Commentary on Sections
Part 2: Accredited persons
292.This Part lists the new powers that can be conferred on persons accredited under a community safety accreditation scheme under section 41 of the 2002 Act by a chief officer. The powers set out in this Part add to those that may be conferred on accredited persons which are listed in Schedule 5 to the 2002 Act (as amended by the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003). The new powers include a power to direct traffic and a power to deal with begging. Additional powers for accredited persons are intended to enable them to deal more effectively with anti-social behaviour and to help in their community safety role.
293.Paragraph 18 amends paragraph 2(3) of Schedule 5 to the 2002 Act and will give an accredited person the power to require the name and address of a person that he believes has committed an offence under sections 3 or 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824. Any person who refuses to give their name and address on request is guilty of an offence punishable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.
294.Paragraphs 19 and 20 insert paragraphs 3A and 8B into Schedule 5 to the 2002 Act. These make equivalent provision in respect of accredited persons as paragraphs 6 and 10 do for community support officers by enabling them to direct traffic and to require the name and address of a person who fails to follow directions.
295.Paragraph 21 gives to accredited persons the power to photograph a person to whom they have issued a fixed penalty notice.