Two employees from John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance Ltd were given some police-style powers by Hertfordshire Police under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) on Tuesday July 23.
Contract Manager Stephen Webb and Grounds Maintenance officer Dominik Ciemierz were given the powers under the scheme to request the name and address of anyone they suspect of causing anti-social behaviour; and can confiscate alcohol from anyone under the age of 18. As the name CSAS suggests, the aim is to improve community safety.
They were presented with certificates, identity cards and cards displaying their new powers by Hertsmere Neighbourhood Inspector Richard Johnson at Hatfield Police Station.
Insp Johnson said: “We are delighted that Hertsmere Borough Council contractors have become accredited with Hertfordshire Constabulary and look forward to welcoming these two employees of John O’Conner into the extended police family. I am confident this will benefit the community and I hope it will help make members of the public feel safe and reassured.”
The force’s Community Safety Manager Sally Russell, added: “We are pleased to welcome these two council contractors into the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme and to facilitate them being able to deal more effectively with anyone causing anti-social behaviour. The Scheme continues to grow successfully and to play an important role in the delivery of effective policing in many neighbourhoods. Above all, it assists in providing an effective and efficient contribution to the safety and security of Hertfordshire’s residents.”
And Charles Goldstein, Hertsmere councillor and Community Safety Portfolio Holder, said: “The borough’s parks are generally safe but from time to time we can have issues with anti-social behaviour and underage drinking. But with these new powers, our grounds maintenance contractors will be able to reprimand offenders and work more closely with local police to put a stop to it.”
Before being awarded their new powers the officers were vetted and attended a two-day training course. They will wear the CSAS badge and carry identity cards that will identify them to the public as well as giving information about their roles and the powers they have.
The Community Safety Accreditation Scheme, which has been established in Hertfordshire for a number of years, lets community safety bodies and security guard forces enter in a formal agreement with a police force – some keener to bring bodies on board than others – and to be accredited with limited policing powers. Examples include guarding train track and dealing with bad behaviour affecting housing association property.
