Officers (CSOs), provide a visible presence in the community, helping the police to tackle anti-social behaviour and offering reassurance to the public.  Become a PCSO and you will act as the eyes and ears of the police on the streets.

PCSOs help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour by dealing with minor offences and supporting front-line policing.

PCSOs patrol in uniform. Here are some of the issues they may deal with in their work:

• Working with the public to identify and address their concerns
• Contributing to the management of local neighbourhoods
• Helping to support people who are affected by crime and disorder

Additional responsibility

Depending on their role, PCSOs may also be given powers, currently under review, including:

• The power to detain someone pending the arrival of a constable
• The power to direct traffic and remove vehicles
• The power to issue fixed penalty notices in relation to a range of anti-social behaviour

To become a PCSO and to find out more about the role go to www.policecouldyou.co.uk

NEW NPIA TWELVE-MONTH PROGRESS REPORT ON THE PCSO REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS

The Progress Report reviews the activities that have been undertaken nationally and locally to progress the 22 recommendations of the initial PSCO Review published in July 2008. Following a survey of all 43 forces in England and Wales, progress on each recommendation was assessed and is outlined within the report. The report also incorporates the findings from the ACPO survey of forces on PCSO powers.

If you have any queries contact Mark Roe, Resources Project Manager at mark.roe2@npia.pnn.police.uk or on 020 7147 8014.

To download the PCSO Progress Report please click here

To download the Executive Report please click here