PCSOs to get more powers

HOME Secretary Jacqui Smith is considering expanding the powers of police community support officers (PCSOs).

Oldham currently has 62 patrolling the streets and the minister wants to look at allowing them to detain a suspect until a police constable arrives, impose a fine for daubing graffiti and being allowed to disperse troublemakers.

The Government also wants to standardise uniforms to make them easier to recognise.

Ms Smith said: “I am clear that PCSOs should not be given the power to arrest, that must remain a power for constables alone.

“Instead, PCSOs play a vital neighbourhood role providing high visibility patrol, community engagement and problem solving.”

She added: "PCSOs don't damage police officers in the eyes of the public.

“I do sense a move away from some of the denigration of the role of PCSOs that I know has gone on previously.”