PCSO Fact File

PCSOs in Suffolk are;

• Employed by Suffolk Police
• Required to wear a uniform which identifies them as a PCSO - but distinguishes them from a police officer
• Recruited from local communities
• Receive full training
• An integral part of Safer Neighbourhood Teams, together with police officers, Specials and staff from partner agencies and organisations
• Focused on foot patrols
• Given limited powers, which relate mainly to minor street offences.

 

PCSOs in suffolk have the power to;

• Issue fixed penalty notices in respect of Cycling on the footway; S72 Highways Act 1835, Dog fouling; Dogs (fouling of land act) 1996, Litter; S88 Environmental Protection Act 1990
• Confiscate alcohol in designated public places
• Confiscate alcohol and tobacco from young persons
• Remove abandoned vehicles
• Seize vehicles used to cause alarm; S59
• Enter to save life or limb or prevent serious damage to property
• Carry out road checks
• Use certain powers under the Terrorism Act
• Stop vehicles for the purpose of testing
• Regulate traffic for the purpose of escorting abnormal loads
• Carry out the functions of Traffic Wardens.

 

PCSOs in Suffolk wear;

• A cap with blue band. The badge displays "Police Community Support Officer, Suffolk Constabulary"
• A white uniform shirt
• A standard police uniform trousers
• A royal blue tie
• Royal blue epaulettes marked with "Police Community Support Officer" and personal identification numbers
• A black anorak/hi-visibility jacket with a panel on the back marked "Police Community Support Officer" and personal identification numbers on epaulettes.