Meet Our Police Community Support OfficersText Box: PCSOs are police authority employed support staff who can perform a high visibility, patrolling role. They will build links with local communities, traders and businesses, attend local forums such as parish councils, neighbourhood watch groups and work with communities to identify and deal with local issues. Sussex Police Community Support Officers are designated to exercise the following powers under Part 4 of the Police Reform Act 2002, by the Chief Constable, when on duty:- The issue of Fixed Penalty Tickets in respect of: Cycling on the footpath; Parking Offences; Dog Fouling; Littering. Amongst their powers are:- Confiscation of alcohol in designated public places Confiscation of alcohol from young persons Confiscation of tobacco from young persons Removal of abandoned vehicles Entry to save life or limb or to prevent serious damage to property Carry out road checks Require name and address of a person acting in an antisocial manner, likely to cause damage or alarm or harassment Seizure of vehicles used to cause alarm Stopping vehicles for the purpose of testing Enforcing cordon areas under Sec 36 Terrorism Act 2000 Stop and search vehicles and items under Sec 44 or Sec 45 Terrorism Act 2000 Regulating traffic for the purpose of escorting abnormal loads They will use the same designated powers and presence to intervene at an early stage thereby deterring and preventing crime and antisocial behaviour, for example - under-age drinking and smoking. Additionally they will support front line policing by carrying out various tasks that do not require the powers of a police officer – these include: House to house enquiries: Scene guards: Direction of traffic. Text Box: PCSOs CATHY CLARKE and James Armstrong are based at Lewes and will concentrate on patrolling in Ringmer. Sussex Police have brought back neighbourhood policing, and the Police Community Support Officers help to provide reassurance to the public and assist in reducing crime and the fear of crime by high visibility patrolling. They are members of the neighbourhood policing team. WELL DONE CATHY!

pictured in the Sussex Police Newspaper 'Patrol'

with Chief Constable Ken Jones

The December issue of 'Patrol' features officers awarded Programme Resolve Certificates for their outstanding work and achievement.

 

Press comment on Cathy refers to :-  'PCSO Cathy Clarke, who has become an integral link with the community of Ringmer over the last year.  Through her regular patrols and contact with youths, anti-social behaviour and minor damage have reduced in the village.

Started duty in Ringmer on 25th February 2008.  Welcome to you James - we look forward to seeing you around the village.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION

 

Further information about recruiting and training of PCSOs can be seen on Sussex Police website http://www.sussex.police.uk/recruitment/staff_pcso.asp  

Further links, also on that page, may be of particular interest and there are also links detailing the views and duties of individual PCSOs:-

Job Description Word Document
It takes a certain kind of person to be a PCSO, see if you fit the bill.

 

Frequently Asked Questions  include the following:-

 

What training will I be given?

You will undertake a two week initial course. During that time you will receive classroom based training in subjects such as health and safety, unarmed defence training, first aid, diversity and legislation. You will then undergo a period of tutoring and familiarisation. During this time you will learn more about your role and division. You will experience the role for the first time. After this familiarisation you will return to Headquarters for a further three week classroom based training.

Your progress will continue to be monitored and you will attend further training days.

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