Dear Editor,

More "police" cover for Hawkinge? Not strictly speaking, no.

Despite the good intentions and 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 and 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.

1. Issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for offences of disorder

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

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

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

5. Carry out PACE road checks and stop vehicles to do so

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

7. Seize vehicles used to cause alarm etc.

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

9. Require name and address from suspects

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

11. Confiscate and dispose of alcohol from young persons

12. Seize and dispose of tobacco from young persons

13. Authorise removal of abandoned vehicles

14. Stop vehicles for testing

15. 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

Finkle

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2010