FOI 0504-2024/25- PCSO powers

Request:

Q1. Do all PCSOs have the same powers designated to each of them or are those powers designated to individual PCSOs?

Q2. What criteria are assessed to determine whether PCSOs, who are merely police staff, possess the intellect, aptitude and comprehension to effectively deploy their designated powers?

Response: 

Extent and Result of Searches to Locate Information

To locate the information relevant to your request searches were conducted within North Yorkshire Police. I can confirm that the information you have requested is held by North Yorkshire Police.  

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you.

Q1. All NYP PCSO’s have the same set of powers, listed on their powers cards, as designated by the Chief Constable.

Q2. All NYP PCSO’s meet a minimum recruitment standard for education prior to employment, they are trained and assessed to be occupationally knowledgeable and competent in the use of their designated powers. The training and assessment in the use of powers is as prescribed in the relevant areas of the National Policing Curriculum.

Please note that systems used for recording information are not generic, nor are the procedures used locally in capturing the data.  It should be noted therefore that this force’s response to your questions should not be used for comparison purposes with any other responses you may receive.