K25 Police Community Support Officers

1. Security protective marking

1.1. Not protectively marked.

2. Summary of changes

2.1 Paragraph 11 was updated on 16 January 2012 in regard to wearing of Medal ribbons.

 

2.2. The following changes were made to this policy on 27 November 2011:

• Paragraphs removed where referenced to the PCSO Supervisor role;
• Reference to BCU changed to reflect nKPM;
• Paragraph 11 Uniform guidance
• Paragraph 14.3 New Powers added

 

2.2 This policy is scheduled for a review in April 2013.

3. Application

3.1. This policy applies to Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and their supervisors.

4. Purpose

4.1. The Police Reform Act 2002 created a new role in the police service, namely that of the PCSO. A PCSO is a non-warranted Police Staff Employee (PSE), who is an employee of the Kent Police Authority, designated with certain powers by the Chief Constable. PCSOs are funded by partnership of the Home Office (HO), Kent Police and in respect of specific roles, a variety of partners including, District and Parish Councils across Kent, Housing Associations, schools and other private sector sponsors.

5. The role of the PCSO 

 
5.1.  The role of the PCSO has been defined by National Police Improvement Agency (NPIA) 2008. PCSOs should be :

 

• Integrated into a neighbourhood policing team (normally geographic but could be for a defined community of interest)

or

• Deployed to directly support neighbourhood policing team(s) in their neighbourhoods (in both of the above the PCSO should spend the majority of their time within neighbourhoods and not be office/police station based and/or undertaking administrative roles)

and with all the below principles applying:

• Undertake public facing duties in uniform;
• Visible in the communities on foot or cycle patrol (vehicle if rural community);
• Deal with anti-social behaviour, low level crime and incidents, local problems/priorities and quality of life issues;
• Support and improve service to victims and vulnerable people;
• Conduct engagement and problem solving activity.  

5.2.  In order to achieve this aim, supervisors should ensure that each PCSO maximises the amount of time spent on patrol duties/working within the community as opposed to administrative or other non-operational duties.

5.3.  A generic job description exists for all PCSOs (role requirement CA081). This can be supplemented by a more detailed operational guidance document setting out the local nature of the role as agreed by the local partnership, it must however remain compatible with the force generic PCSO role requirement, risk assessments and policies (see paragraph 16 which refers to specialist role requirements).

6. Recruitment and vetting

 
6.1.  All PCSOs will be recruited to the vetting standards set out in force policy I11C. They will also be subject to medical vetting, details of which are held by the Occupational Health Unit.

6.2.  The current fitness test applied is the ‘bleep test’, which is designed to test aerobic fitness as relevant to the role. All PCSOs are required to pass the test. The only exceptions are PCSOs that were previously employed on fixed term contracts from rounds 2, 3 and 4 where dispensation may be granted in respect of individual cases based on an individual assessment and final approval by the force Head of Resourcing. CSOs are not subject to fitness testing as their roles are not patrol based.

6.3.  All PCSOs are now employed on permanent contracts.

7. Postings and vacancies 

 
7.1. With the increase in numbers of PCSOs within the force there is a need to provide policy guidelines for dealing with transferring and/or posting PCSOs into vacant posts. This distinguishes between the different PCSO roles and outlines the procedure that is to be followed for each. The selection procedure must be fair, complying with legislation and force policy.

7.2. Patrol vacancies 

7.2.1. Internal vacancies on District relating to patrol based PCSOs will follow force policy L49 Selection Processes: Police Staff and be advertised via General Orders. This allows for candidates from other Districts to be included in the opportunity to apply for that post. Prior to the commencement of this process there should be consultation with Human Resources (HR)/Workforce Planning to ensure that any cases in respect of paragraph 7.5 below are properly considered.

7.2.2. As per police staff employee vacancies, the Divisional personnel will be responsible for the process of receiving the applications and paper sift. The selection process will be managed locally and short-listed candidates will either be assessed by interview or other assessment process. The type of assessment process used should be proportionate and appropriate to the role.

7.2.3. Should a PCSO from another be selected for the post, the reduction in that District's establishment will be managed by Work Force Planning and be filled by a new PCSO recruit to the organisation.

7.3. Specialist role 

 
7.3.1. Internal vacancies on Districts relating to specialist roles (such as school based PCSOs, which, may also be partnership funded) will also follow force policy L49 Selection Processes: Police Staff. These vacancies may also be advertised externally to ensure that we attract candidates with the right skill set. Successful applicants who are not existing PCSOs will be required to undergo the initial PCSO training programme.

7.4. Partnership posts 

7.4.1. Vacancies relating to partnership posts will also follow the same procedure as the patrol based PCSOs with the exception that the local assessment process can also be inclusive of a partnership representative.

7.4.2. Where a partner PCSO vacancy exists for more than 21 days, another PCSO should be supplied to provide the service in accordance with the force service agreement. In the event of this not being possible the partner will not be required to pay for the period of extended absence.

7.5. Requested moves for welfare considerations 

7.5.1. Where an existing PCSO wishes to move District (other than into a specialist role) Work Force Planning will require the PCSO to provide the following:

• Form 1068 detailing the reasons for the request to transfer District. This should be dealt with in the strictest confidence to safeguard the rights and privacy of the individual concerned.
• Endorsement by a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) (or Neighbourhood Inspector if more appropriate).
• Welfare grounds may include short or long-term disability where a move is considered as a ‘reasonable adjustment’.

7.5.2. Work Force Planning (with endorsement from Head of Resourcing as appropriate) will then consider the needs of the individual balanced against the vacancies and the needs of the organisation and invoke force policy L01 Equal Opportunities Policy if appropriate. Work Force Planning will make a decision regarding posting and time scales in consultation with both Districts involved.

7.6. External recruitment 

7.6.1. External recruitment for new PCSOs will continue to be managed via the normal process and Work Force Planning will manage the District establishment.

8. Disciplinary code 

8.1.  PCSOs are PSEs and as such will be subject to the Kent Police disciplinary codes and practices governing PSE conduct as set out in force policy L11.

8.2.  PCSOs will discharge their duties to the highest standards of personal conduct, complying with the Kent Standard and all other force policies and will exercise their powers with appropriate discretion, and with regard to the force fairness and equality policies.

9. Conditions of employment and allowances 

9.1.  PCSOs will be employed at Grade D and will be subject to the usual PSE conditions of employment in respect of annual leave, sickness and pension.

9.2.  PCSOs’ hours of work will be 37 hours per week, covering seven days of the week on a rotational basis. Their normal hours of duty will not commence before 0700 hours nor conclude after 2300 hours on any day. Where an exceptional operational requirement arises they may be required to work a duty, which concludes after 2300 hours subject to the necessary risk assessment. Duties should not, as a matter of course be scheduled to extend beyond 2300 hours. PCSOs will not be entitled to a shift allowance or an enhanced day rate other than bank holidays and there is an expectation that they work a proportionate number of duties at weekends. A duty rota will be prepared locally in accordance with the local needs of their role, whilst flexibility is to be encouraged a regular rotation of hours should be made in order to take account of a reasonable work/life balance and projected duty requirements.  Local duty arrangements need to be in accordance with the overall force five section shift pattern.

9.3.  Overtime may be worked and paid at the appropriate PSE rates.

9.4.  Force policy exists in respect of secondary employment. (See force policy L04 Leave) PCSOs, including those referred to as CSOs, cannot be either a serving member of the Special Constabulary (see force policy K21 Employer Support, staff joining the special constabulary) or the holder of a liquor licence.

9.5.  PCSOs may be authorised as casual users to use their private motorcar to travel between their place of duty and their designated patrol area/s for foot patrol where no police vehicle is available for their use. CSOs may be authorised as essential users where their own private vehicle is used to travel in connection with their work commitments. Such use in all cases will be authorised by their respective supervisor and claimed in accordance with the relevant force policy. (See force policy E01 Allowances). Claim forms will be submitted to a local supervisor for checking and validation, and then forwarded to the respective Divisional Business Unit for processing.

9.6.  All PCSOs will be subject to an annual appraisal in accordance with police staff terms and conditions of employment.

10. Training 

10.1.  All PCSOs will undergo an 8-week initial training course provided by police training staff at Kent Police Training School or Bouverie House, Folkestone. The course has been developed for Kent PCSOs and is based on the NPIA guidelines. On successful completion of the course and a minimum period of two weeks mentoring with a Police Constable or suitably trained PCSO on Division, the Divisional Commander or their nominee will approve them for independent patrol. Each PCSO will maintain a Personal Development Portfolio using e-life to be used as a record of their achievements, development and training needs and will be required to complete the 6 National Occupational Standards related to their role within the first year of their employment.

10.2.  PCSOs will not be permitted to drive police vehicles until they have been authorised to do so by a qualified police examiner.

10.3.  PCSOs will be required to complete a cycle training course provided by staff safety training unit before being authorised to ride force pedal cycles. For new staff this training forms part of the induction course.

11. Uniform 

11.1.  The PCSO is a uniformed patrol role and as such will wear the approved uniform (this does not apply to CSOs). Full details of uniform is set out below:

• Black trousers
• Blue wicking shirt with identification insignia clearly visible
• Blue epaulettes with PCSO and officer number for use on all uniform 
• Approved body armour may be worn with utility belt or load vest
• Utility belt/load vest must display force number and should be worn over fleece but under high-vis jacket
• Black fleece must be worn with hat over body armour and under utility belt/load vest
• Yellow high-vis jacket can be worn for safety but must cover utility/belt/load vest
• Black flat cap (male officers) or black bowler hat (female officers) must be won in public
• Approved Kent Police cycle helmet and high-visibility cycle wear
• Footwear should consist of plain black shoes or boots with black or navy socks
• An approved Kent PCSO badge, bearing the officer's rank and name/force number, must be clearly displayed on operational uniform at all times.
• Medal Ribbons - should be worn on Number 1 ceremonial uniform and / or the outer garment of daily uniform and in accordance with Home Office protocols.

For full uniform guidance, refer to force policy M99.

 

11.2 PCSOs will be responsible for providing their own suitable black footwear.

11.3.  Each PCSO will be issued with a Blackberry handheld communication device. All patrol based PCSOs will be issued with an Airwave terminal.

11.4.  Uniform will be worn at all times when on patrol in a public place unless specifically ordered otherwise by a police supervisor in accordance with a deployment under their job description and an appropriate risk assessment. PCSOs will maintain a smart appearance at all times and as far as it applies in respect of their own distinct uniform, will comply with the force policy M99, which sets out the standards for uniform and appearance for the force.

11.5.  PCSOs who ride police issue cycles whilst on duty will be issued with the appropriate clothing and safety equipment in accordance with the necessary risk assessment and to satisfy the health and safety requirements.  See force policy M110.

11.6.  Body armour will be worn in accordance with force policy M94 and PCSOs are to be included in the term ‘police officer’.

11.7.  PCSOs are only empowered when wearing the approved uniform.

12. Badging 

12.1.  Distinctive badging distinguishing PCSOs from police officers has been incorporated into their approved uniform. These badges are fixed to and part of the uniform garments.

12.2  Any changes to or request for additional items of uniform or equipment will be referred to the Equipment Review Group.

13. Security of airwave radios 

13.1.  It is important that all Airwave radio users understand the security issues relating to the handheld radio they have been issued. Ultimately the integrity and security of the whole Airwave service relies on all users following local and national security guidelines.

13.2.  Security of personal issue handheld radios is the responsibility of each individual officer and approved civilian user. The force understands that there may be circumstances outside the control of the individual that may lead to a radio being lost or stolen. If this should occur users must follow the lost reporting procedure. Failure to follow this procedure may lead to disciplinary action being taken if a reasonable explanation is not given.

13.3.  As a general policy, personnel will not be allowed to take their terminals home unless authorised to do so by the Divisional Commander/Dept Head, in which case the following conditions will apply:

• Kent Police will not pursue any individual’s private insurance policy (e.g. household insurance) to recover the cost of a stolen or lost terminal. Lost or stolen terminals must be reported immediately to the ISD Helpdesk (860) HQ. This does not negate the responsibility that each user has for keeping the terminal secure.
• Airwave handheld radios should never be left unattended in a motor vehicle at any time.
• Terminals kept at home should not be left on public view and every effort should be made to keep the radio as secure as possible. For example, out of view in a draw or better still in a locked draw or cupboard.
• Users must ensure that terminals, kept at their home address, are not accessible to unauthorised users. Note: The emergency button can still be activated when the terminal is off.
• When the property is unattended, the building must be secured i.e. doors and other access points should be locked and windows closed.
• A battery charger will be supplied for use with the terminal at the user’s home.

13.4.  In the event of the terminal not being taken home it must be stored in an authorised locker on police premises.

14. Designation cards 

14.1.  PCSOs will be issued with a designation card setting out their powers, a description of the uniform, which must be worn when executing their enforcement powers, their rules of engagement and a risk assessment process by which they will evaluate appropriate action in the discharge of their duties.

14.2.  These designation cards will be issued on successful completion of their initial training. They must be carried at all times when on duty and must be produced to a member of the public on request.

 

14.3 New powers conferred by the Chief Constable in April 2011 require all PCSOs to attend specific refresher training sessions.  Only those officers recorded on SAP as having completed this training will be provided the extended powers card as detailed above.  Revised powers cards will be issued by Divisional Training staff to those eligible.

15. Operational deployment 

15.1.  PCSOs will be deployed in accordance with the force generic role requirement CA081 together with the detailed operational guidance for their specific role deployment agreed by the local partnership where applicable. Local arrangements should be made with funding partners regarding type, frequency and content of feedback reports to such partners.

15.2  The Joint Family Management and Kent and Medway Resettlement CSOs will work in accordance with their specific role requirements CAO116 and CAO115 respectively.

15.3  The Racial Monitoring PCSO employed at Medway will work in accordance with their specific role requirement CA098.

15.4  School based PCSOs have not currently got a role requirement that is specific to their role although this is being developed in conjunction with the Safer School Partnership Coordinator role and the revised youth policy. They currently work to the generic role requirement and conform to the operational guidelines as agreed between the school and respective police area.

 

16. Deployment principles and risk assessment 

16.1  Kent PCSOs have not been authorised to carry officer safety equipment i.e. PAVA, ASP baton or handcuffs. They have no statutory power of arrest beyond that of a person other than a constable, as amended by Section 110 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, which took effect from 1 January 2005. All deployments must therefore be made in accordance with the deployment principles set out at 16.4 and risk assessments and rules of engagement at 16.5 below.

16.2  Divisional Business Coordinators should ensure that local elements of the generic risk assessment or any additional requirements of the local operational guidance have been completed. They should also ensure that in the event of a PCSO being categorised as a ‘lone worker’, all relevant procedures are in place to ensure the health and safety of that individual.

16.3  All PCSOs must equally be aware of, and operate within the policy laid down by these documents, and in the discharge of their duties assess risks and act appropriately within the limits of their training, powers and rules of engagement.

16.4  Deployment principles

16.4.1.  PCSOs are Kent Police employees, who will be deployed in furtherance of the community safety objectives of Divisions and their partners.

16.4.2.  PCSOs will not be trained, equipped or have enforcement powers to the level of a regular police officer. In order to maximise the benefits of their presence in the community it is assumed that they may spend a significant proportion of their patrol time alone. In view of this, the risks as a result of their deployment must be clearly defined and control strategies put in place. Therefore the following principles will apply:

• The PCSO contribution to the reduction of crime and disorder will be through visible foot patrol, facilitating local initiatives, encouraging community resilience, gathering evidence rather than directly intervening when a crime is being committed, gathering intelligence and the appropriate use of enforcement powers in relation to anti-social behaviour.
• The patrol to which a PCSO is to be assigned will be risk assessed (using the corporate model) from available intelligence relating to geographic and demographic considerations including:
  • The level and nature of criminal activity
  • The risk of unprovoked assaults
  • Environmental hazards
  • Community tensions
  • Specific individuals who present a threat.

16.4.3.  A PCSO will not be assigned to lone patrol an area identified as being of high risk.

16.4.4.  PCSOs will receive an intelligence briefing about the patrol area to which they have been assigned prior to commencing first patrol and will receive regular briefing updates thereafter.

16.4.5.  PCSOs will not be deployed to a high-risk incident by the Force Control Room or Division. High risk incidents are defined as:

• Where an offender is known to be present at the scene and has either been detained or it is clear from the allegations, may be subject of arrest on police arrival.
• Where a breach of the peace is occurring.
• Where operational information or intelligence concerning the venue or participants of the incident indicates that a high level of risk exists.
• Where it is clear from the nature of the incident that a high level of risk exists.

16.4.6.  Whilst performing visible foot patrol, PCSOs may be alerted to, or discover, a wide range of incidents; they must assess these in accordance with the limitations of their powers, training and equipment, and if they consider the incident to be high risk they will observe to gather evidence and seek support.

16.4.7.  Where a PCSO has intervened either to a directed incident or a situation discovered whilst on patrol which initially appeared low to medium risk, they will continually monitor the situation and should it turn into a higher risk situation, they will disengage, observe to gather evidence and seek support.

16.4.8.  PCSOs will not be deployed on mobile patrol unless accompanying a police officer. They will use police vehicles as a means of transport from their home station to the location where they are to carry out their foot patrol or other non- response duties. Additionally they may use the vehicle during their operational deployment to drive to alternative locations for further foot patrol, when policing a wide rural area or as directed by the Force Control Room in response to operational need.

16.4.9.  Any police operation where PCSOs are to act in support of police officers will be risk assessed and due consideration will be given to the suitability of the PCSOs’ involvement.

16.4.10.  PCSOs will at all times comply with the rules of engagement issued to them.

16.5  Rules of engagement

16.5.1 The rules of engagement govern all interventions (including the exercise of powers and draw on risk assessments.  Initial deployment will be risk assessed within a framework of guidance, as set out by Kent Police.  PCSOs will then carry out a further dynamic risk assessment, where appropriate.

 

16.5.2 The decision by a PCSO to withdraw, observe and report is a valid tactical option and will be supported by managers.

 

16.5.3 There is no positive duty for PCSOs to intervene - they are police staff, not police officers.

 

16.5.4 As a representative of a public authority, a PCSO's actions will support the human rights of individuals.  Actions will be Justified, Authorised, Proportionate, Auditable and Necessary (JAPAN).

 

17. Enforcement Powers   

17.1.  PCSOs are designated certain powers of enforcement by the Chief Constable under the authority granted to him by virtue of the Police Reform Act 2002.

17.2.  On the 1st December 2007, the Home Office introduced a national minimum standard of powers to be designated to all PCSOs, which resulted in an increase of powers for PCSOs in Kent and Medway. Additional training was provided to all PCSOs in respect of the new powers prior to the commencement.

17.3.  There are also a range of optional powers available to the Chief Constable should he wish to designate PCSOs with additional powers. In Kent and Medway the powers granted to PCSOs are those commensurate with their role requirement, and are not all of those available in the Police Reform Act 2002 and subsequent legislation. The specific powers designated to Kent and Medway PCSOs are set out at Appendix 1 below.

17.4.  PCSOs will discharge their duties with due consideration of the impact of their actions upon individuals and communities, and in compliance with the force’s diversity policies. They will at all times act within their levels of authority, training and force policy in carrying out their duties.

 

18. Use of police vehicles

 
18.1.  PCSOs will be authorised to drive police vehicles including marked vehicles following an authorisation test in order to travel between places of duty and their designated patrol area/s in accordance with force policy M105. They will use police vehicles as a means of transport from their home station to the location where they are to carry out their foot patrol or other non- response duties. Additionally they may use the vehicle during their operational deployment to drive to alternative locations for further foot patrol, when policing a wide rural area or as directed by the Force Control Room in response to operational need. Blue lights or two tone horns will not be used unless to protect the scene of a road traffic collision when directed to do so by a police supervisor for road safety purposes.

18.2.  Where a Division receives a sponsorship vehicle or otherwise acquires a vehicle for the primary use of a PCSO it will be marked up in half Battenberg police livery for reassurance purposes.

19. Use of public transport 

19.1.  An agreement has been reached with bus companies across Kent and Medway for PCSOs whilst on duty in uniform to travel free of charge. See force policy K31 : Use of Public Transport Services by Police Officers, Special Constables and Police Community Support Officers Without Charge.

20. Financial issues 

20.1.  The funding commitment of a local partnership will be subject of a signed agreement with the Kent Police Authority. A copy of the funding agreement must be forwarded to the Finance Department, Force Headquarters (FHQ).

20.2.  The Finance Department, FHQ will manage arrangements for the billing of partners. The budget for PCSO salaries, uniform, mobile phone/Blackberry and travel costs has been devolved to each Division. When a local agreement with a funding partner is approved the details of the name and address of a suitable representative will be provided to the Finance Department, FHQ.

20.3.  Where agreed, Kent Police will be responsible for the funding of costs associated with the PCSOs employment, including recruitment, training, uniform, equipment and travel costs associated with their duties. This does not preclude any contribution from funding partnerships to cost incurred as a specific requirement of that partnership agreement.

21. Appendix 1 – PCSOs Kent Police designated powers 

21.1.  Powers designated to Kent PCSOs:

• Issue of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) for dog fouling, littering and riding on footpaths.
• Penalty Notice for graffiti and fly posting.
• Power to stop a pedal cyclist riding on a footpath.
• Power to request a name and address for Fixed Penalty offences and offences that cause injury, alarm and distress to another person or damage or loss of another’s property.
• Power to request the name and address of a person acting in an anti-social manner.
• Power to request a person to stop drinking in a designated public area and to surrender open and sealed containers of alcohol.
• Power to confiscate alcohol – young persons.
• Power to confiscate cigarettes and tobacco products from young people.
• Power of entry to save life or limb, or to prevent serious damage to property.
• Power to seize vehicles used to cause alarm and distress (only as part of a pre-planned operation with a constable).
• Power to require the removal of abandoned vehicles.
• Power to stop vehicles for the purpose of a road check (Section 4 PACE road check authorised by a Superintendent – serious arrestable offence).
• Power to maintain and enforce a cordoned area established under Terrorism Act.
• Power to stop and search vehicles and things carried by drivers/passengers under Terrorism Act and things carried by pedestrians (only with a constable).

 

The following powers were added as at 1.12.2007 as a result of the introduction of the National Minimum Standard Powers for PCSOs.

• Power to issue FPN in respect of offences under dog control orders (this extends the existing power to issue a FPN for dog fouling).
• Power to control traffic for purposes other than escorting a load of exceptional dimensions.
• Power to require name and address for road traffic offences i.e. driver or pedestrian who fails to follow the directions of a PCSO or police officer.
• Power to place traffic signs.
• Power to seize drugs and take name and address for possession of drugs.
• Power to photograph persons away from a police station.

 

The following powers were added as at 01.04.2011 as a result of the introduction of the wider powers conferred by the Chief Constable (Officers are authorised to use these powers after attending the training and being signed off as competent by Divisional Training Officers and issued a new designation card (see paragragh 14).

The issuing of a PND (Penalty Notice for Disorder) for consumption of alcohol by a person under 18 or allowing such consumption.

The issuing of a PND for the buyinig or attempting to buy alcohol by a person under 18.

The issuing of a PND for breach of a fireworks curfew.

The issuing of a PND for throwing a firework.

The issuing of a PND for drinking in a designated public area.

The power to deal with begging.

The power to disperse groups and remove persons under 16 to their place of residence*.

The power to search for alcohol and tobacco.

The issuing of a PND for truancy*.

The issuing of a PND for an excluded pupil found in a public place*.

The power to remove a truant to a designated place*.

The issuing of a PND for graffiti and fly posting.

*These powers are only to be used by PCSOs as part of a coordinated and planned operation.

22. Equality impact assessment

22.1.  This policy has been assessed with regards to its impact on equality. As a result of this assessment, the policy has been graded as having a medium potential impact.

 

22.2 Attached is the latest equality impact assessment that forms part of the policy review process.