PSNI plans for civilian officers

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/6141798.stm

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Police could soon be accompanied by civilian officers on Northern Ireland's streets in an attempt to curb low-level crime and anti-social behaviour.

The PSNI plans that uniformed Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will be introduced following a public consultation on policing issues.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Leighton said although they would have limited powers, they would still be effective.

He said they were not intended to be a replacement for reserve officers.

"It is envisaged that PCSOs will become part of our Neighbourhood Policing Teams across Northern Ireland.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICERS Salary up to £25,000 Role to support patrols, tackle anti-social behaviour; in London to combat terrorism and reassure public Uniformed, with a flat hat Powers include issuing fixed penalties and ability to detain people for 30 minutes But no power of arrest Three weeks training "They will assist in the delivery of a first-class service to the people of Northern Ireland, thereby helping to make communities safer and reducing fear of crime."

DCC Leighton said prospective PSCOs would be subject to the same vetting procedures as police officers.

"They will be managed by and fully accountable to district commanders - they will work closely with neighbourhood sergeants and constables who will determine their day-to-day deployment," he said.

He was speaking as a delegation of PSCOs from Merseyside and Lancashire Constabularies were in Northern Ireland for a two-day visit.

He said he hoped to gain "a valuable insight into how they are integrated into the police environment and the benefit they bring to local communities".

Such schemes were introduced in England and Wales in late 2000. Earning up to £25,000 a year, PSCOs can issue fixed penalties and can detain people for 30 minutes but have no powers of arrest.