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LINCOLNSHIRE POLICE Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Professionalism Respect Integrity Dedication Empathy policing with PRIDE MANUAL OF GUIDANCE

Transcript of Police Community Support Offi cer (PCSO) · Police Community Support Offi cer (PCSO) ... Crime...

LINCOLNSHIRE POLICE

Police Community Support Offi cer (PCSO)

Professionalism Respect Integrity Dedication Empathypolicing with PRIDE

MANUAL OF GUIDANCE

Contents

Welcome ............................................................................................................................................................................... 1

Chapter 1 – Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 2

PCSO Priorities ................................................................................................................................................................... 2

PCSO Powers ....................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Standard Powers ............................................................................................................................................................... 2

Designated Powers .......................................................................................................................................................... 3

To issue Fixed Penalty Notice for Disorder for the following offences ................................................. 3

To issue Fixed Penalty Notices for ........................................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 2 - PCSO Role and Functions .............................................................................................................. 4

Neighbourhood Panels ................................................................................................................................................... 5

Education Establishments ........................................................................................................................................... 5

Key Individual Networks (KINs) .................................................................................................................................. 5

Councils .................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Police Surgeries and Policing Forums ................................................................................................................... 6

Social Media ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6

ASB ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Crime ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 7

Scene Guard ......................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Dealing with Mental Health Issues ......................................................................................................................... 8

Missing Person ................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) ..................................................................................................................................... 8

Prisoner Escorts................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Chapter 3 - Our Standards and Expectations............................................................................................10

Staff Charter ......................................................................................................................................................................10

Professional standards and the Code of Ethics ..............................................................................................11

The Victims’ Code ...........................................................................................................................................................12

Standards of Dress and Appearance ....................................................................................................................12

Bad Weather with Jackets..........................................................................................................................................13

Chapter 4 - Training and Personal Development ....................................................................................14

Initial Training ...................................................................................................................................................................14

Accompanied Patrol ......................................................................................................................................................14

Further Development and Training .........................................................................................................................15

Appendix A – Problem Solving Example .......................................................................................................16

Prevention ...........................................................................................................................................................................16

Intelligence ........................................................................................................................................................................16

Enforcement ......................................................................................................................................................................16

Reassurance ......................................................................................................................................................................16

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Welcome

It is over 10 years since Lincolnshire Police launched their PCSO role across the county, and during this time, they have established themselves as a fundamental part of our approach to community policing.

PCSOs are a visible, uniformed presence on the streets and in our communities, helping to improve the quality of life and providing increased public reassurance. Working with partners and community organisations, their duties include tackling anti-social behaviour, gathering intelligence, providing crime prevention advice, engaging with communities and conducting local investigations into low level crimes.

Lincolnshire Police remain committed to developing the role of PCSOs in order to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of local communities. Therefore, we have conducted a review of the role and functions of PCSOs in Lincolnshire and sought the views of the public, our partners and our staff by the use of a survey to inform us of what they say is important to them.

The results of the consultation have enabled us to develop a guidance that we will provide to our communities, partners and staff in order to demonstrate what our PCSOs will deliver and how we intend to measure their impact.

Of course, not every village, town or city in Lincolnshire is the same and it is important that our staff continue to have the flexibility and discretion to respond to local needs. This guidance does not seek to hinder that relationship or to prescribe a one size fits all solution. However, it is intended that the publication of the guidance will assist us in demonstrating how our PCSOs contribute to the delivery of community policing across the county.

Neil Rhodes Chief Constable

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Chapter 1 – Introduction

In 2003, Lincolnshire Police introduced the role of Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) across the county.

PCSOs provide a highly visible uniformed presence across the county, working alongside Community Beat Managers as part of each local community policing team.

PCSOs will build strong local relationships within the communities they serve, tackling locally raised issues with a problem solving approach and providing a direct link to local policing services for the public.

Highly visible, PCSOs will solve local anti-social behaviour (ASB) issues through a partnership approach and most importantly, taking personal responsibility and ownership of reported incidents in their area.

Following extensive consultation with the public, partners and staff, we have examined how the PCSO role has developed since its inception and asked our local communities what is important to them.

This document provides guidance to staff, partners and the public on how our PCSOs will continue to serve our communities, identifying which priorities they will focus on and how we will measure their success.

PCSO Priorities

Five priorities have been emerged from our communities, partners and staff identifying what they want our PCSOs to focus on.

A detailed explanation of how PCSOs in Lincolnshire will focus on these priorities will be covered under the PCSO Role and Functions section of this manual.

The five priorities emerging from the consultation are:

• Highly visible community patrols that provide direct access to policing services and public reassurance.

• Community engagement opportunities aimed at maximising problem-solving policing.

• Ownership of crime and ASB issues that impact on the local community.

• Provide appropriate levels of support to policing whilst continuing to deliver the PCSO role.

• Encourage and develop multi-agency and partnership initiatives to reduce ASB/crime and support communities.

PCSO Powers

PCSOs do not have a power of arrest but they can require a suspect to remain with them until a police officer arrives. However, failure to comply with this requirement will be a further offence.

A minimum set of standard PCSO powers ensures that each PCSO in England and Wales have the same starting point to work from.

A further set of powers have been designated by the Chief Constable of Lincolnshire to assist PCSOs in carrying out their duty throughout the County.

A PCSO must carry a powers card listing the additional powers designated by the Chief Constable.

PCSO powers are only enforceable if the PCSO is in uniform.

Standard Powers

• Power to require name and address

• Power to require name and address for anti-social behaviour

• Power to require name and address for road traffic offences

• Power to require persons drinking in designated places to surrender alcohol

• Power to require persons aged under 18 to surrender alcohol

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• Power to seize tobacco from a person aged under 16 and to dispose of that tobacco

• Power to seize drugs and require name and address for possession of drugs

• Power to enter and search any premises for the purposes of saving life and limb or preventing serious damage to property

• Power to seize vehicles used to cause alarm

• Power to remove abandoned vehicles

• Power to stop cycles

• Power to control traffic for purposes other than escorting a load of exceptional dimensions

• Power to carry out road checks

• Power to place signs

• Power to enforce cordoned areas

• Power to stop and search in authorised areas

• Power to photograph persons away from a police station

• Power to issue fixed penalty notices for cycling on a footpath

• Power to issue fixed penalty notices for littering

• Power to issue fixed penalty notices in respect of offences under dog control orders

Designated Powers

• Power to require person to remain (offence committed if refuse)

• Power to enforce byelaws

• Power to deal with begging

• Power to enforce certain licensing offences

• Power to search detained persons for dangerous items or items that could be used to assist escape

• Power to disperse groups and remove persons under 16 to their place of residence

• Power to remove truants to designated premises

• Power to search for alcohol and tobacco

• Power to seize drugs and require name and address for possession of drugs

• Power to enter licensed premises (with a Constable)

• Power to stop vehicles for testing

• Power to direct traffic for the purposes of escorting abnormal loads

• Power to require the name and address of Charity Collectors

• Power to require a Charity Collector to produce a certificate of authority

• Power to seize items when lawfully on premises

• Power to issue a Dispersal Notice

• Power to issue a Community Protection Notice

• Power to serve closure notices for licensed premises persistently selling to children

• Powers of a Traffic Warden

To issue Fixed Penalty Notice for Disorder for the following offences

• Sale of alcohol to a person under 18

• Purchase of alcohol for a person under 18

• Delivery of alcohol to a person under 18 or allowing such a delivery

• Destroying or damaging property

• Breach of fireworks curfew

• Possession of a category 4 firework

• Wasting police time, giving false report

• Using public electronic communications network in order to cause annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety

• Knowingly giving false alarm to a person acting on behalf of a fire and rescue authority

• Causing harassment, alarm or distress

• Throwing fireworks

• Drunk and disorderly behaviour

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• Consumption of alcohol by a person under 18 or allowing such consumption

• Sells or attempts to sell alcohol to a person who is drunk

• Trespassing on a railway

• Throwing stones at a train

• Drunk in the highway

• Drinking in a designated place

To issue Fixed Penalty Notices for

• Fixed Penalty Notice for Truancy

• Fixed Penalty Notice for failure to comply with a Community Protection Notice

• Fixed Penalty Notice for certain cycling offences

• Fixed Penalty Notice for an excluded pupil found in a public place

• Fixed Penalty Notice for Graffiti and Fly-posting

The Chief Constable has the discretion to add to or remove these powers. They are to be used to support the activities of a PCSO and have been carefully selected to assist in delivering the five PCSO priorities.

PCSOs also have the power to enforce Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. However a local agreement is currently in operation across Lincolnshire where PCSOs and Constables will obtain evidence in the form of a statement of any breaches to the PSPO and will hand this evidence over to the Local Authority for consideration of further action.

Chapter 2 - PCSO Role and FunctionsPriority 1 - Highly visible community patrols that provide direct access to policing services and public reassurance.

Patrolling constitutes the most significant activity of a typical PCSO tour of duty.

PCSOs will conduct targeted and planned patrols in their neighbourhood areas, providing a high profile uniformed presence. Focusing on developing trust and confidence in their local communities through their approach, engagement and actions, PCSOs will take personal responsibility for tackling ASB, criminal damage and incidents of on-going minor crime and disorder. Patrol activity will seek to maximise visibility and meet the demands of current crime and ASB issues.

Patrols will primarily be on foot or cycle in order to maximise engagement opportunities and will be conducted solo.

Each patrol should be conducted in pursuit of least one of the following objectives

1. A tasked requirement for a crime or ASB series or trend

2. A tasked requirement following the commission of a crime

3. A request following community engagement activities

4. Activity to develop and maintain partnerships within a beat area

There may be occasions where it is appropriate for the PCSO to be accompanied by a colleague in response to a specific operational risk.

Lincolnshire Police recognise that across the county, there are significant variations in the types of communities and neighbourhoods we serve. It is important that we assist our staff to be able to respond to this challenge. This will include the provision of vehicles for PCSOs in order to travel from one community to another, particularly relevant in our rural areas.

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Priority 2 - Community engagement opportunities aimed at maximising problem-solving policing.

PCSOs will develop and maintain effective relationships within their local communities, engaging with local partners both in the public and voluntary sector. PCSOs are trained to apply problem-solving methodology to locally identified issues and concerns, taking personal responsibility for resolving these issues and acting as coordinators for other agencies where the solutions required need a partnership approach.

Effective problem-solving is a tried and tested method of not only addressing the symptoms but also tackling the root causes of the problems identified. This approach seeks to prevent further and repeated incidents and crimes from occurring.

An example of a problem-solving approach to an ASB issue can found at Appendix A.

There are a number of established groups in each neighbourhood policing area that PCSOs will proactively engage and participate with. These will include

Neighbourhood Panels

Formed by local residents and businesses, the aim of this group is to identify and address local issues with the assistance and guidance of public services including the police, local authority, education establishments and health services. It is important to note that the chair of these panels should not be a member of one of the public services. The public servants are invited guests to assist the panels. For example, each panel may identify three local priorities and commission organisations and partners to help them resolve the issues. This approach is at the heart of problem solving at a local level and PCSOs must play an active part in assisting the panels to succeed.

Overall, the support, development and management of Neighbourhood Panels are the responsibility of the Neighbourhood Policing Team, led by a Community Beat Manager.

A PCSO may assist by recruiting new panel members and attending the panels. Their role in attendance is to support the panel chair and provide expert advice on matters of crime and ASB.

Any priority that cannot be resolved locally can be escalated to a multi-agency response that may have the resources or influence to resolve more complex priorities.

Specific guidance identifying good practice for the development of Neighbourhood Panels can be found on the force intranet.

Education Establishments

PCSOs will build effective relationships in order to provide a visible and accessible presence at schools and colleges. This approach will support our crime and ASB prevention activities, assist with effective engagement with young people in order to understand their issues, concerns and provide support to partners.

PCSOs provide a potential focal point for all public services in order to deliver initiatives, prevention inputs and student self-awareness courses.

Key Individual Networks (KINs)

A Key Individual Network, or KIN, is a core group of local people who live, work or regularly pass through a community. By the nature of their place or function in the local community, KIN members will be particularly in tune with the latest developments in their neighbourhoods. They are the people who can bring together the community intelligence we need to act on local concerns and provide reassurance to communities.

A PCSO will recruit new KINs, ensuring that these provide an effective way of enabling them to assist the PCSO in understanding the issues within their local communities and assessing success.

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Councils

Lincolnshire Police recognise the benefits of strong relationships between local neighbourhood policing teams and parish, town and county council representatives. Recognising that each local area is different, a local engagement plan will be agreed between the councils and the Neighbourhood Policing Team. PCSOs will support this plan by arranging briefings on crime and ASB, agreeing when it is appropriate to attend meetings personally and ensure that they continue to support councils in preventing and tackling incidents of crime and ASB.

Police Surgeries and Policing Forums

A surgery or forum is a locally arranged meeting that provides the public with an opportunity to participate in sharing issues and concerns with their Neighbourhood Policing Team. Such meetings can be located anywhere where the community have access. A PCSO may be asked by their supervisor to assist in arranging and attending these in order to represent Lincolnshire Police.

Social Media

Social media is an effective way of engaging with certain sections of our community and provides an opportunity for the public to access the police. Using social media offers a different way of engaging with people in our communities who may not normally come in to contact with police officers or PCSOs

Lincolnshire Police encourages the use of social media, stating that benefits include ‘more effective communication with communities, more informed consultation and local engagement, and an opportunity to demonstrate greater accountability and transparency’.

This is a cost-effective way of keeping the public informed about how we are tackling the issues that they tell us matter the most to them.

A guide to social media for Neighbourhood Policing Teams is available for PCSOs to read and identifies safe use and good practice. All staff will follow these guidelines and register their account with the HQ Corporate Communications Department.

Priority 3 - Ownership of crime and ASB issues that impact on the local community.

Integral to Lincolnshire Police response to incidents of minor crime and ASB is the diarised appointment system for NPTs. PCSOs are largely responsible for attending these appointments in their local area and this commitment is a key part of building continued levels of public trust and confidence in our ability to respond.

Ensuring that these appointments are kept, or where necessary rearranged with personal contact from the officer allocated, is a key responsibility for each PCSO. A member of the public can also request an appointment with their Neighbourhood Policing Team for

• ASB

• Minor criminal damage (where there are no witnesses/suspects)

• Suspicious circumstances

• Vehicle related ASB for example obstructions and parking issues

PCSOs will investigate and problem-solve incidents of minor criminal damage and ASB within their local communities. Vital to our commitments in the Victims’ Charter is our responsibility to update victims in line with this guidance.

ASB

Primacy for the investigation and overall ownership of Incidents of ASB rests with each local Neighbourhood Policing Team. PCSOs will take personal responsibility for these issues and apply a problem solving approach utilising the NHP database on the force intranet to record and update on their actions.

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To assist this process, and ensure that all stakeholders are able to view and share information about ASB issues, a Sentinel case management system is in operation in Lincolnshire.

Every PCSO will be trained on how to use this system and will ensure that they use it in the management of their ASB incidents and cases.

When a common risk assessment has been completed and a high-risk victim of ASB is identified, PCSOs will ensure that the case is submitted to an Anti-Social Behaviour Risk Assessment Conference (ASBRAC).

Crime

PCSOs can undertake the investigation and resolution of certain crimes that are important to local community. Although not accredited investigators, PCSOs receive training on how to conduct initial crime investigations at a scene such as identifying the presence of CCTV, securing a scene for forensics examination and conducting house to house enquiries.

PCSOs can record crimes where appropriate and then depending on the type of crime, progress the crime to its conclusion including where the resolution could fall under school rules, restorative justice or is suitable for a Penalty Notice for Disorder.

PCSOs may be required to work alongside a police officer in order to investigate a crime that occurred within their local area.

PCSOs will only be allocated a crime to investigate and resolve as the allocated officer where an interview of a suspect is not required, police officer powers are not required and the crime impacts on their local community. It will be for a supervisor to decide upon the allocation of crime under these circumstances.

For other crime types, PCSOs can record offences and commence initial enquiries including the seizure of CCTV or an exhibit. The crime may then be allocated to a police officer at a later date following allocation by CMB.

It is important that an initial enquiry, and the securing of potential evidence, is not delayed whilst the allocation process is completed. The victim will remain at the heart of our response and their needs will always be considered in deciding how we progress the investigation.

A supervisor will determine whether a crime will remain with a PCSO or require allocating to a police officer. If a supervisor allocates the investigation to a PCSO, it is important that suitable support and guidance is provided including the provision of an investigation plan.

All PCSOs will receive training on Golden Hour principles, including how to record their own witness statements and how to record a crime.

Priority 4 - Provide appropriate levels of support to policing whilst continuing to deliver the PCSO role.

As part of the policing family, a PCSO will be required to support other aspects of policing over and above their core role. However, supervisors and managers will ensure that they assess the impact of removing PCSOs from their roles before they are utilised. It is the responsibility of the supervisor to ensure that any disruption caused to appointments / meetings / diarised incidents made by the PCSO is managed in order to maintain the trust and confidence of the public.

Undoubtedly, there will be unforeseen operational demands where every policing resource in an area will be required to respond in the pursuit of public safety and crime prevention.

In order to assist supervisor and managers in making decisions on whether to use a PCSO outside of their core roles, they should consider the following:

• Can I use another resource other than the PCSO?

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• Does the PCSO have the training and knowledge required to undertake the task I am asking them to do?

• What impact on the PCSO role will the task have?

• How do I minimise the impact?

• Does the task keep the PCSO in their community?

Some examples where a PCSO may be required to assist are:

Scene Guard

A PCSO will receive training on how to manage a scene guard during their initial training program. Whilst they have powers to enforce cordons in certain circumstances, PCSOs will be used to staff a scene guard in other circumstances. Unless exceptional circumstances exist, PCSOs should only be used to guard a scene

• In their own Neighbourhood Policing Area

• For a crime/incident that this likely to have an impact on the local community

Dealing with Mental Health Issues

There will be occasions when a PCSO will be required to attend an incident involving member of the public suffering from mental health issues. The PCSO will be expected to manage the situation until a police officer attends and then continue to support that officer until the situation is resolved.

When dealing with a potential mental health issue there are some basic principles to follow

• Treat everyone as a human being

• Give the person time and space

• Communicate effectively with the person, building a rapport

• Do not dismiss their condition

• Remain calm and considered

• Consult with specialists

A PCSO should ensure that they also get to know their local Crisis and Home Treatment team.

Missing Person

Whilst PCSOs are not suitable resources to allocate a report of a missing person to, they may be required to assist in the actions required in order locate the individual. These tasks could include, searches, address checks, viewing of CCTV and liaising with local contacts to circulate details of the missing person.

Every task should be recorded on the force missing person case management system and no detail should be excluded from the updates.

Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs)

PCSOs will be required to assist at the scene of an RTC if required. The supervisor will seek to replace any PCSO with a police officer resource as soon as is practicable.

When attending a RTC some basic principles apply

• Be visible – wear a high visibility jacket and hat

• Recognise your own limitations and powers

• Ensure the scene is safe, signed and coned

• Report what to see concisely and accurately

• Control the scene – do not allow anyone to start cleaning up or moving debris until authorised by the investigating officer

Prisoner Escorts

PCSOs should not be used for prisoner escorts unless this has been authorised by a supervisor.

Supervisors should consider the following types of issues in order to make a risk assessment of whether it is appropriate to utilise a PCSO for prisoner escorts.

• Has the detained person been risk assessed by an officer at least the rank of sergeant as LOW?

• Is the detained person is compliant?

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• Will the detained person be handcuffed and in the rear of a police vehicle either in a cell van or on the rear nearside of the vehicle?

• Will a police officer be positioned next to the detained person or is direct line of sight of the detained person?

• Will the PCSO drive the vehicle?

Priority 5 - Encourage and develop multi-agency and partnership initiatives to reduce ASB/crime and support communities.

This priority is achieved by effectively utilising the skills, abilities, knowledge and support gained from contributing to priorities 1 to 4.

PCSOs will must understand their areas and the current priorities, ensuring that these drive their patrol activities and contribute to their overall visibility (Priority 1).

PCSOs will develop plans that demonstrate how they engage with their communities, seeking to build and develop local partnerships in order to solve local ASB and crime issues (priority 2).

PCSOs will maintain ownership of the management and investigation of ASB on their area. They will ensure that they can identify trends and series and ensure that they utilise partnership and problem solving approaches in order to resolve and prevent incidents of minor crime and ASB (priority 3).

PCSOs will continue to support other policing activities across the county when required, particularly when activities directly impact on their local communities (priority 4).

The role of PCSO in Lincolnshire requires a degree of flexibility in order to respond to local needs, recognising the diverse nature of our communities across Lincolnshire. However, this flexibility must operate within a corporate and standardised framework and Lincolnshire Police will ensure that this is achieved in relation to what PCSOs wear, what they deal with and how they are deployed.

The PCSO shift pattern is mixture of day and evening shifts and this pattern will be applied consistently across the whole force. However, with prior line management approval, PCSOs can respond to specific local demand by making adjustments to their shifts when required.

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Chapter 3 - Our Standards and ExpectationsLincolnshire Police expects the highest standards of work, behaviour and appearance from its staff. The PCSO role is a public-facing, frontline function so maintaining these high standards takes on extra emphasis. This section will describe those standards and how they are to be maintained.

Staff Charter

The behaviour and values set out in the Staff Charter form the basis of how we work in Lincolnshire police. They enable us to deliver our services with PRIDE.

Professionalism - consistently demonstrating the highest standards of occupational practice and behaviour.

Respect - showing consideration and courtesy to our community, colleagues and respect for our force.

Integrity - showing honesty, openness and fairness in the way we behave.

Dedication - being caring and committed to delivering excellent services.

Empathy - being able to see things from another’s point of view and show understanding.

There are a number of practical options we can apply in order to police with PRIDE.

Learning from experience - Things won’t always go as well as they might. When this happens we need to

• concentrate on solving the problem, rather than blaming others

• take time to think about what went well, what didn’t and why

• avoid short term fixes that won’t solve the underlying problem and could make things worse in the long term

• think creatively and question current ways of doing things

• consider the benefits and risks of doing things differently

Consistently treating colleagues with honesty and respect - Talking openly and sensitively to our colleagues about our own and their performance and behaviour will help everyone to develop and will build good relationships. To do this effectively we need to

• ask for and act on feedback from managers and colleagues

• offer constructive and genuine feedback to others

• consistently behave in a positive way

• demonstrate a mature approach in our dealings with others

• avoid engaging in rumour and gossip

Adopting a team approach – Supporting colleagues and putting the needs of the team and communities we serve first will ensure we are delivering a quality service to the public of Lincolnshire. To achieve this we need to

• see the wider picture and consider the effect of our actions on the whole Force

• always act in the best interests of the communities we serve

• support colleagues in delivering their services and achieving their potential

• take personal responsibility for resolving problems and improving services

• find out what other teams do and how our actions affect them so we can improve how we all work together.

Improving communication and commitment - Everyone has some responsibility for improving communications. People do a better job when they are well informed and have the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of their services. We can achieve this by

• sharing information when it will help others to do their job better

• tell our managers if we feel uninformed or excluded

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• put forward our ideas for improvement

• keep up to date by regularly looking at the Force intranet and by reading Force newsletters

• be aware or local and force priorities and ensure personal objectives will contribute to these

Professional standards and the Code of Ethics

High levels of public trust and confidence in the police is a key factor in enabling the police service to continue to police by consent. This confidence depends on police officers, PCSOs and police staff demonstrating the highest level of personal and professional standards of behaviour.

The role of the Professional Standards Department is to maintain public confidence and the reputation of Lincolnshire Police by upholding standards within the organisation. This is done by

• Responding to and addressing complaints

• Investigating incidents of Misconduct and Corruption

• Learning lessons

• Providing advice and guidance

Our overall approach is not to apportion blame but to encourage a learning culture where we learn from mistakes both individually and organisationally with an emphasis on development and improvement.

The code of ethics sets out how Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers should behave, what conduct is acceptable and what is not.

Honesty and Integrity - PCSOs are honest, act with integrity and do not compromise or abuse their position.

Authority, Respect and Courtesy – PCSOs act with self-control and tolerance, treating members of the public and colleagues with respect and courtesy.

Equality and Diversity - PCSOs act with fairness and impartiality. They do not discriminate unlawfully or unfairly. PCSOs carry out their duties with fairness and impartiality and in accordance with current equality legislation. In protecting others’ human rights, they act in accordance with Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Uses of Force – PCSOs only use force to the extent that it is necessary, proportionate and reasonable in all the circumstances.

Section 3 Criminal Law Act 1967 states “Any person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances in the prevention of crime or in effecting or assisting in the lawful arrest of offenders or suspected offenders or of persons unlawfully at large.” PCSOs may use this power whilst being mindful of necessity, proportionality and reasonableness.

Orders and Instructions - PCSOs only give and carry out lawful orders and instructions. PCSOs abide by PCSO powers, force policies and lawful orders. The police service is a disciplined body and therefore any decision not to follow an order or instruction will need to be fully justified.

Duties and Responsibilities – PCSOs are diligent in the exercise of their duties and responsibilities. PCSOs do not neglect their duties or responsibilities.

Confidentiality - PCSOs treat information with respect and access or disclose it only in the proper course of police duties.

Fitness for Duty - PCSOs when on duty or presenting themselves for duty are fit to carry out their duties and responsibilities.

Discreditable Conduct - PCSOs behave in a manner which does not discredit the police service or undermine public confidence, whether on or off duty.

Challenging and Reporting Improper Conduct - PCSOs report, challenge or take action against the conduct of colleagues which has fallen below the standards of professional behaviour expected.

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The Victims’ Code

The Victims’ Code was published in December 2013, updating the previous code published in 2006.

The code places statutory obligations on the police and probation services, the courts, Youth Offending Teams and other criminal justice agencies. These are statutory not discretionary meaning they are legally binding and must be undertaken in every circumstance. It clearly sets out what victims can expect from the Police and the rights a victim has.

Every victim will receive a Victim Care leaflet from the officer at the initial crime report stage. The leaflet explains to the victims what they can expect from the police during the investigation, including their right to regular updates and access to victim services.

Every victim will receive an update on the progress of their case by the investigating officer within five working days of making their initial crime report and of any significant developments in the case, such as when a suspect is

• arrested

• interviewed under caution

• released without charge

• released on police bail

• charged or their bail is cancelled or the bail conditions are changed

However, victims entitled to an enhanced service – those who are a victim of the most serious crimes or who are vulnerable, intimidated or persistently targeted – will receive an update on the progress of their case within one working day of making their initial crime report and of any significant developments in their case, as outlined above.

A PCSO is expected to adhere to this code on all occasions and by doing so, will build and maintain victim confidence in policing services.

Standards of Dress and Appearance

Lincolnshire Police expects the highest standards of all its officers and staff. The public expect uniformed officers to ‘look the part’, be visible and stand out in a crowd. It is the responsibility of all staff to portray a positive image of the force and for supervisors/managers to set an example and challenge where we fail to meet these high standards.

Uniform and equipment are supplied by Lincolnshire Police as standard and there should be no deviation from this unless this has been approved by the FME or Chief Officer.

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The following images are included to help demonstrate the standards expected:

Fair Weather

Bad Weather with Jackets

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LINCOLNSHIRE POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER

Chapter 4 - Training and Personal DevelopmentIn order to effectively carry out the role and functions of a PCSO, comprehensive initial training is provided to all new officers. This training is further supported by regular refresher training, both locally and at force level.

The professional development of individual officers in their role is vital to delivering a quality service to the public. An effective, highly skilled and competent workforce will maximise our ability to prevent, respond and solve problems of ASB and crime. Lincolnshire Police is committed to providing the training and on-going development to support our staff. This section outlines this training and on-going development.

Initial Training

The initial training schedule has been developed to reflect the role and function of PCSOs and relates directly to the five PCSO priorities. It is split into three distinct phases of training covering a 9 week schedule.

Phase 1 – Induction (weeks 1-2)

A general introduction to policing, the criminal justice system, learning processes, basic first aid skills, personal safety skills and effective communication are all acquired on the first week. By week two, officers are introduced to problem solving concepts, the importance of public trust and confidence, KIN recruitment and management and computer systems that will assist them in their role as a PCSO.

Phase 2 – Community (weeks 3-4)

The focus of these two weeks is the completion of community placements with partner agencies, the volunteer sector and victim groups. Officers learn about working in partnership to solve problems, what is available outside of policing to assist them and the importance of providing a victim focussed service. They are trained on crime reduction methods, how to work with and manage neighbourhood watch schemes, developing effective neighbourhood panels and utilising their newly learnt skills to prepare and

then present a briefing to their colleagues on a community policing issue.

Phase 3 – PCSO Powers and Crime Management (weeks 5-9)

Further training is given on problem-solving, computer systems and victim contact and care. Officers are now given the opportunity to practice these skills in bespoke practical exercises in view of the public. This introduces the concept of visibility and provides new officers with experience of being watched by the public for the first time.

The standard and delegated powers available to Lincolnshire PCSOs are introduced, along with the crime management skills of statement recording, crime recording, crime-scene preservation and golden hour enquiries.

Inputs on relevant criminal law, ASB legislation, external agencies presentations and further practical exercises prepare the officers for their next stage of training – accompanied patrol.

Accompanied Patrol

Before a PCSO is considered to be operationally competent in their role, they must successfully pass a period of accompanied patrol with an experienced PCSO. The tutor, who is an experienced PCSO with training on how to assess competencies, will work alongside the tutee PCSO in their designated policing team. Over the course of the next 12 weeks, the tutee will seek to demonstrate their competence at the PCSO role in an operational environment.

A PCSO action checklist (PCSO-AC) is completed by the tutee, evidencing different competency areas based upon the role and function of a PCSO. There is a requirement to provide evidence on their ability to deliver the five PCSO priorities in an operational context. This is an opportunity for the tutee to try new skills, obtain feedback on their performance and further develop their knowledge and abilities.

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MANUAL OF GUIDANCE

By the end of week 21, the PCSO should be ready to commence independent patrol.

Further Development and Training

Every two years, PCSOs receive a week of refresher training. The syllabus is flexible and is tailored to meet the needs of the attendees and the challenges currently facing the community and the organisation.

PCSOs have the opportunity to continue to develop their professional knowledge and skill-set by completing on-line training packages. As part of their continuing development, supervisors will identify various packages for their PCSO staff to complete.

A Professional Development Review (PDR) is conducted between the PCSO and their line

manager on an annual basis. This is where individual performance of the PCSO is assessed against their role profile and feedback from colleagues, line managers, the public and partners should be discussed. Any development needs that are identified could include community placements, a specific training course, mentoring and project work. Objectives are then agreed and set for the PCSO to work towards over the next 12 months.

At all points of personal development, the five PCSO priorities will form the founda development. It must be considered how the development plan or training input contributes to enabling the PCSO to be more effective at the five PCSO priorities.

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LINCOLNSHIRE POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER

Appendix A – Problem Solving ExampleA group of residents in sheltered accommodation are concerned about youths playing pranks in the area especially egg-throwing activities.

Identify the issue

• Is there a problem?

• Is it perception or fact?

• Be specific around the issue – what, when, where, who, why, how.

It is established that the issue is occurring at both the sheltered accommodation and the local shopping arcade. It happens on Thursday and Friday evenings between 5pm and 7pm. The culprits are thought to be from a nearby children’s home.

Identify the stakeholders

• Police

• Residents at the sheltered accommodation

• Shop owners at the arcade

• Staff at the children’s home

• Children at the children’s home

• Local schools

Consult with the stakeholders

• What is the motivation behind the egg-throwing?

• Are specific people being targeted?

• Have the residents reported this before?

• Have the residents contacted the children’s home and schools?

• What have the children’s home staff and schools done with the issue?

• What powers do the police have?

• What offences may have been committed?

Following a period of consultation it is established that this issue only started a month

ago. This coincided with the closure of an after-school youth club that was held at the local secondary school because of staff shortages. A local store has indicated that they have been selling boxes of eggs to children regularly over the past month. The residents at the sheltered accommodation are fearful over their safety and feel targeted. It is clear that this is an issue that should be dealt with by the police but should have other agencies involved.

Develop a plan to resolve this issue using PIER principles

Prevention

• Ask the shop to stop selling eggs to children

• Encourage the school to re-open its after school club

• Patrol the area at the relevant times

• Visit the children’s home and speak with both the staff and the children explaining the effect of the egg-throwing on the residents

Intelligence

• Visit KINs and shopkeepers. They may be able to identify the offenders

• Speak with the residents. They may know who is responsible

• Review CCTV images from the stores and sheltered accommodation.

Enforcement

• Patrol the area at the relevant times

• Encourage the residents to contact police when it is happening

• Challenge and deal with children identified as being responsible including use of restorative justice.

Reassurance

• Keep the victims updated with police action.

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• Inform and update the local media with the issue and how it is being resolved.

After the police intervention 3 children are identifi ed and are given cautions about their behaviour. As part of the resolution they attend

the sheltered accommodation and apologise to the residents for their behaviour. One of the residents, a retired teacher, offers to assist the secondary school so that it can re-open the after school club. There are no more incidents of egg-throwing.

Lincolnshire Police Headquarters, PO Box 999, Lincoln LN5 7PHwww.lincs.police.uk