Law Weblog

Standard powers for Police Community Support Officers

Sunday 25 November 2007 at 10:24 pm | In News | Post Comment

The Home Office has announced new powers that are to be given to Police Community Support Officers under the Police Reform Act 2002 (Standard Powers and Duties of Community Support Officers) Order 2007.

There are to be more consistent rules, including:

* a new minimum age of 18 years
* consistent powers in all forces across the country
* common equipment and uniforms.

A set of 20 standard powers for PCSOs will take effect in all forces on 1 December. These powers will include the right to:

* confiscate alcohol in public places
* issue fixed penalty notices for anti-social behaviour
* seize drugs

In addition, PCSOs will also be able to draw on further powers at the discretion of their chief constable.

These can include the right to:

* detain people suspected of offences
* issue fixed penalty notices for disorder, including misuse of fireworks and graffiti
* search those suspected of carrying dangerous items