PCSO's

The role of PCSOs needs to be clarified, there is confusion both in the police service and throughout the general public about what PCSOs are there to do. As their list of responsabilities increases the CCC fear PCSOs are being involved in more and more situations that they are neither properly trained for nor equipped with sufficient powers to deal with.

PCSOs have a role to play in Policing - to support Police Officers by gathering intelligence, being the 'eyes and ears' of the service and giving a highly visible presence where necessary. However, the CCC is concerned that the Government sees them as a cheaper Policing alternative.

The CCC thinks these issues are compounded by the uniforms PCSOs wear and the livery on the vehicles they drive. Whilst accepting that a larger visible presence on the streets gives reassurance to the public, the CCC believes it is increasingly common PCSOs are called upon in situations they are unable to effectively respond to and fall short of the public expectations of them. It is also unfortunately the case that an increasing number of criminals understand the limitations on PCSOs.

The CCC could support a scheme whereby PCSOs showing promise by way of insight, diligence and industry, could be fast-tracked to sworn Police Officer status.

What we want:

• PCSO's role more clearly defined
• The role of PCSO to be properly evaluated taking into account the wishes of communities
• An understanding by that PCSOs should be there to assist Police Officers not replace them
• PCSOs to be more clearly identifiable
• PCSOs to have their own uniform
• PCSOs not to drive police identified vehicles
• Effective PCSOs to be fast tracked to sworn police officer status
• PCSOs to receive better training

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