Police community support officers

The council contributes match funding of around £100,000 to help provide a number of PCSOs to work alongside the Police in South Oxfordshire. The PCSOs are employed by the Police and wear similar uniforms. They provide a uniformed presence in communities and deal with low level crime and antisocial behaviour.

There are thirty PCSOs working across the District, six of these are funded by the council. The Police, in consultation with the District Council, decide exactly where they are deployed. This is based on priority need i.e. where particular problems are being experienced that the PCSOs could help to resolve.

New powers to issue fixed penalty notices (FPNs)

The council has given the power to all PCSOs working in the district to issue fixed penalty notices(FPNs) for the following environmental crimes

dropping litter
dog-fouling - the offence is 'failing to remove dog faeces'
graffiti
fly-posting.

The PCSOs will advise and educate the public in the first instance, but if a person persists in their behaviour, the officer will issue an FPN.

The fixed penalty cost is £80, but is reduced to £50 if it is paid within 10 days. If people refuse to pay they will be prosecuted under the relevant legislation with a maximum fine of £2,500.

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