A trial is to be launched in Northamptonshire to extend the powers of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), police confirmed today.
As first revealed by the Chronicle & Echo last week, the extended powers will allow 23 PCSOs in Kettering to issue fixed penalty notices and arrange the removal of vehicles causing obstruction.
The trial will be run from April, Northamptonshire Police have said.
Chief Constable Adrian Lee said: “PCSOs are a hugely valuable part of the Northamptonshire Police team and work extremely hard getting to know and support their local communities. They play a crucial role in increasing the visibility of policing across the county and building the confidence of local people.
“Communities in turn regularly tell us how much they appreciate their PCSOs and the difference they make.
“They have, however, told us about examples where having greater powers would enable the PCSO to deliver a more complete service.
“With parking obstructions regularly identified as a local priority, PCSOs themselves were keen to increase their powers in this area.”
The powers are designated under the Road Traffic Regulation Act, sections 95-96, and are delegated to each PCSO individually by the Chief Constable. The new powers are in addition to their existing ones, which include powers to issue fixed penalty notices for littering, requiring people under 18 to surrender alcohol and powers to seize drugs.