Award for Chorleywood PCSO (From Watford Observer)

Award for Chorleywood PCSO

11:59am Wednesday 16th December 2009

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A Chorleywood Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) has received an award for her outstanding contribution to the community.

Tania Stabler, who has pounded the village’s streets for the last 18 months, has been named PCSO of the year by members of the Three Rivers Neighbourhood Watch.

PCSO Stabler, a former chef and charity shop volunteer from Mill End, explained why her unusual career move was the best decision of her life.

She said: “I absolutely love the job. I have always enjoyed meeting and communicating with people and, really, that is what the job is all about.

“It is my job to make contacts with everyone in the village and provide a visible police presence. I spend a lot of my time with the kids making sure they stay out of trouble.”

Although paid a full-time salary PCSOs have no powers of arrest and can do little hard policing. For this they have faced heavy criticism since the role was introduced in 2002.

PCSO Stabler, however, who fended off competition for the award from more than 20 other hopefuls, argues her non-confrontational role is a help and not a hindrance to local law enforcement.

She added: “I am not a policewoman, I don’t carry handcuffs or a baton and I can’t arrest anyone. I can only detain people, ask for their details or confiscate alcohol and cigarettes. But that doesn’t mean I can’t make a difference.

“I always have back-up if I need but most of the time I don’t. There have been a couple of incidents when somebody has needed to be arrested but most of the time that isn’t necessary and people respect what I say.

“I am not supposed to put myself in danger but if something serious was happening I wouldn’t just stand by and watch. I would react like anyone else and get involved.”

For many recruits the job is a stepping stone on the way to becoming a full time police officer with full powers of arrest.

Not, however, for PCSO Stabler. She added: “I do the job because I love doing it. I’m not interested in joining the police and just want to serve the community.”

PCSO Stabler, jointly funded by the parish council and Hertfordshire Constabulary, was jointly awarded the title with Abbots Langley PCSO Wesley Gullin.

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