The Essex Police Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) allows the chief constable to accredit staff of other organisations, such as council street wardens, shopping centre security staff and sports stadia personnel with powers to tackle graffiti, litter, abandoned cars and anti-social behaviour.
The scheme is now into its fifth year in Braintree district, and accreditation was renewed at a presentation at Braintree Town Hall on June 5, 2009.
Christine Robb, a former community warden with Braintree District Council and now part of the Community Safety team, also received her personal Community Safety Accreditation Certificate at the event.
Accredited people can request the names and addresses of any persons acting in an anti-social manner. It is an offence to fail or refuse to comply with such a request. Accredited people may also be given the power to confiscate alcohol and tobacco products from underage individuals, and to confiscate and dispose of alcohol being consumed within a designated public place.
Before accreditation status is awarded, the people concerned will be vetted and interviewed by Essex Police. All employees and supervisors will need to complete an approved training programme culminating in an exam. The scheme is aimed at public, private and the voluntary sectors, who contribute to community safety.
Chief Inspector Alan Gooden, District Commander for Braintree, said: “I’m a huge fan of the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme. Accredited people, who include street wardens, park rangers and security staff, really are the eyes and ears of the police, helping us to improve the quality of life of everyone in the community.”
Councillor Wendy Schmitt, Cabinet Member for Communities said: “I am honoured to receive this re-accreditation on behalf of Braintree District Council. Our partnership with Essex Police is very valuable and this accreditation boosts our capability in keeping our neighbourhoods safe, clean and enjoyable places for local people to live and work.”
