Community safety workers celebrated as Devon and Cornwall marks 20 years of CSAS
Scheme delegates police powers to support local safety
A new video has been released by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) in Devon and Cornwall to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS).
The initiative showcases the impact of accredited community safety workers, who are empowered with certain police powers to combat low-level crime and antisocial behaviour.
These workers, including street marshals, wardens, and rangers, collaborate with police forces, supporting frontline policing while improving the safety of local communities.
By April 2026, Devon and Cornwall had 233 CSAS-accredited individuals operating within 37 schemes, illustrating the scheme's significant growth.
The role of CSAS-accredited staff
These accredited staff members dedicate themselves to addressing crime and antisocial conduct on the ground.
In the final nine months of 2025, street marshals undertook 11,732 hours of foot patrols in areas most affected by antisocial behaviour, as part of the Hotspot Policing initiative.
Their powers allow them to ask for names and addresses, manage situations involving alcohol consumption in restricted zones, and intervene during snow events to direct traffic.
Tessa Marie, an environmental education and enforcement officer at Falmouth Town Council, emphasises the importance of effective communication in her role:
"Tone is everything. It's the way you speak to people. You don't want to get people's backs up, but you really want to get your message across when you speak to people."
The video hopes to highlight the diverse challenges faced across Devon and Cornwall due to the region's large geography, with Chief Constable James Vaughan applauding the recognition of CSAS workers as part of the police family.