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57-666: The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is responsible for policing the British Virgin Islands. Under the 1936 Organic Act of the Virgin Islands, law enforcement was divided between the municipality of St. Thomas and St. John and the municipality of St. Croix, each of which had a separate Police and Prison Department. The 1954 revisions to the Organic Act required that these municipal departments be reorganized as part of

114-999: A "legitimate target" in the eyes of the IRA who have attacked other civilians working for the police in Northern Ireland in the past. The Police Reform Act 2002 does not apply to Scotland , which consequently does not have Police Community Support Officers (the acronym PCSO in Police Scotland refers to a Police Custody and Security Officer, known as a detention officer in other parts of the UK.) As of September 2022 , there were 8,263 PCSOs in England and Wales. PCSO numbers had, like those of police constables, been falling in previous years owing to austerity . At their prior peak in 2009, 16,814 PCSOs were employed. PCSOs represent 6.8% of total police employees in England and Wales. The Metropolitan Police has

171-519: A 'bar' above the wording "Police Community Support Officer Supervisor - Traffic" with the shoulder number beneath. PCSO supervisors only supervise PCSOs and normally work under a police sergeant. Avon and Somerset Police currently utilise a PCSO Support role, which is an administration position allowing PCSOs to continue to meet the criteria; primarily subsection three of The Policing Pledge of 2009; to conduct high visibility patrols and spend at least eighty per cent of their tour of duty on patrol within

228-1149: A Virgin Islands Auxiliary Constable has full police powers of arrest and detention. These three form the SSS islands that with the ABC islands comprise the Dutch Caribbean , of which the BES islands are not direct Kingdom constituents but subsumed with the country of the Netherlands . Physiographically , these continental islands are not part of the volcanic Windward Islands arc, although sometimes grouped with them culturally and politically. Disputed territories administered by Guyana . Disputed territories administered by Colombia . Police community support officer A police community support officer ( PCSO ; Welsh : swyddog cymorth cymunedol yr heddlu, SCCH ), or as written in legislation Community Support Officer ( CSO ; Welsh : swyddog cymorth cymunedol, SCC ),

285-613: A cycling helmet, breathable cycling shirt and cargo cycling trousers. Hi-visibility jackets or vests are normally compulsory for cycling. PCSOs use a police radio to communicate with other PCSOs, police officers and the control room on the same channel. Some neighbourhood police teams (NPT) or safer neighbourhood teams (SNT) also monitor local shop/pub watch radios. A body armour vest is issued to all PCSOs although in previous years some forces did not do this. Arrangements for use vary between forces, from compulsory use throughout shift, to officers' choice of use. Unlike constables, owing to

342-403: A duty to ensure a recruit "is a suitable person to carry out the functions for the purposes of which they are designated" and is "capable of effectively carrying out those functions". Generally, PCSOs will be selected through a process that involves: an application form, interview and fitness tests; a medical test; and security and background vetting. Welsh PCSOs must have basic abilities to speak

399-435: A few forces began embroidering names on to epaulettes. PCSOs are issued with hi-visibility jackets and waterproof coats of varying design depending on the force. Officers may also be issued with a simple tabard for traffic duties. PCSOs wear nylon duty belts with quick release buckles to hold their equipment in pouches. Special uniforms exist in most forces for cycling for both PCSOs and constables. This typically consists of

456-443: A lot of things about PCSOs, their uniforms have a great deal of variation between police forces. The current ACPO guidance states that "PCSOs should be recognisable to the public as police staff, but visibly distinct from sworn police officers". Since PCSOs were first created in 2002, many forces have made changes to the uniforms issued. Most of these changes are commonly in regards to shirts, trousers and headgear. A PCSO's headgear

513-545: A method of attracting applicants which is the same way constables are recruited. The recruitment of PCSOs has helped some police forces increase the representation of ethnic minorities among their employees. Unlike with police constables, there is no set selection procedure for PCSOs and the process varies between forces although section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (the law that made PCSOs) requires that chief constables or Commissioners in charge of police forces have

570-421: A neighbourhood inspector. Day-to-day duties usually include high visibility patrolling, tackling anti-social behaviour, dealing with minor offences, crowd control and directing traffic at public events, helping direct traffic at roadblocks or scenes of accidents, gathering criminal intelligence, and supporting front-line policing. The Home Office have specifically limited the powers designated to PCSOs to maintain

627-516: A new Commissioner from the United Kingdom was appointed, Mr Mark Collins QPM . The Royal Virgin Islands Police employs numbers of Special Constables . These officers have the same training, powers, and duties as regular constables, but work on a part-time basis whilst also maintaining another (primary) career. Their policing duties are carried out during their own free time. This is similar to

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684-423: A passing out parade. After training a new PCSO is normally sent out on patrol with a tutor—usually an experienced PCSO—until they are able to patrol on their own. All PCSOs go through a twelve-month probationary period after completing training. The uniform of a PCSO is similar to that of a police constable, but has a variety of uniquely distinguishing features depending on the wearer's respective force. As with

741-441: A person using reasonable force under the powers listed. There are four forces at present whose PCSOs are currently carrying handcuffs (BTP, Dyfed-Powys Police, North Wales Police, Merseyside Police). PCSOs are also lawfully authorised to carry CS spray and a baton when on duty, although none have yet been provided by any Chief Officer of any Police Force. PCSOs have a number of other powers and abilities that they may exercise in

798-466: A police constable can arrest for: It is also an offence for a PCSO to imply that they have a power that they are not designated by their chief constable or commissioner. This list is not exhaustive. This list comes from definitions provided under paragraph 2(3) of Schedule 5 of the Police Reform Act 2002. PCSOs do not normally have a rank system; however, South Yorkshire and Kent Police employ PCSO supervisors. The South Yorkshire epaulettes have

855-612: A sergeant left Belgravia early between 6:30 and 6:45. En route, the duo were required to assist a lorry under a bridge, and, thus, Barry became the first PCSO with duties on the streets of the UK. Proposals for PCSOs in Northern Ireland were prevented by a budget shortfall in the Police Service of Northern Ireland , as well as fears that the introduction of uniformed and unarmed PCSOs in Northern Ireland (PSNI constables all carry firearms) would mean they would potentially then become

912-683: A territorial executive branch. The current Virgin Islands Police Department traces its origin to the establishment of the Department of Public Safety, which contained a Police Division, on July 21, 1955. The department was renamed the U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department in 1985. The USVIPD operates a variety of vehicles, including cars and SUVs. In 2018 it acquired a fleet of Segways and electric cars for patrolling downtown areas of St. Thomas. This United States Virgin Islands -related article

969-583: A variety of tasks, including: radio procedure; report writing; dealing with evidence; going to court; gathering intelligence; managing a crime scene; usage of PCSO powers under the Police Reform Act 2002 and any person powers; use of force; human rights; race and diversity; traffic direction and cordon manning; general health and safety; self-defence (including restraint techniques and the use of handcuffs or leg restraints if used by their force); and first aid . Written examinations are usually performed during training. Upon successful completion of training, there may be

1026-573: Is Merseyside Police , whose PCSOs wear a blue band with green edging. The badge was formerly a black cloth patch bearing the words ‘Merseyside Police Community Support & Traffic Officer’. Merseyside PCSOs are now issued a metal force badge instead. North Wales Police ( Welsh : Heddlu Gogledd Cymru ) PCSOs wear black baseball caps with a blue band with "police support" written in both English and Welsh. Surrey Police and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) give their Traffic PCSOs (who are part of GMP's Road Policing Unit (RPU)) white covered caps in

1083-601: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This United States law enforcement agency article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Royal Virgin Islands Police Force The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is the territorial police force of the British Virgin Islands . The United States Virgin Islands Police Department is responsible for policing the U.S. Virgin Islands . The RVIP

1140-443: Is a commemorative medal created in 2011 to mark the 60th anniversary of the accession to the throne of Elizabeth II . PCSOs awarded the honour may wear the ribbon of the medal while on daily routine patrol. This medal was also given to police constables under similar rules. Gwent Police issued a silver coloured "Gwent Police Staff Diamond Jubilee Badge 2012", a small lapel badge awarded to all police constables and PCSOs who received

1197-599: Is a uniformed member of police staff in England and Wales, a role created by Section 38(2) of the Police Reform Act 2002 , which was given Royal Assent by Queen Elizabeth II on 24 July 2002. They are not warranted , but hold a variety of police powers and the power of a constable in various instances by the forty-three territorial police forces in England and Wales and the British Transport Police (which

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1254-411: Is normally a black formal peaked cap for men and a black bowler for women, although some forces are now opting for female PCSOs to wear the peaked cap. Headgear may or may not display the force crest, some have a metal shield, usually blue, stating "police community support officer" followed below with the name of the wearer's respective force in smaller letters. Some newer versions of such shields have

1311-523: Is provided by s3 Criminal Law Act 1967 , the Common Law and the Human Rights Act 1998 . Reasonable force is further provided to PCSOs under Section 38(8) Police Reform Act 2002 when using a power which - in the same circumstances - would also be a power available to a Constable. The following are criminal offences in relation to PCSOs under the Police Reform Act 2002 for which a PCSO can detain, or

1368-532: Is ready to patrol alone. Whilst being tutored like a probationary police constable the new PCSO may have a number of tasks to complete whilst on patrol and will complete such tasks whilst being mentored by the PCSO tutor. PCSO duties can vary from force to force. Many forces may officially have different roles for PCSOs in which special training and sometimes equipment is given. Within the Metropolitan Police , which

1425-399: Is sometimes also differently coloured from the badge of regular police officers. Trousers are usually black or dark navy blue. Originally, these were ironed, smart and formal, but in recent years are being replaced in most forces with cargo pocketed designs to allow the PCSO to carry more items. Body armour vests are issued to PCSOs—although originally not all forces did this—and wearing one

1482-535: Is the only specialist police service to employ PCSOs). PCSOs were introduced in September 2002 and first recruited by the Metropolitan Police . The first ever PCSO on the streets was PCSO 7115 Barry Faust, who was stationed at Belgravia Police Station in Westminster, Central London. PCSO 7155 was due to begin his shift at 7 am on 9 September 2002; however, owing to a vehicle needing to go to a garage for repair, Barry and

1539-499: Is usually compulsory. Staffordshire Police was the last police force to issue Stab vests to PCSOs; they were only issued to officers of this force in April 2011. Some forces issue tactical vests to PCSOs that go over the body armour to provide alternative storage to a duty belt. The vest usually comes in black or hi-vis yellow. Most PCSOs tend to wear blue epaulettes on their shoulders, although some forces use black epaulettes. Since 2009

1596-578: The Criminal Law Act 1967 ), or to forcibly detain (using Police Reform Act 2002 powers) There is also a 'reasonable code of conduct' which is a legitimate and tested defence to a (technical) common assault of which the courts have accepted and has now been written into case law ( [1] e.g. leading two disputing parties away from each other to prevent a fight – technically an assault as neither party has been arrested/detained at this point, but still considered otherwise lawful). The term to detain (under

1653-460: The Police Reform Act 2002 ). Section 38 Offences Against the Person Act 1861 also creates the offence of assault with intent to resist arrest , which also covers the "lawful apprehension/detention of himself or another". This is an either-way offence, meaning that the PCSO may also any person arrest for this offence in addition to the original proposed detention. In September 2018, Section 1 of

1710-399: The Police Reform Act 2002 , and every PCSO since 2007 has a number of standard powers that were introduced for all PCSOs regardless of which force they belong to. This is in addition to the discretionary powers that can be designated by the chief constable or commissioner of each PCSO's respective force. Before 2003, the British Transport Police was unable to have PCSOs until Section 28 of

1767-594: The Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 allowed the BTP Chief Constable to recruit PCSOs and designate powers to them using the Police Reform Act 2002 —which previously only extended to chief constables or commissioners of territorial police forces . PCSOs must adhere to certain standards. Failure to do so could result in disciplinary or criminal proceedings related to misfeasance in public office or malfeasance in public office . Leeway may be given depending on

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1824-459: The Welsh flag on both sleeves of their shirts, for both constables and PCSOs. Neckwear if worn is a tie for men or a cravat for women. Neckwear is normally light blue, but is sometimes black. Some police forces issue name and/or number badges to its officers to be worn on their uniforms. PCSOs in such forces have "PCSO" or "police community support officer" written before their name or number. The badge

1881-518: The Welsh language . Unlike police constables, there is no set training procedure for PCSOs so the training given varies from force to force although section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (the law that made PCSOs) requires that chief constables or commissioners to ensure a recruit "Has received adequate training in the carrying out of those functions and in the exercise and performance of the powers and duties to be conferred on him by virtue of their designation". The original PCSOs recruited in 2002 by

1938-472: The 1960s, policed by the Antigua, Montserrat and Virgin Islands Police Force, but this force was dissolved in 1967, with each constituent state gaining an independent force. The force is headed by a Commissioner of Police, and is divided into three operational divisions: The Specialist Operations division includes a Criminal Investigation Department and a marine unit which operates several small fast boats, and

1995-456: The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018 created an either-way offence of any assault on any emergency worker, which includes PCSOs. PCSOs may, subject to permission from their force, carry handcuffs and leg restraints which are both governed by the Criminal Law Act 1967 or common law and can be used in the same manner as a constable. They may use them for detaining or arresting

2052-503: The Jubilee Medal. Shirts for PCSOs are either white, blue or black. Originally the shirts were collared, ironed, smart and formal with two front pockets and radio loops but in recent years are being replaced in most forces with breathable shirts made to be worn with stab vests. Such new shirts unlike their predecessors are sometimes marked with "PCSO" or "police community support officer" on the sleeves or chest. North Wales Police now have

2109-519: The Metropolitan Police received only 3 weeks' training, which was criticised as too little. The training period was eventually raised, and new Metropolitan Police PCSOs are now trained for six weeks. Training in other forces takes between four and eleven weeks, with the length of training depending on how close the PCSOs' authority comes to that of a regular police officer. PCSOs are trained in

2166-838: The United Kingdom's Special Constabulary. In the early days of the Leeward Islands Police, only a very small detachment of regular police officers was based on Tortola. They were supported by locally recruited and trained "Local Constables", who had limited authority, but maintained law and order. This tradition has continued to the present day, and the RVIP still includes around 20 "Auxiliary Constables", who have limited training, and are employed in supervising school crossings, and carrying out simple traffic control duties. They perform some station administrative duties, and sometimes investigate minor offences. In many ways they are similar to British Police community support officers , but unlike PCSOs,

2223-570: The appointment was a foregone conclusion and that the Deputy Commissioner (and then Acting Commissioner) David Morris would be appointed. In July 2013 the Governor announced that David Morris had been appointed as Commissioner with effect from September 2013. The appointment has caused some controversy, as there are on-going formal complaints against the new Commissioner in which unfair dismissals and abuse of authority are alleged. In April 2021,

2280-485: The community. PCSOs are a civilianised non-uniform role, who deal mainly with the administration side of the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT). Although not a rank in itself, most forces have an official system of putting newly trained PCSOs on their probation with a PCSO tutor. A PCSO tutor is normally an experienced PCSO, sometimes with additional training, who will patrol with the new PCSO until he or she

2337-571: The course of their duty: Certain additional powers which may be assigned to PCSOs by the chief constable (or commissioner in London ), but which vary from force to force, include: Individual chief constables or commissioners can increase the discretionary powers their PCSOs use from the existing list. PCSO powers were further increased by the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 statute. This provided them with powers such as

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2394-485: The distinction between them and police officers. Some PCSOs are attached to Road Policing Units , and British Transport Police PCSOs are deployed as part of station teams. As with many aspects of PCSOs, the specifics of each job description vary depending on the relevant force. Police forces will recruit PCSOs through adverts placed in newspapers and on the Internet and by posters in public places. Some may use open days as

2451-627: The few examples was during the funeral of PCSO Mark Marshall of Devon and Cornwall Police who was killed in Afghanistan whilst serving in the Territorial Army . His funeral was attended by police colleagues wearing tunics including PCSOs. In 2012, PCSOs who had been in service since Monday 6 February 2012 and had completed five full calendar years in the role were awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal . This

2508-467: The hats worn by male PCSOs were not rigid and 'may therefore not offer adequate protection'. Female PCSOs wear bowler hats which contain foam padding as protection. Some police forces have unique hat designs for PCSOs which are different from the more common styles, such as those worn by the City of London Police PCSOs who adhere to the force's tradition of red detailing, red banding, and a red shield. Another

2565-559: The highest contingent of PCSOs, accounting for a quarter of PCSOs in England and Wales. The service with the second largest contingent as of 2012 was Greater Manchester Police (GMP) with 837 PCSOs, which was 5% of the total. As of 2023 , pay for PCSOs, which vary from force to force, range between £19,000 to around £26,000 per year depending on experience. Most PCSOs work within a Safer Neighbourhood team (SNT) or Neighbourhood Policing team (NPT) that contains special constables and beat managers (police sergeants). These teams are led by

2622-642: The large police patrol boat "St Ursula". The force's financial investigations department is headed by an officer of Chief Inspector rank paid for by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office . The force employs a total of nearly 300 people, of whom around 240 are dedicated police officers or auxiliary constables (see below). There are eleven police stations, consisting of eight regular territorial stations (four on Tortola , two on Virgin Gorda , one on Anegada , and one on Jost Van Dyke ), together with three specialist stations on

2679-729: The main island of Tortola, namely the Force Headquarters station (incorporating the Office of the Commissioner), the airport police station, and the Marine Base police station. The rank structure of the RVIPF is as follows: The RVIP is headed by a Commissioner, assisted by a Deputy Commissioner. In April 2013 the Government advertised a vacancy for the post of Commissioner. There was speculation that

2736-442: The meaning of the Police Reform Act 2002 ) is a relatively new one, but under law, it is considered a temporary arrest (in accordance with Schedule 4, Part 1, Paragraph 2A(2)(b) of the Police Reform Act 2002 ). As a result, a PCSO may any person arrest someone he or she has reasonable grounds to suspect is attempting to escape from lawful custody when subject to a detention requirement (under Schedule 4, Part 1, Paragraph 2(3) of

2793-470: The necessity criteria set out in statute are met. This covers offences such as arson, criminal damage, theft, assault, possession of a controlled drug and burglary, etc. All PCSOs can also make common law arrests in the same manner as civilians, to prevent a breach of the peace . They also have a power of entry . Legislation exists that states that PCSOs are entitled to use reasonable force in order to effect an arrest as described above (under section 3 of

2850-677: The non-confrontational nature of their role, PCSOs are not normally issued with batons , incapacitant spray , handcuffs or leg restraints. However, PCSOs are authorised to carry and use this equipment. Four forces are an exception to this convention: British Transport Police PCSOs are issued with handcuffs and leg restraints; Also Dyfed-Powys Police , North Wales Police and Merseyside PCSOs are issued with handcuffs. Forces such as South Wales Police also issue 'Biteback' dog spray. Most police forces allow some PCSOs to use laser and radar guns to help enforce speed limits. PCSO powers vary between forces. The powers of PCSOs mainly stem from

2907-583: The power of a constable under Section 19 of PACE to seize any suspected criminal property or property suspected of being used in crime and further traffic FPN powers. The Policing and Crime Act 2017 set out dramatic expansions to the role of PCSO. Section 28(4)(a) states a PCSO will be able to be designated with "any power or duty of a constable (other than a power or duty specified in Part 1 of Schedule 3B excluded powers and duties)". These excluded powers would be: This bill received Royal Assent on 31 January 2017 and

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2964-583: The same powers of arrest under section 24 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 . They can, however, utilise the 'any person' powers of arrest under section 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (commonly known as a citizens' arrest ). This means they are able to arrest anyone without warrant providing there are reasonable grounds to suspect they are committing, or have committed or are suspected to be guilty of an indictable or 'either-way' offence, provided

3021-493: The same style as traffic police officers. The hat retains though the standard blue band and force crest as other PCSOs in GMP. Generally, most forces do not have a formal uniform for their PCSOs, but a few provide tunics. Tunics are the same as that of a Police Constable but may have special badging to distinguish the wearer as a PCSO. As with police constables, PCSOs very rarely wear tunics (provided they have been given them). One of

3078-405: The situation, as the circumstances may dictate they do not have the training or equipment to deal with a situation like a constable could. It is also accepted that PCSOs do not have to intervene in high risk situations and it is reasonable if they decide to withdraw from one. This is due to the non-confrontational purpose of their role. PCSOs are not attested constables , and therefore do not have

3135-489: The wearer's respective force crest printed on them. Most forces now simply issue the same hat badge that is issued to constables. The band on the hat is usually a silver reflective band with blue edging, a plain blue band, a chequered blue and silver band or a black and white Sillitoe tartan chequered band. Male PCSOs wear flat, peaked caps rather than custodian helmets , which are worn by male police constables and sergeants. The Metropolitan Police Authority noted in 2004 that

3192-489: Was formed in 1967. Previously the British Leeward Islands Police had provided policing across all British territories in the region, from the late nineteenth century onwards. Following the granting of independence to certain constituent states, and the change in status of dependent territories, the larger force was gradually broken down into smaller constabularies. The British Virgin Islands were briefly, during

3249-401: Was subsequently passed into law. Under a mix of legislation and common law , a PCSO can use reasonable force to arrest or detain a suspected offender. PCSOs can all use handcuffs (if their force provides them) to detain using their own detention powers or arrest using 'any person' powers when on duty. At present only four forces issue handcuffs officially. The use of reasonable force

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