City Centre Enforcement Officers are often one of the most visible services operating in Peterborough city centre. However, there are a number of misconceptions about what Enforcement Officers do and the role they play in keeping the city centre safe, clean and welcoming.
Here are some of the most common myths explained.
MYTH: City Centre Enforcement Officers have no powers
FACT: Our officers have statutory enforcement powers.
City Centre Enforcement Officers are not police officers and do not have all of the powers of a police constable. However, they are authorised officers of the council and operate professionally, fairly and robustly within the legislation available to them.
City Centre Enforcement Officers have specific legal powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and enforce the city's Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). These powers come from the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which gives local authorities powers to introduce PSPOs and provides for their enforcement by authorised persons.
Their approach is always: Educate. Advise. Encourage. Enforce.
Where possible, officers seek to resolve issues through engagement and education. However, when offences are being committed and advice is ignored, they can take formal enforcement action, including issuing Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs).
Enforcement Officers fulfil an important role that complements the work of the police, allowing police officers to focus on crime and other matters requiring police powers while council officers address environmental crime and nuisance behaviour that impacts everyday life in the city centre.
What does “authorised officer” mean?
An authorised officer is a person who has been formally authorised by the local authority to exercise particular enforcement powers provided by law on the Council's behalf. It is not simply a job title – the officer's authority comes from legislation and the formal authorisation given to them by the Council.
MYTH: City Centre Enforcement Officers only hand out fines
FACT: Fines are only one small part of the job. Many people see officers issuing fines for offences such as littering or breaches of the PSPO and assume that enforcement is all they do.
In reality, their role is far broader. Every day, officers work closely with:
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Cambridgeshire Police
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Rough Sleeper Outreach Teams
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Aragon Direct Services
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Peterborough Positive BID
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Local businesses
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Council services
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Community safety partners
In addition, they regularly assist:
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Visitors looking for directions
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Residents reporting concerns
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Businesses experiencing anti-social behaviour
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Vulnerable individuals in need of support
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People requiring first aid
As well as tackling offences, officers provide reassurance, information and support to people who may be experiencing homelessness, mental health difficulties, substance dependency issues or personal crises.
In many cases, their first priority is not enforcement at all. It is ensuring people are safe and connected to the specialist services that can provide longer-term support.
MYTH: City Centre Enforcement Officers stand around chatting
FACT: They may look like they are standing around chatting, but rather than spending time in a Town Hall meeting room they will sometimes meet together in our city centre to talk through issues they might have seen and to share intelligence and things that need to be actioned.
This means they can continue to monitor the City Centre and provide a visual presence to members of the members of the public.
Enforcement is not an Enforcement Officer’s only role. They also:
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Assisting visitors looking for directions
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Supporting local businesses
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Work closely with Cambridgeshire Police, the Outreach Team, Aragon Direct Services, Peterborough Business Improvement District (BID), local businesses and other council services.
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Helping vulnerable individuals access services (including individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance dependency issues or personal crises) by signposting towards services giving longer-term assistance
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Report environmental concerns or addressing anti-social behaviour
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Can deliver first aid if needed.
MYTH: City Centre Enforcement Officers ignore some cyclists
FACT: One of the most common questions officers receive relates to cycling in pedestrianised areas.
City Impact Team officers actively patrol areas covered by the Public Space Protection Order and will challenge riders where appropriate. However, officers cannot be everywhere at once. If an officer does not stop a cyclist, it does not mean the behaviour has been ignored.
There may be various reasons, including:
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The officer may already be dealing with another incident.
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The rider may not have been identified.
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The circumstances may not allow immediate intervention.
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Further intelligence gathering may be required.
Officers use professional judgement to determine the most appropriate response in each situation. This may range from advice and education through to formal enforcement action.
The objective is to improve compliance and make the city centre safer for all users.
MYTH: City Centre Enforcement Officers don't want people to ask them questions
FACT: This is not true. If you see an Enforcement Officer on patrol, you are welcome to approach them for assistance, to report an issue, or to discuss concerns relating to their area of responsibility.
Our officers are often able to assist with matters such as anti-social behaviour, environmental issues, community safety concerns, and reporting incidents that may require further action by the council or partner agencies.
If an officer is dealing with an incident or engaged in enforcement activity, they may not be able to assist immediately. In such circumstances, they will direct you to the most appropriate service or advise you on how to report the matter.
Please note that enforcement officers in the City Impact Team are not police officers. If you require an immediate emergency response, or if a crime is in progress, you should contact the police by calling 999. For non-emergency police matters, please call 101 or report the matter online through your local police force.
Our officers are committed to helping keep the community safe and will do their best to assist wherever possible.
MYTH: City Centre Enforcement Officers Don't Work with the Police
FACT: City Centre Enforcement Officers work closely with police every day. They have developed strong working relationships with Cambridgeshire Police and other partner agencies.
While Enforcement Officers are not police officers, they play an important supporting role in improving community safety.
This includes:
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Sharing intelligence about emerging issues in the city centre
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Identifying locations experiencing anti-social behaviour
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Reporting concerns that require police attention
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Supporting joint patrols and operations
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Providing reassurance to businesses and residents
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Acting as additional "eyes and ears" within the city centre
Because Enforcement Officers spend much of their working day on foot patrol, they often become aware of concerns, trends and individuals that may be relevant to partner agencies.