The unsung heroes with accredited powers to keep our communities safe

Patrols are carried out across Devon and Cornwall by people in a variety of different roles

The uniform worn by police officers is instantly recognisable by the public and associated with law and order, as well as providing a reassuring presence on our streets to keep communities safe. 

However, if you live in big towns and cities and even rural areas, it is very likely that you will have also come across patrols being carried out by people wearing similar but differently branded clothing to reflect the contrasting, but still vital powers bestowed upon them. 

These include street marshals, town wardens, rangers, Tri-Service Safety Officers (TSSOs) and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). One thing many of them have in common, who are not employed the police, is being part of the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS). 

It gives employees who are involved in community safety or traffic management roles a range of limited police powers – approved by the Chief Constable – to improve community safety such as the authority to issue fixed penalty notices for certain offences, confiscating items such as tobacco or alcohol and directing traffic. 

Last year marked the 20th anniversary of CSAS being launched in Devon and Cornwall. There are now 32 CSAS and Accredited Police Volunteer (APV) schemes which together are made up of more than 200 accredited people. They are employed by partner organisations and are all police vetted and have passed an assessed training course. 

Later this month, an annual development day is being held in Exeter for CSAS accredited professionals to develop their knowledge around community safety issues as well as general knowledge of policing. Another key benefit is meeting people from other schemes in their areas. 

Tackling crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour is a collective responsibility that falls upon not just the police but partner organisations, including local authorities, private sector organisations and event traffic management schemes. 

One of the reasons Devon and Cornwall are much safer places to live than many other areas of the country is because we have adopted such a collaborative approach which combines traditional policing with community led solutions. 

Street marshals – who act as extra eyes and ears for police – were first introduced at scale during the Coronavirus pandemic and have been making a remarkable difference to businesses and communities ever since. 

Nearly 8,000 hours of street marshal patrols were delivered during the final nine months of 2025 in 15 designated hotspot locations across Devon and Cornwall.  Further funding from my office will ensure these continue until the end of September 2026, while partners continue to consider longer term arrangements for local provision.   

Businesses and local authorities have been helping match fund OPCC contributions to create roles in communities with CSAS powers. This partnership approach means we can stretch our funding further and put more boots on the ground which is what everyone always tells me they want – and deserve. Vitally, it also frees up police officers to deal with more complex incidents.  

A unique role that not only helps police, but other emergency services, is Tri-Service Safety Officers (TSSOs). 

They can be called upon to deal with police, ambulance and fire and rescue incidents, and provide a broad skill set and enhance early intervention, prevention and support for vulnerable individuals.     

This innovative model – unique to Devon and Cornwall – began as a pilot in Cornwall in 2014. There are now 15 full-time roles across Cornwall, with Devon’s first TSSO officially launched in Holsworthy in 2025.  The hope is the successful model will one day be replicated across the country. 

These extra roles, be it a TSSO or a street marshal, all make a huge difference and are an essential part of the bigger picture. I am extremely grateful for their relentless dedication, enthusiasm and professionalism to keep Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly safe.