Council Gains Accreditation Status

Published on 19 August 2009

Epping Forest District Council has successfully attained Accreditation Status under Essex Police’s Community Safety Accreditation Scheme. This Scheme is a national initiative launched in 2002 allowing organisations and their employees to be given targeted police powers to deal with incidents such as anti-social behaviour, disorder and nuisance. Officers in Epping Forest District Council’s Environment and Neighbourhoods Section will be now be able to call upon Police support in using their existing powers to deal with incidents such as littering, dogs fouling on land, fly posting and graffiti.

Pictured above are:
Presentation of Certificate of Accreditation to the Epping Forest District Council Chairman, Councillor Penny Smith, by Chief Superintendent Tim Stokes on the left and Inspector Craig Carrington of Essex Police

‘Accredited Persons’ can also act as the ’eyes and ears’ of the police helping to improve quality of life issues that may occur in the local community. They can request names and addresses of any persons acting in an anti-social manner. It is an offence to fail or refuse to comply. It is also an offence to assault or obstruct an Accredited Person or person assisting them.

Organisations granted Accreditation Status must meet standards set by Essex Police and individuals must satisfy strict criteria including positive extensive police vetting and training. Accredited people display a nationally-agreed standard approved badge on the uniform of their employer and carry an identification card stating their name and confirming what powers that individual has been granted by Essex Police.

Pictured above from left to right are:
Jim Nolan, EFDC Assistant Director of Environment and Street Scene (Neighbourhoods)
Richard Gardiner, EFDC Environment and Neighbourhoods Manager
Essex Police Chief Superintendent Tim Stokes
Essex Police Inspector Craig Carrington
Councillor Penny Smith, Chairman of Epping Forest District Council
John Gilbert, EFDC Director of Environment and Street Scene
Jenny Ayres, Essex Police Community Safety Accreditation Scheme Officer

Information on the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme:

• Essex Police Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) website

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