Northern Ireland Police Service

Become a Pcso

Police community support officer (PCSO) is an officer with a non warrant who works with the police department of both Wales and England. This officer will have a special uniform and given powers of a normal police officer. PCSO was introduced through the act of police reforms passed in the year 2002. The proposal for PCSO in Ireland was prevented due to the shortfall of funds in the Northern Ireland Police Service. PCSO cannot be considered as a member of police federation however the federation has a staff association which includes all the police officers comprising constables and chief inspectors. Police officers are not allowed to join trade unions under the law. Police community support officers are normally allowed to join the trade unions through UNISON. In Scotland the PCSO are active in a small scale.

Powers of PCSO

PCSOs do not have any duties like normal constables and their powers are formed from the act of police reforms (2002). The various powers of PCSO includes; issuing penalty notices for breaching of dog control orders, littering, or cycling rule breach. The officers can confiscate alcohol in various designated places from under age groups. They can seize tobacco from people under the age of 16. They can confiscate drug possession and can press charges as well. They can remove any abandoned vehicles and stop bicycles. PSCO can search a premise to save life and to protect the property from damage. They can even control traffic signals and place the traffic orders. These officers can make road checks and stop & check in authorized areas under terrorism act of 2000. These officers can detain people from the possession of dangerous items and enforce byelaws. They can enforce on any offences of park trading. There are traffic police community support officer who also have the powers of traffic wardens. PCSOs will have similar arresting powers like ordinary citizens and can arrest people without any warrant if they have committed any indictable offence.

Equipments and facilities

PCSOs are not generally equipped with Personal Protective Equipment. They don't have the authority to carry fixed batons or incapacitant sprays. The PCSO is being issued with vests which are stab resistant and they should wear them while on duty. PCS officers in England and North Wales are provided with handcuffs. Generally, the officers also carry some important stuff which includes torch, first aid kit, resuscitation mask and a bag to carry their clothes. These officers also carry radio similar to those used by the police officer. PCSO's are also use head cameras and digital cameras which can be used to take films and pictures. Some police forces allow PCSOs to drive police vehicles in some situations while others don't let this. Generally, PCSOs also use bicycles and at times are provided with special training before they go on a duty. Lost of similar programs have been launched recently which includes Community Safety Officer, based on the success of PCSO. In order to apply for the post of PCSO, the candidate should be above 18 years of age.

Nick Redding is author of Police Community Officer

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