What are the benefits of a set of standard powers?
Currently, the powers available to CSOs vary from one police area to the next. This can be confusing for the public and can sometimes lead the public to mistakenly think that CSOs have no powers at all. Establishing a set of standard powers for CSOs will bring a variety of benefits to police forces and the public. By ensuring that CSOs have a robust set of powers at their disposal, standard powers will ensure CSOs can contribute fully to neighbourhood policing and deal with more issues, on the spot, without recourse to a police constable. Standardising powers will also help foster a general agreement about the role of the CSO across the police service. A set of standard powers for CSOs will also increase public understanding of their role.
