New Police Community Support Officers take up role
21 Apr 08
The University of Oxford has provided Thames Valley Police with funding towards new posts in community policing. Four Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are taking up their new role today. The University is providing half of the funding over two years.
The officers will provide a uniformed, official presence in areas of the University. They will not patrol college grounds unless specifically invited in by the college but will be around the outside of colleges. The new officers will support Thames Valley Police with their workload and help to provide an official presence, where requested, in policing high-profile University events.
Principal Proctors’ Officer, Tim Pearson, said: ‘The aim of the new Police Community Support Officers is to use their powers, working with the University and colleges, to address anti-social behaviour, the fear of crime, and other factors that affect the quality of life for students and members of staff.’
Colleges and departments can continue with their normal practice of using Oxford University’s own security officers on any security issues.
Historically, there used to be an Oxford University Police presided over by the University Marshal or Oxford University Proctors. It was set up by an Act of Parliament in 1825. Nicknamed ‘Bulldogs’, their role continued until 2003 when they were disbanded by the University Council. ‘Bulldogs’ carried warrant cards and were empowered to act as police officers within the University precincts and within areas of Oxford within four miles of any University building. In 2003 they were replaced by Proctors’ Officers who carry out similar duties, but without exercising police powers or holding warrant cards.