PCSOs to answer 'low-level' 999 calls

6:17am Friday 2nd May 2008

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Oxfordshire's Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are to be allowed to be dispatched to deal with low-level emergencies, previously dealt with by regular policemen.

The Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, has pledged to monitor the changes to ensure PCSOs are not sent to violent or confrontational emergencies.

Thames Valley's Assistant Chief Constable Nick Gargan said changes to the call dispatch system would not see PCSOs answering emergencies which needed a police officer.

Instead, they would be dispatched to low-level antisocial behaviour where violence was not predicted, he said.

Mr Gargan added: "We believe it is absolutely vital to maintain the distinction between PCSOs and police officers.

"Our old policy was not the best because it stopped PCSOs going to sort out local problems such as antisocial behaviour.

"We don't want to put them in harm's way or to deal with incidents which require a police officer.

"A PCSO will not be sent to an urgent call of a violent incident, burglary or fight, but they will be sent to urgent antisocial behaviour."

Control centre staff can now send PCSOs to deal with incidents following a risk assessment for potential violence, which will be checked by the duty sergeant.

The change in policy frees up regular police officers to deal with more dangerous or emergency incidents, Mr Gargan said.

Thames Valley Police Federation chairman Maurice Collins said: "PCSOs are clearly not police officers.

"They are not trained or equipped like police officers.

"But the reality is we have them on the streets and it's important they are used effectively."