What is the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme?

This scheme allows organisations and employees to be given certain powers to help them tackle community issues such as antisocial and nuisance behaviour, litter and graffiti. By extending the police family, those Accredited can also act as the 'eyes and ears' of the police, helping to improve the quality of life issues in the local community.

Are Accredited people employed by the Police?

The Wardens are not employed by Essex Police but act as their eyes and ears and a link between them and the Council. The Police are not involved with their day-to-day activities but check their suitability before they are granted Accreditation Status.

What standards have to be reached?

Organisations must meet strict standards set by Essex Police and individuals must satisfy strict criteria including positive extensive police vetting and training.

What Powers can an Accredited person have?

They can:

<>   Request a name and address for Fixed Penalty Notices, (FPNs) and offences that cause alarm, injury and distress to another person or damage and loss of another's property.

<>   Request the name and address  of a person acting in an antisocial manner

<> Photograph a person who has received a FPN away from a Police Station

<> Confiscate alcohol from young people

<> Confiscate cigarettes and tobacco products from young people

<> Issue a Fixed Penalty Notice for riding a bicycle on a footpath

<> Stop a cyclist if they are suspected of having committed the offence of riding on a footway

How do I recognise an Accredited person?

Accredited people wear the uniform of their organisation displaying a nationally agreed standard approved badge. They should also have an identification card, stating their name, which will also confirm what powers the individual has been granted with by Essex Police.