Update 9 October 2008 - A new Local Police Officer has been appointed in Penkridge.  He is Daz Munnerley and his Collard No. is 4131.   Our PCSO is still of course, Del Slater who you will see riding round our community, when on duty, on his bicycle, wearing his helmet.  The bike was bought for him by Penkridge Business Association.

The NEW Non-Emergency Number to phone has been changed and is now:  0300 123 44 55.   The old number will still work for a while, giving people time to adjust.

There is a very interesting website all about Community Support Officers - it is at:   http://www.pcsos-national.co.uk/

Here you can keep up to date with developments in this area of crime prevention.  

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The police community support officer (PCSO) provides a high visibility presence on the street, and as well as taking on traffic warden responsibilities, will also help in the fight against nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

It is a unique role aimed to improve the quality of life for local residents and offer greater public reassurance. PCSOs will wear a uniform similar to that of a police officer, but with a blue rather than chequered band on the hat and the words 'Police Community Support Officer' on the epaulettes.

Del works in a range of locations, which may include hot-spot areas, especially estates, the centre of the town as well as rural areas.  All PCSOs will be supervised by police officers and, if needed, will be able to call for assistance on their radios.

As well as the traditional powers of the traffic warden to issue fixed penalty notices for parking and related offences, the PCSOs will be able to:

• Confiscate tobacco and alcohol
• Have the power to demand the name and address of someone acting in an anti-social way
• Removing unwanted vehicles
• The power to enter a building to save life or prevent damage