'Confusing' PCSO uniforms changed

PCSOs' hat bands and epaulettes will change colour in the move

Uniforms for Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in Devon and Cornwall are to be changed after complaints they can be confused with police officers.

PCSOs have limited powers compared to regular officers. They have no arrest or search powers and can only detain suspects for up to half-an-hour.

Blue and white check bands around their hats will be replaced with a royal blue band, the force said.

Epaulettes will be altered to match. The changes take effect in January.

The main role of PCSOs is to support regular officers by giving crime prevention advice and helping tackle anti-social behaviour.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Netherton of Devon and Cornwall Police said the force was proud of PCSOs.

But he added members of the public had to be aware immediately of whether someone in uniform was an officer or not.

Officers and PCSOs' checked hat bands have caused some confusion

He said: "We're really proud of our PCSOs. They do a great job in the community.

"What we want to do is emphasise that they are there to be people who engage with the local community and solve the local problems, rather than police officers who are there to deal with more serious crime."

The organisation which represents rank and file police officers, the Police Federation, campaigned against potential confusion and said it welcomed the change.

Steve Tovagliari of the federation said: "We believe that there should be clear blue water between what a police officer looks like, and the work they carry out, in comparison to a community support officer.

"A community support officer carries out a good job in the role that they do, but they do not have the powers or abilities of a police constable."