Which of the following are roles of police community support officers (PCSOs)?

Police Community Support Officers, or PCSOs, are a relatively recent addition to the British policing landscape, created in the early 2000s to bridge the gap between the police and the communities they serve. Think of them as the friendly face of law enforcement, focusing on visibility and engagement. Their primary role isn't to make arrests or carry out complex investigations like regular police officers. Instead, they're there to patrol the streets, providing a reassuring presence and dealing with minor incidents. They spend a lot of time working with the public, building relationships and gathering information that can help prevent crime. You'll often see them at community events, offering advice and support. They also play a crucial role in supporting police officers at crime scenes and major events, helping with crowd control, traffic management, and providing first aid. So, while they don't have the same powers as a police constable, they are an integral part of the policing team, focusing on community engagement and support.