Extra powers for security staff
Eastgate Shopping Centre security staff will have extra powers,
thanks to a scheme supported by Essex Police.
The Eastgate Centre have been awarded The Community Safety
Accreditation Scheme (CSAS), which allows Chief Constable Jim
Barker McCardle to accredit staff with powers to tackle issues such
as graffiti, litter, abandoned cars and anti-social behaviour.
Security staff will now undergo training to have personal
accreditations, giving them the additional powers.
One of the most important powers staff will be given will be the
ability to take people’s names and addresses who are committing
crime or causing a nuisance in the centre, which will then allow
police to identify offenders and take appropriate action.
Basildon district commander, Chief Insp Rachel Wood, said: “The
security team at the Eastgate works very closely with our town
officers, and plays a vital role in not only keeping the shopping
centre safe, but all our residents who visit there too. The
additional powers under CSAS will now make them more effective in
their efforts to work with police to reduce crime and disorder in
the town centre.”
Once accredited,
they’ll be authorised to exercise powers appropriate to their
roles. These could include powers to issue fixed penalty notices
for littering and graffiti.
Accredited people can also issue penalty notices for knowingly
raising a false alarm with the fire brigade, consuming alcohol in a
public place and acting in a way likely to cause harassment, alarm
or distress. They do not however have the power to detain or
arrest.
Accreditation is awarded to employees by the Chief Constable but
before this can happen they will be vetted, interviewed and asked
to complete a training programme, culminating in an exam.
The security team at the Eastgate works very
closely with our town officers, and plays a vital role in not only
keeping the shopping centre safe, but all our residents who visit
there too.
Chief Insp Rachel WoodIf successful, they are issued with a national accreditation
badge by the Home Office and a card identifying them, their role
and their powers.
Jenny Ayres, Essex Police’s CSAS officer, added: “This is a
great way for Essex Police and companies like the Eastgate Centre
to work closely together for the benefit of the whole
community.
“Accredited Persons are the extra eyes and ears for the police
which is a valuable tool to assist us in reducing crime and
anti-social behaviour.”