Annex C: Summary of powers of community support officers to search and seize
The following is a summary of the search and seizure powers that may be exercised by a community support officer (CSO) who has been designated with the relevant powers in accordance with Part 4 of the Police Reform Act 2002.
When exercising any of these powers, a CSO must have regard to any relevant provisions of this Code, including section 3 governing the conduct of searches and the steps to be taken prior to a search.
1. Not used
2. Powers to search requiring the consent of the person and seizure
A CSO may detain a person using reasonable force where necessary as set out in Part 1 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002. If the person has been lawfully detained, the CSO may search the person provided that person gives consent to such a search in relation to the following:
Designation — Powers conferred — Object of search — Extent of search — Where exercisable
1. Police Reform Act 2002, Schedule 4, paragraphs 7 and 7A. — (a) Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, s12(2). (b) Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997, s1. (c) Children and Young Persons Act 1933, s7(3). — (a) Alcohol or a container for alcohol.(b) Alcohol. (c) Tobacco or cigarette papers. — (a) Persons. (b) Persons under 18 years old. (c) Persons under 16 years old found smoking. — (a) Designated public place. (b) Public place. (c) Public place.
3. Powers to search not requiring the consent of the person and seizure
A CSO may detain a person using reasonable force where necessary as set out in Part 1 of Schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002. If the person has been lawfully detained, the CSO may search the person without the need for that person’s consent in relation to the following:
Designation — Power conferred — Object of search — Extent of search — Where exercisable
Police Reform Act 2002, Schedule 4 paragraph 2A., — Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.32. — (a) Objects that might be used to cause physical injury to the person or the CSO. (b) Items that might be used to assist escape. — Persons made subject to a requirement to wait. — Any place where the requirement to wait has been made.
4. Powers to seize without consent
This power applies when drugs are found in the course of any search mentioned above.
Designation — Power conferred — Object of seizure — Extent of seizure
Police Reform Act 2002, Schedule 4, paragraph 7B. — Police Reform Act 2002, Schedule 4, paragraph 7B. — Controlled drugs in a person’s possession. — Any place where the person is in possession of the drug.