Designated Support Staff Flashcards
Q: What does s38 Police Reform Act 2002 (as amended by Policing and Crime Act 2017) permit?
Permits Chief Officers of any force area to designate any person who is employed by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).
These designated officers are given powers to carry out certain functions that previously would have been undertaken by police officers only.
Q: What must a Chief Officer be satisfied of before someone becomes a PCSO?
Before someone is designated as a PCSO, the Chief Officers must be satisfied that they are a suitable person to carry out the functions for which they are designated, they are capable of effectively carrying out those functions and have received adequate training- both in the carrying out of those functions and in the exercise and performance of the powers of duties of a PCSO.
Q: What powers do PCSO’s have?
Chief Officers must decide what powers to designate to PCSO’s. All the powers of a police constable are available to be conferred except certain specific powers.
In particular:
- Any power or duty to make an arrest
- To stop and search an individual, vehicle or other thing
- Powers under the Terrorism Act 2000
- The power of a constable under s36(4) PACE to perform the functions of a custody officer at designated police station
- Any specific power that is only exercisable by a police officer of a specific rank above that of constable.
Q: Do PCSOs have any rights to arrest?
Have the same right as any citizen to arrest under the common law or s24(a) PACE and they may use reasonable force in defence of themselves or another.
Q: Where can PCSO’s use their powers?
Powers conferred on PCSO’s can be used within their own force area or in any other area specified by the Chief Officer, which may be the case where there are force collaboration agreements.
