Community support officers have been given powers to issue fines for dog fouling, litter dropping and people riding bicycles on footpaths.
The £30 fixed penalty notices are being handed out by the newly launched wardens to cut police officers workloads and improve life on estates.
As from next month, the officers will also be able to give £80 and £40 tickets for more serious offences, such as malicious fire calls, throwing fireworks and being drunk in the street.
Essex Police has recruited 68 police community support officers (PCSOs) for the county following a successful pilot scheme in Harlow.
Published Thursday November 27, 2003
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