Community Support Officers

[ViolentBadger]

I know I'm going to get a lynching for this, so I'm saying this now, I'm NOT supporting the PCSOs.

The BBC link states:

He was trying to support Bethany as she struggled in the six-feet-deep water before slipping from view.

Anglers managed to pull Bethany out but Jordon slipped from view before they could get to him.

The alarm was raised and the PCSOs arrived on the scene. Police said they could see no sign of Jordon in the water, so they radioed trained officers for help.

So if he was already under the water when the PCSOs arrives and they couldn't see him then they couldn't have used a branch as suggested, this also suggests that they didn't watch him drown, he had already drowned. Also, unless they were already somewhere nearby I imagine it would have taken a couple of minutes for them to get there, in which case he would have most likely have already been unconcious/dead by then.

Like I said, not supporting the PCSOs, just giving my point of view, so try to keep the lynching to a minimum.

However this happened standing around doing nothing wasn't the right action.

 

[halomonkey]

I know I'm going to get a lynching for this, so I'm saying this now, I'm NOT supporting the PCSOs.

The BBC link states:

He was trying to support Bethany as she struggled in the six-feet-deep water before slipping from view.

Anglers managed to pull Bethany out but Jordon slipped from view before they could get to him.

The alarm was raised and the PCSOs arrived on the scene. Police said they could see no sign of Jordon in the water, so they radioed trained officers for help.

So if he was already under the water when the PCSOs arrives and they couldn't see him then they couldn't have used a branch as suggested, this also suggests that they didn't watch him drown, he had already drowned. Also, unless they were already somewhere nearby I imagine it would have taken a couple of minutes for them to get there, in which case he would have most likely have already been unconcious/dead by then.

Like I said, not supporting the PCSOs, just giving my point of view, so try to keep the lynching to a minimum.

Fair point but there seems to be conflicting reports as some say they were 'standing by' others say 'arrived at the scene'. Whichever it was it seems they were there whilst it was still feasible to jump in. It comes down to knowing that someone is in the water and you may be able to save them by doing something out of your comfort zone. On a personal note if I came running to a scene where someone had gone under the water I would be straight in.No ifs, no buts, no maybes. I would do the right thing. They did not!

 

[halo_jones]

I know I'm going to get a lynching for this, so I'm saying this now, I'm NOT supporting the PCSOs.

The BBC link states:

He was trying to support Bethany as she struggled in the six-feet-deep water before slipping from view.

Anglers managed to pull Bethany out but Jordon slipped from view before they could get to him.

The alarm was raised and the PCSOs arrived on the scene. Police said they could see no sign of Jordon in the water, so they radioed trained officers for help.

So if he was already under the water when the PCSOs arrives and they couldn't see him then they couldn't have used a branch as suggested, this also suggests that they didn't watch him drown, he had already drowned. Also, unless they were already somewhere nearby I imagine it would have taken a couple of minutes for them to get there, in which case he would have most likely have already been unconcious/dead by then.

Like I said, not supporting the PCSOs, just giving my point of view, so try to keep the lynching to a minimum.

However this happened standing around doing nothing wasn't the right action.

ditto

 

[acp290885]

I didn't say it was the right thing or wrong thing to do. I merely pointed out that the errors in some peoples arguments, saying that they stood there and watched him drown.

 

[ViolentBadger]

I know this will sound corny, cheesy and maybe stupid but I would rather have tried to do something and died than done nothing and lived.

Maybe it is the way I was brought up.

 

[theslayerofmen]

even if the child had gone under and wasn't visable, i think trying to locate him under the water would be a reasonable reaction? there is much documented evidence relating to the resus of drowning victims, even many minutes after the incident. surely it would have been worth trying for pity's sake?

 

[BossHogg]

Link

Do PCSOs actually have any power to do anything?

As of next year here is a list of their powers:-

Power Relevant legislation
Power to issue penalty notices in respect of offences of disorder: Power of a constable in uniform to give a penalty notice under Chapter 1 of Part 1 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 (fixed penalty notices in respect of offences of disorder) (See Table 2 for a list of the offences for which CSOs can be designated with the power to issue penalty notices for disorder). Paragraph 1(2)(a) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to issue fixed penalty notices for truancy: Power of a constable to give a penalty notice under section 444A of the Education Act 1996 (penalty notice in respect of failure to secure regular attendance at school of registered pupil) Paragraph 1(2)(aa) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by section 23 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003)
Power to issue fixed penalty notices for excluded pupil found in a public place: Power of a constable to give a penalty notice under section 105 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 (penalty notice in respect of presence of excluded pupil in public place) – Not yet commenced, due to be brought into effect on 1 September 2007. Paragraph 1(2)(ab) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by section 107(2) of the Education and Inspections Act 2006)
Power to issue fixed penalty notices for cycling on a footpath: Power of a constable in uniform to give a person a fixed penalty notice under section 54 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (fixed penalty notices) in respect of an offence under section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 (riding on a footway) committed by cycling. Paragraph 1(2)(b) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to issue fixed penalty notices for dog fouling: Power of an authorised officer of a local authority to give a notice under section 4 of the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 (fixed penalty notices in respect of dog fouling). This power (and the 1996 Act) has now been repealed in relation to England and Wales by section 107 and Schedule 5 Part 5 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. However the power continues to have effect in respect of any land which remains designated land under the 1996 Act. Paragraph 1(2)(c) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002.
Power to issue fixed penalty notices for graffiti and fly-posting: Power of an authorised officer of a local authority to give a notice under section 43(1) of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 (penalty notices in respect of graffiti or fly-posting). Paragraph 1(2)(ca) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by section 46 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003)
Power to issue fixed penalty notices for littering: Power of an authorised officer of a litter authority to give a notice under section 88 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (fixed penalty notices in respect of litter). Paragraph 1(2)(d) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to issue fixed penalty notices in respect of offences under dog control orders: power of an authorised officer of a primary or secondary authority, within the meaning of section 59 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, to give a notice under that section (fixed penalty notices in respect of offences under dog control orders). Paragraph 1(2)(e) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (see section 62(2) of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005).
Power to require name and address: Power to require the name and address of a person whom a CSO has reason to believe has committed a relevant offence or a relevant licensing offence (Relevant offences are defined under subparagraph 2(6) of Schedule 4 of the Police Reform Act 2002 and include relevant fixed penalty offences under paragraph 1 of Schedule 4, an offence under section 32(2) of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 (failure to follow an instruction to disperse) and an offence which appears to have caused injury, alarm or distress to another person or loss of or damage to another person’s property. Relevant licensing offence is defined as a specified offence under the Licensing Act 2003) Paragraph 1A enables chief constables to designate the power to require name and address without also designating the power of detention. Paragraph 1A of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by paragraph 2 of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to detain: Power to detain a person whom a CSO has reason to believe has committed a relevant offence who fails to comply with a requirement under paragraph 1A(3) to give name and address or who gives an answer which the CSO reasonably suspects to be false or inaccurate for up to 30 minutes for the arrival of a police officer (or to accompany that person to a police station if he or she elects to do so on request). Under paragraph 2(2) (as amended by Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005) a CSO may only be designated with the power to detain if they have also been designated with the power to require name and address under paragraph 1A of the Police Reform Act 2002. Paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002. (Paragraph 3(2) of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.)
Power to enforce byelaws: The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 provides that offences committed under relevant byelaws are relevant offences under paragraph 2(6) of Schedule 4 of the Police Reform Act 2002. A relevant byelaw is a byelaw from a list of byelaws that has been agreed between a chief constable and a relevant byelaw-making body. As well as being able to require name and address for breach of a byelaw, CSOs can also enforce a byelaw by removing a person from a place if a constable would also have the power to enforce a byelaw in that way. Paragraphs 1A(3), 2(3A), 2(6)(ad), 2(6B), 2(6C), 2(6D), 2(6E), 2(6F) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (see paragraphs 2, 3(4), 3(7) and 3( of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to deal with begging: The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 makes offences under sections 3 and 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 into relevant offences. It also gives CSOs a power to detain a person who they have required to stop committing an offence under sections 3 and 4 of the Vagrancy Act and who has failed to comply with the requirement. Paragraphs 2(6)(ac) and 2(3B) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (see paragraphs 3(4), 3(5), 3(6) and 3(7) of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to enforce certain licensing offences: The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 establishes a set of relevant licensing offences. These offences are sale of alcohol to a person who is drunk, obtaining alcohol for a person who is drunk, sale of alcohol to children, purchase of alcohol by or on behalf of children, consumption of alcohol by children and sending a child to obtain alcohol. Where these offences apply specifically to clubs they are not relevant licensing offences. CSOs may require name and address but may not detain for those relevant licensing offences that are most likely to be committed by license holders. Paragraph 2(6A) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (see paragraphs 3(3) and 3( of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to search detained persons for dangerous items or items that could be used to assist escape: Enables CSOs to be designated with the same powers as a constable under section 32 of PACE to search detained persons for anything that could be used to cause physical injury or to assist escape. A CSO must comply with a police officer’s instructions on what to do with the item. Paragraph 2A of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by paragraph 4 of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to require name and address for anti-social behaviour: Power of a constable in uniform under section 50 of the Police Reform Act 2002 to require a person whom he has reason to believe to have been acting, or to be acting, in an anti-social manner to give his name and address. Subparagraph 3(2) of Schedule 4 provides the CSO with the power to detain (under subparagraphs 2(3) to (5) of Schedule 4). However, by virtue of paragraph 2( of Schedule 4 the power to detain has no effect unless a CSO has been designated with the power of detention under paragraph 2 of Schedule 4. Paragraph 3 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (as amended by paragraph 3(10) of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005)
Power to require name and address for road traffic offences: Enables CSOs to be designated with the power to require the name and address of a driver or pedestrian who fails to follow the directions of a community support officer or police officer under sections 35 or 37 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Paragraph 3A of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by paragraph 6 of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to use reasonable force to prevent a detained person making off: either when waiting for the arrival of a constable or when accompanying a detained person to a police station. Paragraph 4 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to disperse groups and remove persons under 16 to their place of residence: Powers which, by virtue of an authorisation under section 30 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, are conferred on a constable in uniform by section 30(3) to (6) of that Act (power to disperse groups and remove persons under 16 to their place of residence). Paragraph 4A of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by section 33 of the Anti-Social Behaviour 2003)
Power to remove children in contravention of bans imposed by curfew notices to their place of residence: Power to remove a child to their place of residence if the CSO has reason to believe that the child is in contravention of a ban imposed by a curfew notice under section 15(3) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Paragraph 4B of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by section 33 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003)
Power to remove truants to designated premises etc: Enables a CSO to be designated with the power of a constable under section 16(3)of (3ZA) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to remove a truant or excluded pupil found in a specified area (as specified in a direction under section 16(2) of the 1998 Act) to designated premises or (in the case of a truant) to the school from which the truant is absent. Paragraph 4C of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by section 8 of the Police and Justice Act 2006)
Power to use reasonable force in relation to detained persons: Paragraph 2(4A) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 places a duty on CSOs to remain with a police officer when transferring a detained person to his or her custody until the police officer has control of the detained person. Paragraph 2(4B) places a CSO accompanying a detained person to a police station under a duty to remain at the police station untilhe has transferred control of the detained person. If a CSO is designated with paragraph 4ZB of Schedule 4 then he or she may use reasonable force in complying with duties under 2(4A) and 2(4B). If a CSO is designated with paragraph 4ZA then he or she may use reasonable force when exercising powers under paragraphs 2(3B), 2(4), 7A( or 7C(2)(a). Paragraphs 2(4A), 2(4B), 4ZA and 4ZB of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (see paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of Schedule 9 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to require persons drinking in designated places to surrender alcohol: Power to require a person whom a CSO reasonably believes is, or has been, consuming alcohol in a designated public place or intends to do so, to not consume that alcohol and to surrender any alcohol or container for alcohol. Power to dispose of alcohol surrendered. Paragraph 5 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to require persons aged under 18 to surrender alcohol: Power to require a person who he reasonably suspects is aged under 18 or is or has been supplying alcohol to a person aged under 18 to surrender any alcohol in his possession and to give their name and address. Power to require such a person to surrender sealed containers of alcohol if the CSO has reason to believe that the person is or has been consuming or intends to consume alcohol. Power to dispose of alcohol surrendered. Paragraph 6 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to seize tobacco from a person aged under 16 and to dispose of that tobacco. Paragraph 7 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to search for alcohol and tobacco: Where a person has failed to comply with a requirement under paragraph 5 or 6 or has failed to allow a CSO to seize tobacco under paragraph 7 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 and a CSO reasonably believes that the person is in possession of alcohol or tobacco then a CSO may search them for it and dispose of anything found. It is an offence to fail to consent to be searched and CSOs can require name and address for this offence. As specified in paragraph 3(10) of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 a CSO may only detain a person for failure to give an adequate name and address if he or she has been designated with powers under paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002. Paragraph 7A of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by paragraph 8 of Schedule 8 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to seize drugs and require name and address for possession of drugs: Enables CSOs to be designated with a power seize unconcealed drugs or drugs found when searching for alcohol, tobacco or other items if the CSO reasonably believes the person is in unlawful possession of them. The CSO must retain the drugs until a constable instructs them what to do with it. If a CSO finds drugs in a person’s possession or has reason to believe that a person is in possession of drugs and reasonably believe such possession is unlawful then the CSO may require that persons name and address. Only if designated with powers under paragraph 7C may the CSO then detain a person on failure to comply with the requirement. Paragraphs 7B and 7C of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by paragraph 8 of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to enforce Park Trading offences: Enables a CSO to seize non-perishable items from a person the CSO reasonably have been used in the commission of a park trading offence under the Royal Parks (Trading) Act 2000. This power can only apply to CSOs in the Metropolitan Police Force. Paragraph 7D of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to enter and search any premises for the purposes of saving life and limb or preventing serious damage to property. Paragraph 8 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Limited power to enter licensed premises: Enables CSOs to be designated with a power to enter licensed premises under section 180 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the purposes of investigating relevant licensing offences. They may not enter clubs and must enter all premises with a constable unless the premises are licensed for the sale of alcohol off the premises. Paragraph 8A of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by paragraph 9 of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to seize vehicles used to cause alarm: Power to stop and seize a vehicle which a CSO has reason to believe is being used in a manner which contravenes sections 3 or 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (careless and inconsiderate driving and prohibition of off-road driving) and is causing alarm, distress or annoyance under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002. Paragraph 9 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to remove abandoned vehicles under regulations made under section 99 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. A PCSO designated under this paragraph has the power to order the removal of a vehicle under regulation 3 of the Removal and Disposal of Vehicles Regulations 1986. This relates to vehicles that have broken down or been permitted to remain at rest on a road:
in a position, condition or situation causing obstruction or danger to persons using the road, or
in contravention of a prohibition contained in Schedule 1 of the regulations.
Paragraph 10 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002.
Power to stop vehicles for testing: Powers of a constable in uniform to stop vehicles for the purposes of testing under section 67 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Paragraph 11 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002.
Power to stop cycles: Powers of a constable in uniform to stop a cycle under section 163(2) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 when a CSO has reason to believe that a person has committed the offence of riding on a footpath. Paragraph 11A of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by section 89(3) of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003)
Power to control traffic for purposes other than escorting a load of exceptional dimensions: Powers to direct traffic (for purposes other than escorting loads of exceptional dimensions) based on the powers constables have under sections 35 and 37 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. It also gives CSOs the power to direct traffic for the purposes of conducting a traffic survey. CSOs designated under this paragraph must also be designated with powers under paragraph 3A of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act. Paragraph 11B of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by paragraph 10 of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to direct traffic for the purposes of escorting abnormal loads Paragraph 12 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to carry out road checks: Power to carry out a road check which has been authorised by a superintendent (or a police officer of higher rank) and power to stop vehicles for the purposes of carrying out a road check Paragraph 13 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to place signs: enables CSOs to be designated with the power of a constable under section 67 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to place and maintain traffic signs. Paragraph 13A of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by paragraph 11 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.)
Power to enforce cordoned areas: under section 36 of the Terrorism Act 2000 Paragraph 14 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to stop and search in authorised areas: Powers under the Terrorism Act 2000 in authorised areas to stop and search vehicles and pedestrians when in the company and under the supervision of a constable. Paragraph 15 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to photograph persons away from a police station: enables CSOs to be designated with the power to photograph a person who has been arrested, detained or given a fixed penalty notice away from the police station. Paragraph 15ZA of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by paragraph 12 of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Table 2Offences for which CSOs may issue penalty notices for disorder under Chapter 1 Part 1 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act Relevant legislation
Sale of alcohol to a person under 18 s146 of the Licensing Act 2003
Purchase of alcohol for a person under 18 s149(4) of the Licensing Act 2003
Delivery of alcohol to a person under 18 or allowing such delivery s151 of the Licensing Act 2003
Destroying or damaging property (under £500) s1(1) of the Criminal Damage Act 1971
Breach of fireworks curfew Fireworks Regulations 2004 under s11 of the Fireworks Act 2003
Possession of a category 4 firework Fireworks Regulations 2004 under s11 of the Fireworks Act 2003
Possession by a person under 18 of an adult firework Fireworks Regulations 2004 under s11 of the Fireworks Act 2003
Supply of excessively loud fireworks Fireworks Regulations 2004 under s11 of the Fireworks Act 2003
Wasting police time, giving false report s5 of the Criminal Law Act 1967
Using public electronic communications network in order to cause annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety s127(2) of the Communications Act 2003
Knowingly giving false alarm to a person acting on behalf of a fire and rescue authority s49 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004
Causing harassment, alarm or distress s5 of the Public Order Act 1986
Throwing fireworks s80 of the Explosives Act 1875
Drunk and disorderly behaviour s91 of the Criminal Justice Act 1967
Consumption of alcohol by a person under 18 or allowing such consumption s150 of the Licensing Act 2003
Buying or attempting to buy alcohol by an under 18 s149 of the Licensing Act 2003
Sells or attempts to sell alcohol to a person who is drunk s141 of the Licensing Act 2003
Trespassing on a railway s55 of the British Transport Commission Act 1949
Throwing stones at a train s56 of the British Transport Commission Act 1949
Drunk in the highway s12 of the Licensing Act 1872
Drinking in a designated public area s12(4) of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001

Any questions?

 

[EX_STAB]

The book says you are not supposed to enter the water accept as a last resort but attempt to use aids etc.

PCSO's have the get out that they are not police and have only to observe and report which they have done. Within their ROE they have taken the correct action. Blame the people who thought the concept up in the first place.

Trotsky

No fcuking excuse. Don't try to defend these cowardly scum who are being paid out of the public purse. I hope the cnuts both die horribly and soon, preferably whilst drowning while a crowd of their colleagues stands by taking notes. Utter utter scum.

Why are we paying for these useless nobbers? The police are a fcuking bad enough waste of space and money and this lot are even worse.

I bet they spent plenty of time doing "diversity training" - lot of use that is to Joe Bloke in need of help.

 

[bobath]

If they were PCSO's then the chances are that they were younger than the kids in difficulty.

Ofcourse there is no problem with PCSO's. Bearly trained, 16 year olds in uniform are just as effective as a fully trained poilce officer. Now please stop pointing the gun at my head My Brown.

 

[auxie]

ive just e mailed the GMP C/Constable to express my disgust at these two cowardly cretins, i dont suppose for one minute it will do any good but its made me feel a bit better

 

[halo_jones]

I know this will sound corny, cheesy and maybe stupid but I would rather have tried to do something and died than done nothing and lived.

Maybe it is the way I was brought up.

you are neither chessy corny or stupid, in your thoughts here.

i would also hope that any of us would do the same, i have been lucky to have been able to give aid to a couple of small and less serious incidents both while serving and out in 1CivDiv i could never just walk away froma inceident even if it is just to ask if help or support is needed i could not live with my self to do nothing.

 

[western]

If you check out the detailed job description on the Manchester Police Site there is no reference whatsoever to 'the preservation of property and the protection of life'

To ensure a high profile, visible, uniformed presence within the local community in order to deter or disrupt both criminal and antisocial behaviour by patrolling, gathering intelligence, proactively and reactively reassuring the public and assisting in the prevention of crime and disorder particularly in crime ‘hot spot’ areas

http://www.gmp.police.uk/mainsite/0/0E2727ECC90AA02A8025721F004C43E7/$file/PCSO%20Job%20Description.pdf

 

[ViolentBadger]

Link

Do PCSOs actually have any power to do anything?

As of next year here is a list of their powers:-

Power Relevant legislation
Power to issue penalty notices in respect of offences of disorder: Power of a constable in uniform to give a penalty notice under Chapter 1 of Part 1 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 (fixed penalty notices in respect of offences of disorder) (See Table 2 for a list of the offences for which CSOs can be designated with the power to issue penalty notices for disorder). Paragraph 1(2)(a) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to issue fixed penalty notices for truancy: Power of a constable to give a penalty notice under section 444A of the Education Act 1996 (penalty notice in respect of failure to secure regular attendance at school of registered pupil) Paragraph 1(2)(aa) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by section 23 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003)
Power to issue fixed penalty notices for excluded pupil found in a public place: Power of a constable to give a penalty notice under section 105 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 (penalty notice in respect of presence of excluded pupil in public place) – Not yet commenced, due to be brought into effect on 1 September 2007. Paragraph 1(2)(ab) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by section 107(2) of the Education and Inspections Act 2006)
Power to issue fixed penalty notices for cycling on a footpath: Power of a constable in uniform to give a person a fixed penalty notice under section 54 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (fixed penalty notices) in respect of an offence under section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 (riding on a footway) committed by cycling. Paragraph 1(2)(b) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to issue fixed penalty notices for dog fouling: Power of an authorised officer of a local authority to give a notice under section 4 of the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 (fixed penalty notices in respect of dog fouling). This power (and the 1996 Act) has now been repealed in relation to England and Wales by section 107 and Schedule 5 Part 5 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. However the power continues to have effect in respect of any land which remains designated land under the 1996 Act. Paragraph 1(2)(c) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002.
Power to issue fixed penalty notices for graffiti and fly-posting: Power of an authorised officer of a local authority to give a notice under section 43(1) of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 (penalty notices in respect of graffiti or fly-posting). Paragraph 1(2)(ca) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by section 46 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003)
Power to issue fixed penalty notices for littering: Power of an authorised officer of a litter authority to give a notice under section 88 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (fixed penalty notices in respect of litter). Paragraph 1(2)(d) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to issue fixed penalty notices in respect of offences under dog control orders: power of an authorised officer of a primary or secondary authority, within the meaning of section 59 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, to give a notice under that section (fixed penalty notices in respect of offences under dog control orders). Paragraph 1(2)(e) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (see section 62(2) of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005).
Power to require name and address: Power to require the name and address of a person whom a CSO has reason to believe has committed a relevant offence or a relevant licensing offence (Relevant offences are defined under subparagraph 2(6) of Schedule 4 of the Police Reform Act 2002 and include relevant fixed penalty offences under paragraph 1 of Schedule 4, an offence under section 32(2) of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 (failure to follow an instruction to disperse) and an offence which appears to have caused injury, alarm or distress to another person or loss of or damage to another person’s property. Relevant licensing offence is defined as a specified offence under the Licensing Act 2003) Paragraph 1A enables chief constables to designate the power to require name and address without also designating the power of detention. Paragraph 1A of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by paragraph 2 of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to detain: Power to detain a person whom a CSO has reason to believe has committed a relevant offence who fails to comply with a requirement under paragraph 1A(3) to give name and address or who gives an answer which the CSO reasonably suspects to be false or inaccurate for up to 30 minutes for the arrival of a police officer (or to accompany that person to a police station if he or she elects to do so on request). Under paragraph 2(2) (as amended by Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005) a CSO may only be designated with the power to detain if they have also been designated with the power to require name and address under paragraph 1A of the Police Reform Act 2002. Paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002. (Paragraph 3(2) of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.)
Power to enforce byelaws: The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 provides that offences committed under relevant byelaws are relevant offences under paragraph 2(6) of Schedule 4 of the Police Reform Act 2002. A relevant byelaw is a byelaw from a list of byelaws that has been agreed between a chief constable and a relevant byelaw-making body. As well as being able to require name and address for breach of a byelaw, CSOs can also enforce a byelaw by removing a person from a place if a constable would also have the power to enforce a byelaw in that way. Paragraphs 1A(3), 2(3A), 2(6)(ad), 2(6B), 2(6C), 2(6D), 2(6E), 2(6F) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (see paragraphs 2, 3(4), 3(7) and 3( of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to deal with begging: The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 makes offences under sections 3 and 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 into relevant offences. It also gives CSOs a power to detain a person who they have required to stop committing an offence under sections 3 and 4 of the Vagrancy Act and who has failed to comply with the requirement. Paragraphs 2(6)(ac) and 2(3B) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (see paragraphs 3(4), 3(5), 3(6) and 3(7) of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to enforce certain licensing offences: The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 establishes a set of relevant licensing offences. These offences are sale of alcohol to a person who is drunk, obtaining alcohol for a person who is drunk, sale of alcohol to children, purchase of alcohol by or on behalf of children, consumption of alcohol by children and sending a child to obtain alcohol. Where these offences apply specifically to clubs they are not relevant licensing offences. CSOs may require name and address but may not detain for those relevant licensing offences that are most likely to be committed by license holders. Paragraph 2(6A) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (see paragraphs 3(3) and 3( of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to search detained persons for dangerous items or items that could be used to assist escape: Enables CSOs to be designated with the same powers as a constable under section 32 of PACE to search detained persons for anything that could be used to cause physical injury or to assist escape. A CSO must comply with a police officer’s instructions on what to do with the item. Paragraph 2A of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by paragraph 4 of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to require name and address for anti-social behaviour: Power of a constable in uniform under section 50 of the Police Reform Act 2002 to require a person whom he has reason to believe to have been acting, or to be acting, in an anti-social manner to give his name and address. Subparagraph 3(2) of Schedule 4 provides the CSO with the power to detain (under subparagraphs 2(3) to (5) of Schedule 4). However, by virtue of paragraph 2( of Schedule 4 the power to detain has no effect unless a CSO has been designated with the power of detention under paragraph 2 of Schedule 4. Paragraph 3 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (as amended by paragraph 3(10) of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005)
Power to require name and address for road traffic offences: Enables CSOs to be designated with the power to require the name and address of a driver or pedestrian who fails to follow the directions of a community support officer or police officer under sections 35 or 37 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Paragraph 3A of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by paragraph 6 of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to use reasonable force to prevent a detained person making off: either when waiting for the arrival of a constable or when accompanying a detained person to a police station. Paragraph 4 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to disperse groups and remove persons under 16 to their place of residence: Powers which, by virtue of an authorisation under section 30 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, are conferred on a constable in uniform by section 30(3) to (6) of that Act (power to disperse groups and remove persons under 16 to their place of residence). Paragraph 4A of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by section 33 of the Anti-Social Behaviour 2003)
Power to remove children in contravention of bans imposed by curfew notices to their place of residence: Power to remove a child to their place of residence if the CSO has reason to believe that the child is in contravention of a ban imposed by a curfew notice under section 15(3) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Paragraph 4B of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by section 33 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003)
Power to remove truants to designated premises etc: Enables a CSO to be designated with the power of a constable under section 16(3)of (3ZA) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to remove a truant or excluded pupil found in a specified area (as specified in a direction under section 16(2) of the 1998 Act) to designated premises or (in the case of a truant) to the school from which the truant is absent. Paragraph 4C of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by section 8 of the Police and Justice Act 2006)
Power to use reasonable force in relation to detained persons: Paragraph 2(4A) of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 places a duty on CSOs to remain with a police officer when transferring a detained person to his or her custody until the police officer has control of the detained person. Paragraph 2(4B) places a CSO accompanying a detained person to a police station under a duty to remain at the police station untilhe has transferred control of the detained person. If a CSO is designated with paragraph 4ZB of Schedule 4 then he or she may use reasonable force in complying with duties under 2(4A) and 2(4B). If a CSO is designated with paragraph 4ZA then he or she may use reasonable force when exercising powers under paragraphs 2(3B), 2(4), 7A( or 7C(2)(a). Paragraphs 2(4A), 2(4B), 4ZA and 4ZB of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (see paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of Schedule 9 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to require persons drinking in designated places to surrender alcohol: Power to require a person whom a CSO reasonably believes is, or has been, consuming alcohol in a designated public place or intends to do so, to not consume that alcohol and to surrender any alcohol or container for alcohol. Power to dispose of alcohol surrendered. Paragraph 5 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to require persons aged under 18 to surrender alcohol: Power to require a person who he reasonably suspects is aged under 18 or is or has been supplying alcohol to a person aged under 18 to surrender any alcohol in his possession and to give their name and address. Power to require such a person to surrender sealed containers of alcohol if the CSO has reason to believe that the person is or has been consuming or intends to consume alcohol. Power to dispose of alcohol surrendered. Paragraph 6 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to seize tobacco from a person aged under 16 and to dispose of that tobacco. Paragraph 7 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to search for alcohol and tobacco: Where a person has failed to comply with a requirement under paragraph 5 or 6 or has failed to allow a CSO to seize tobacco under paragraph 7 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 and a CSO reasonably believes that the person is in possession of alcohol or tobacco then a CSO may search them for it and dispose of anything found. It is an offence to fail to consent to be searched and CSOs can require name and address for this offence. As specified in paragraph 3(10) of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 a CSO may only detain a person for failure to give an adequate name and address if he or she has been designated with powers under paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002. Paragraph 7A of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by paragraph 8 of Schedule 8 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to seize drugs and require name and address for possession of drugs: Enables CSOs to be designated with a power seize unconcealed drugs or drugs found when searching for alcohol, tobacco or other items if the CSO reasonably believes the person is in unlawful possession of them. The CSO must retain the drugs until a constable instructs them what to do with it. If a CSO finds drugs in a person’s possession or has reason to believe that a person is in possession of drugs and reasonably believe such possession is unlawful then the CSO may require that persons name and address. Only if designated with powers under paragraph 7C may the CSO then detain a person on failure to comply with the requirement. Paragraphs 7B and 7C of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by paragraph 8 of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to enforce Park Trading offences: Enables a CSO to seize non-perishable items from a person the CSO reasonably have been used in the commission of a park trading offence under the Royal Parks (Trading) Act 2000. This power can only apply to CSOs in the Metropolitan Police Force. Paragraph 7D of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to enter and search any premises for the purposes of saving life and limb or preventing serious damage to property. Paragraph 8 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Limited power to enter licensed premises: Enables CSOs to be designated with a power to enter licensed premises under section 180 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the purposes of investigating relevant licensing offences. They may not enter clubs and must enter all premises with a constable unless the premises are licensed for the sale of alcohol off the premises. Paragraph 8A of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by paragraph 9 of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to seize vehicles used to cause alarm: Power to stop and seize a vehicle which a CSO has reason to believe is being used in a manner which contravenes sections 3 or 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (careless and inconsiderate driving and prohibition of off-road driving) and is causing alarm, distress or annoyance under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002. Paragraph 9 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to remove abandoned vehicles under regulations made under section 99 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. A PCSO designated under this paragraph has the power to order the removal of a vehicle under regulation 3 of the Removal and Disposal of Vehicles Regulations 1986. This relates to vehicles that have broken down or been permitted to remain at rest on a road:
in a position, condition or situation causing obstruction or danger to persons using the road, or
in contravention of a prohibition contained in Schedule 1 of the regulations.
Paragraph 10 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002.
Power to stop vehicles for testing: Powers of a constable in uniform to stop vehicles for the purposes of testing under section 67 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Paragraph 11 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002.
Power to stop cycles: Powers of a constable in uniform to stop a cycle under section 163(2) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 when a CSO has reason to believe that a person has committed the offence of riding on a footpath. Paragraph 11A of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by section 89(3) of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003)
Power to control traffic for purposes other than escorting a load of exceptional dimensions: Powers to direct traffic (for purposes other than escorting loads of exceptional dimensions) based on the powers constables have under sections 35 and 37 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. It also gives CSOs the power to direct traffic for the purposes of conducting a traffic survey. CSOs designated under this paragraph must also be designated with powers under paragraph 3A of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act. Paragraph 11B of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by paragraph 10 of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Power to direct traffic for the purposes of escorting abnormal loads Paragraph 12 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to carry out road checks: Power to carry out a road check which has been authorised by a superintendent (or a police officer of higher rank) and power to stop vehicles for the purposes of carrying out a road check Paragraph 13 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to place signs: enables CSOs to be designated with the power of a constable under section 67 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to place and maintain traffic signs. Paragraph 13A of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by paragraph 11 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.)
Power to enforce cordoned areas: under section 36 of the Terrorism Act 2000 Paragraph 14 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to stop and search in authorised areas: Powers under the Terrorism Act 2000 in authorised areas to stop and search vehicles and pedestrians when in the company and under the supervision of a constable. Paragraph 15 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002
Power to photograph persons away from a police station: enables CSOs to be designated with the power to photograph a person who has been arrested, detained or given a fixed penalty notice away from the police station. Paragraph 15ZA of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by paragraph 12 of Schedule 8 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
Table 2Offences for which CSOs may issue penalty notices for disorder under Chapter 1 Part 1 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act Relevant legislation
Sale of alcohol to a person under 18 s146 of the Licensing Act 2003
Purchase of alcohol for a person under 18 s149(4) of the Licensing Act 2003
Delivery of alcohol to a person under 18 or allowing such delivery s151 of the Licensing Act 2003
Destroying or damaging property (under £500) s1(1) of the Criminal Damage Act 1971
Breach of fireworks curfew Fireworks Regulations 2004 under s11 of the Fireworks Act 2003
Possession of a category 4 firework Fireworks Regulations 2004 under s11 of the Fireworks Act 2003
Possession by a person under 18 of an adult firework Fireworks Regulations 2004 under s11 of the Fireworks Act 2003
Supply of excessively loud fireworks Fireworks Regulations 2004 under s11 of the Fireworks Act 2003
Wasting police time, giving false report s5 of the Criminal Law Act 1967
Using public electronic communications network in order to cause annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety s127(2) of the Communications Act 2003
Knowingly giving false alarm to a person acting on behalf of a fire and rescue authority s49 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004
Causing harassment, alarm or distress s5 of the Public Order Act 1986
Throwing fireworks s80 of the Explosives Act 1875
Drunk and disorderly behaviour s91 of the Criminal Justice Act 1967
Consumption of alcohol by a person under 18 or allowing such consumption s150 of the Licensing Act 2003
Buying or attempting to buy alcohol by an under 18 s149 of the Licensing Act 2003
Sells or attempts to sell alcohol to a person who is drunk s141 of the Licensing Act 2003
Trespassing on a railway s55 of the British Transport Commission Act 1949
Throwing stones at a train s56 of the British Transport Commission Act 1949
Drunk in the highway s12 of the Licensing Act 1872
Drinking in a designated public area s12(4) of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001

Any questions?

Yeah, what colour is the boathouse at Hereford ?

 

[in_the_cheapseats]

I didn't say it was the right thing or wrong thing to do. I merely pointed out that the errors in some peoples arguments, saying that they stood there and watched him drown.

OK - I'll correct myself. They stood around knowing the child was in the water and did fcuk all other than presumably jump up and down on the stop and radio for the grown ups to arrive.

Still boils down to being of **** all use......

Suit you?

 

[auxie]

I know this will sound corny, cheesy and maybe stupid but I would rather have tried to do something and died than done nothing and lived.

Maybe it is the way I was brought up.

nothing corny about it, im sure most on here would do the same, i know i would