Community Support Officers (CSOs)
Community Support Officers do not have the same powers as a full-fledged police officer, yet they are a visible patrolling presence and an effective crime deterrent, especially with regard to anti-social behaviour.

As well as being able to issue fixed penalty tickets for minor anti-social behaviour, CSOs can also demand the name and address of a person acting in an anti-social manner.

Other CSO powers include being able to confiscate alcohol being consumed in a public place, confiscate tobacco from young people and seize any vehicles that are being used to potentially harm other people.

A power for CSOs to detain individuals for up to 30 minutes while they wait for a police constable to arrive is being piloted in six forces.

CSOs spend much of their time on patrol in communities and you should approach them with any questions or worries you have about anti-social behaviour or crime in your area.

(from home office)