News

More "police" cover for Hawkinge....

Not strictly speaking, no.

Despite the good intentions & perhaps a feeling of some sort of extra safety Michelle Brady will be just what it says on her reflective jacket, a Support "Officer"

She will have limited "powers" (although substantial for a community like Hawkinge ) on her own & she is wished every success in her job:

To summarise the "powers" that a PCSO has :

PCSOs must be on duty and wearing the correct uniform to exercise their powers.

With the exception of the power of directing traffic to escort abnormal loads, PCSO powers can only be exercised in the force area of the designating Chief Officer.

Issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for offences of disorder

Detain for up to 30 minutes suspects who fail to give details

Use reasonable force to detain as at 2. Impose requirements and dispose of alcohol consumed in designated public places

Enter any premises to save life and limb or prevent serious damage to property

Carry out PACE road checks and stop vehicles to do so

Stop and search vehicles & belongings in areas authorised under the Terrorism Act 2000.

Seize vehicles used to cause alarm etc.

Issue Fixed Penalty Notices for offences of cycling on footways, dog fouling, litter

Require name and address from suspects

Require name and address from person acting in anti-social manner

Confiscate and dispose of alcohol from young persons

Seize and dispose of tobacco from young persons

Authorise removal of abandoned vehicles

Stop vehicles for testing

Make traffic directions for abnormal vehicles.

However it is a sad reflection, in a way, that a Police OFFICER costs too much to employ compared to a PCSO