Police Community Support Officers' powers

[timf]

on last nights anglia news there was a report regarding cycling on the pavements etc.
in the report they showed a pcso issuing a FPN to a cyclist for riding on the pavement (about time too),
i thought that the pcso had minimum police powers or did something change and they now
have power to issue FPNs etc.
or was the 'They are only there to supply a support role to the real police a

[Dwight VanDriver]

Powers of a CSO are outlined at Part 1 Schedule 4 Police Reform Act 2002 and can only be exercised where accredited by the Chief Constable. Bits and pieces are being added ad hoc and there is some concern in the ranks that the situation wants rationalising.

Cyling on a footpath is one of the powers CSO can deal with by issue of a FPN but only if the Chief says he can.

dvd

[Munter]

When we had that cold snap I saw a CSO on a moped make a MOP clear all the windows of frost before telling them OK you can get in and drive it safely now! I'm sure they dont have the power to do that! (They did need telling though as they always drive looking through a tiny patch on the screen.)

[autismuk]

Modern policing ..... out in a small local town I saw what looked like two Police Officers and a Police Car. Turned out to be 2 PSCOs and a CCTV unit. They proceeded to start "talking to" two lads who were doing nothing whatsoever (it was about 5:30 pm).

Pointless. One proper copper would have been far more useful

[Robbo SPS]

I work with a few PCSO's, and still would like to see them do more ? But at the same time not take Police powers away, otherwise Surry's "super PC" idea will come in.

[TheLemming]

Out of curiousity, is there any way of knowing, other than looking it up somewhere in advance, what the powers of these quasi-coppers are?

As it appears to vary from force area to force area, am I right in thinking you could get into a bit of bother for refusing a lawfull order from one, which you thought he wasnt authorised to give?