Police Community Support Officers

PCSOs are support staff who perform a high visibility patrolling role, providing reassurance to the communities they serve.

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PCSOs complement the work of police officers by focusing predominantly on lower level crime, disorder and anti social behaviour. They are an important weapon in the force's drive to crack down on the types of anti-social behaviour and nuisance which so blight communities and make people's lives a misery.

The Police Reform Act allows the Chief Constable to designate PCSOs with limited enforcement powers to enable them to tackle such issues effectively. PCSOs also have a key role to play in freeing up police officer time - for example by doing some of those functions which need a police presence but do not necessarily require the full skills and expertise of a police officer. Examples include enforcing a cordon established under the Terrorism Act or doing the administration at a road block.

Frequently Asked Questions

What uniform do PCSOs in North Yorkshire wear?

In North Yorkshire, PCSOs wear the following uniform:

  • Cap, with a blue band and silver North Yorkshire Police badge
  • White uniform shirt
  • Black tie
  • Blue epaulettes marked with the words 'Community Support Officer' and with an identification number
  • Black fleece marked 'Community Support Officer' and 'North Yorkshire Police'
  • Hi-visibility jacket marked 'Community Support Officer' and 'North Yorkshire Police'
  • Police uniform trousers

PCSOs in North Yorkshire are also Traffic Wardens designated with PCSO powers as defined within Schedule 4 Part1 of the Police Reform Act 2002.

What equipment do PCSOs carry?

They carry the same radio as a police officer and are therefore be able to contact police officers in the area and control rooms. They also wear a personal protective body armour.

Where are PCSOs deployed?

Since the introduction of Neighbourhood Policing on 1 April 2005, PCSOs have been aligned to work within Safer Neighbourhoods Teams. This means that they play an integral part in supporting police officers, special constables and other volunteers within teams. There are 18 Inspector-led Safer Neighbourhoods Teams across North Yorkshire and the City of York.

How are PCSOs deployed?

They will be managed and tasked as part of the Neighbourhood Policing Teams in consultation with stakeholders and communities. They will provide a highly visible and reassuring presence, engage with the community and help solve local problems.

What times of day do they work?

They will work between the hours of 8am and midnight, with a shift pattern covering seven days per week.

How does a Chief Officer designate a PCSO?

In order to designate an individual the Chief Constable needs to be satisfied that a person is suitable for the PCSO role; capable of effectively carrying out their functions; and has received adequate training to carry out their functions and exercise the powers provided for in their designation. The Chief Constable will also decide the uniform, powers and equipment to be used by PCSOs in their Force area.

When on duty each PCSO needs to carry a document that they can produce to a member of the public, if asked, which details their designated powers and their uniform.

Are PCSOs allowed to use the powers to detain suspects?

Whilst the PCSOs primary role remains that of providing a highly visible and reassuring presence, engaging with the community and solving local problems, there are occasional circumstances where a limited power of detention may be necessary. The Chief Constable has decided to grant such a power to our PCSOs, following consultation and necessary training.

Are there any specific offences against PCSOs?

There are three offences against designated staff, which apply to PCSOs. The Police Reform Act 2002 section 46 sets out the offences in detail. They are:

  • Assaulting a designated person in the execution of their duty,
  • Resisting or wilfully obstructing a designated person in the execution of their duty and
  • Impersonating a designated person.

What complaints procedure apply to PCSOs?

PCSOs are covered by a complaints procedure in the same way as all other Police Authority employees. (Police Reform Act Part 2 Complaints and Misconduct)

What health and safety considerations are there for PCSOs?

A generic risk assessment has been completed for the role of PCSO. PCSOs will support the Police as integral members of Safer Neighbourhoods Teams. When attending an incident they will make a dynamic risk assessment and consider options to observe, confront, seek assistance, if necessary withdraw and report. There is no expectation to intervene in high-risk situations.