The title of
Community Support officer is as the title suggests there to
support the community. When they are up in the air away from the public/community are they doing what they were employed for ? or being used in other Police roles to bring cheap Policing in the back door.
CSO's do a good job in dealing with anti social behavior and local community problems,let them carry on doing what they we employed for and not used as political pawns.
As for Civilian observers they probably can do some task as good as a Police officer, but as an officer time served on the ground and pursuit tac adviser, I believe I am in the better position to direct and advise a safe conclusion of a vehicle follow.