At the moment it only seems to apply to the Surrey force, but if it works here it could be extended elsewhere if it is deemed legal
Some days ago whilst driving along the back streets of Camberley, I saw what appeared to be two Police officers performing speed checks with a speed camera. As I got closer, I realised that they were PCSO's, with a full livery vehicle from Surrey police.
I stopped and spoke to them to ascertain what they were doing. The answer I received really quite shocked me in true "Verger" Dads Army. I was told that they were traffic patrol PCSO's and that they could perform this task and issue NIP's. Apparently the local community had requested the service that they were undertaking.
Traffic patrol work has always been the domain of highly trained, fully experienced officers who have attended numerous driving and technical courses to adequately fit themto the tasks that they are likely to deal with in the course of their duties.
Yet again, the creeping dimunution of normal essential Police duty has been eroded by the employment of this ever frowing army of untrained persons. Here in surrey they appear to have no supervision, discipline or any knowledge as to the extent of their responsibilities.
In the times in which we live this country needs fully funded, trained and equipped Police service with Police Officers able to respond and deal with any matter and receive the support of the whole community. Not untrained amateurs please. Not any more.
It really is time that serious consideration be given to recruiting more Police Officers and doing away with this poorly trained and unsupervised group which are in many cases little more than a uniformed rabble who do the Police service that I proudly served in, a great disservice.
Brian Robbins
Camberley, Surrey
He did start his letter by saying that the employment and deployment of PCSO's in this case was in accordance with the ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) guidelines.
At first I thought his letter was some sort of wind up, but he is deadly serious, and if this is a game that Surrey are currently playing, and if it works, I can see this happening in other parts of the country, so be aware.
I fully surpport and agree with the comments made by Mr Robbins.
