What are the distinctions between a Police Community Support Officer and a sworn officer?
The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) produced a position statement, which was adopted by the Chief Constables’ Council in January 2005. ACPOs’ view is that sworn police officers are appropriate for the following circumstances: 4.1 Wherever there is a clear likelihood that a confrontation will arise. However, PCSOs should have sufficient support, equipment and training to cope safely with confrontations that arise spontaneously in the course of their primary role of patrol, reassurance and tackling anti-social behaviour. 4.2 Where there is scope for exercise of a high degree of discretion – for example, where a situation is complex owing to a number of different parties involved, where there is particular sensitivity within a community about police action, or where a large range of enforcement options are available; 4.3 Where police action is likely to lead to a higher than normal risk of harm to anyone; 4.4 Where there is a clear likelihood that police action will include an
