Home Office: Proposals for expanding the role and powers of PCSOs

The Home Office consultation set out proposals to ensure that Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have the necessary powers to protect the public and serve their community. In particular, views were sought on the following proposals:

1. We are interested in introducing additional discretionary powers that will enhance the current list of PCSO powers to ensure that PCSOs can continue to deliver effectively key areas of neighbourhood policing such as community engagement, crime prevention and tackling anti-social behaviour.
2. We propose to remove legislative barriers to enable the Secretary of State to make amendments to the list of available powers by order (subject to the affirmative procedure).
3. We propose to introduce a duty for Chief Constables to consult Police and Crime Commissioners regarding the designation of PCSO powers.

PCC's Response

The PCC's response to the consultation can be viewed here.