Community Safety

Safer Neighbourhood Policing Teams

police in Alton High St Safer Neighbourhood Policing Teams are police and PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers) who have responsibility for specific geographical areas. They work together with residents, local councillors and other agencies to concentrate on the issues which matter most to communities.

The arrival of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in April 2007 has provided a wider and more visible presence in the community.

Working alongside the Safer Neighbourhood Teams are the Police Targeted Patrol Teams who are dedicated to providing an emergency policing response (these officers work shifts covering 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Your local Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams

The teams are split into four sectors (Alton, Longmoor, Petersfield and South of Butser).

Find out who the PCs and PCSOs are on your beat

Do you know how to contact police?

There are different ways - 101, 999, 0845 045 45 45, visiting the police station and email.

Find out which to call when

Visit Hampshire Constabulary's website

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs)

Police Community Support Officers or PCSOs work for the police and wear similar uniforms but they have a blue band around their hats, not a black and white checked one. They do not carry personal protective equipment although they do carry a police radio.

Their main role is to provide an important link between police and the community. They work to reassure the public, gather community intelligence and provide feedback. They can arrest and detain offenders for up to 30 minutes and they can issue fixed-penalty notices for certain offences (eg dropping litter). They can seize alcohol and cigarettes from those who are under-age and can require that people give them their names and addresses.

Accredited Community Safety Officer (ACSO)

ACSOs work for Hampshire County Council. They have the power to confiscate alcohol and cigarettes from young people who are under-age. ACSOs also have the power to enforce laws on fly-tipping.

Find out more about the ACSO