| 1. |
Can I be a member of the British National Party (BNP) or similar organisation? |
The police service has a policy of prohibiting any of their officers or police staff from becoming members of the British National Party (BNP) or similar organisation whose aims, objectives or pronouncements may contradict the duty to promote race equality. If you are, or have been a member of the BNP or similar organisation your application may be rejected. |
| 2. |
What is a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)? |
PCSOs are members of police staff employed, directed and managed by Staffordshire Police. They will work within neighbourhood policing teams and provide a visible and accessible uniformed presence to improve the life of the community and offer greater reassurance. |
| 3. |
What do PCSOs do? |
Their primary purpose is to improve quality of life in the community and offer greater public reassurance. Alongside neighbourhood officers they work within a targeted patrol area, providing a visible and accessible uniformed presence.
They work with partners and community organisations to address anti-social behaviour, the fear of crime, environmental issues and other factors which affect the quality of people's lives. For example, reporting vandalism or damaged street furniture, suspicious activity, providing crime reduction advice, deterring nuisance youths and visiting victims of crime.
PCSOs will address many of the tasks that do not require the experience or powers held by police officers but which often take officers away from more appropriate duties.
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| 4. |
What powers do PCSOs have? |
A set of 20 standard powers for PCSOs came into effect in all forces in December 2007. This will ensure that PCSO’s minimum responsibilities are consistent across the country, and will help them to deal with day-to-day neighbourhood policing and low-level anti-social behaviour.
The powers are to:
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| 5. |
Why do they only need a four-week course when it takes two years to train as a PC? |
The four week course is only their initial training. It is important that this is built upon by training in neighbourhood policing teams. PCSOs require less training because their role is different and more specific to that of a Police Constable. PCSOs will be fully trained to understand their role and how and when their powers should be exercised. The training package is comprehensive and on-going and is far greater than the training currently received by local authority warden schemes. |
| 6. |
What training are PCSOs given? |
PCSOs are trained in the structure and principles of the force as part of a four-week induction process. They will also undertake diversity training and sessions in crime reduction, anti-social behaviour legislation, use of force, technology and patrol safety. PCSOs will be provided with on-going support and are subject to the review of professional development (RPD) scheme.
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| 7. |
What uniform do they wear? |
PCSOs will wear a uniform that makes it clear to the public that they are part of the Staffordshire policing family, but it is distinct from that of police officers to avoid confusion between the two different roles. |
| 8. |
What about the health and safety of PCSOs? |
Staffordshire Police and the Police Authority have a duty to ensure the well being of all staff. Full risk assessments have been conducted and every effort will be taken to undertake the responsibility for health and safety. |
| 9. |
What equipment do they have? |
Because of the way they will be deployed and managed it is not necessary to equip PCSOs with protective equipment. They will have personal radios with access to relevant policing systems, such as PNC. |
| 10. |
How do they work with neighbourhood policing teams? |
PCSOs will be an extra and complementary resource to help counter lower level social disorder and quality of life issues. They work alongside neighbourhood policing teams in specific local areas and will be line managed by Sergeants. |
