Entry Powers of Police Community Support Officers

Police Reform Act 2002, Sch.4, Part 1

Warrant: No
Force: No
Notice: No

Police Community Support Officers designated with relevant powers by a chief constable may exercise certain entry powers alongside the constable to whom they are attached. PCSOs may enter licensed premises to investigate licensing offences and may enter certain other premises with a constable. However, PCSOs do not have the general entry powers of a constable.

Conditions

PCSO must be designated with the specific power by the chief constable under Schedule 4
Must be acting with or on behalf of a constable
Entry is limited to the purposes for which the specific designation is granted

Limitations

PCSOs do not have the same breadth of entry powers as constables
Must usually be accompanied by or act under the direction of a constable
Designations must be expressly granted: PCSOs cannot exercise a power not specifically designated

Last updated 1 April 2026