The Isle of Wight Council’s team of community support officers (CSOs) have been given additional legal powers by Hampshire Constabulary to help the police make the community safer.
Under the national Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS), the CSOs can now carry out a range of additional tasks.
Fixed penalty fines
These include the authority to stop people cycling on footpaths, ordering people to hand over alcohol in areas where drinking is banned, the confiscation of alcohol from under 18s and the power to surrender tobacco for under 16s.
They are now also allowed to direct traffic at planned events and the flow of pedestrians when required and also issue fixed penalty notices for £30 for anyone who cycles on a footpath. The officers can also ask for people’s names and addresses.
“Clamping down on antisocial behaviour “
Roger Mazillius, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member responsible for community safety said: “Anything the Isle of Wight Council can do to help make the Island safer and further support the local police is welcome.
“The Community Safety Accreditation Scheme allows council officers to work more closely with Hampshire Constabulary on clamping down on antisocial behaviour and is another good example of partnership working.”
According to the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme website, the CSAS was made possible through the Police Reform Act 2002. It gives an opportunity for organisations that provide community safety and security functions to have their organisation and staff accredited by Hampshire Constabulary.
Extended Police Family Inspector Julie Rawson from Hampshire Constabulary said: “The additional powers given to the Community Support Officers will enable anti-social behaviour to be tackled more effectively and will strengthen the partnership working with Hampshire Constabulary. We would like to thank Isle of Wight Council for its keen support and strong stance on protecting people’s quality of life on the Island.”
