I have to take issue with the derogatory term ‘plastic’ associated with PCSOs.
Firstly they carry out important policing duties and are widely appreciated in our communities. They work closely with Town and Community Councils to be the effective policing presence in their communities.
Secondly they have considerable powers, including, but not limited to, power to seize vehicles, power to stop and search, power to seize drugs. There are a wide range of powers which are available to a PCSO. The one power they do not have is that of arrest. If they did it would result in them having to be in the office dealing with paperwork and attending court. Instead they are out in our communities. They do have the powers to detain suspects until a PC arrives.
I am more than happy to provide the full range of powers available to PCSOs and to defend their deployment in the County Borough. I can be contacted at [email protected].
Hugh Jones
Lead Member Communities Collaboration and Partnership
Wrexham County Borough Council