Unarmed policing:
With the exception of certain specialist units, the police in Britain are largely unarmed. This reflects Peel's philosophy that use of force is a last resort in upholding the law. This is unlike the position of the police in most other countries, who are generally armed.
Special Constables:
These are unpaid, part-time volunteers who undergo the same training and have the same legal powers as paid officers.
Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs):
have more limited powers, often dealing with anti-social behaviour on the streets, e.g. issuing fixed-penalty notices for littering or confiscating alcohol from under-age drinkers. They can also ask a police officer to arrest a person.
Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs):
are elected representatives of the people of the area covered by a police force (e.g. Bedfordshire, West Yorkshire). They give the local population a voice in policing by being directly accountable to the electorate. Their aim is to cut crime and ensure efficient and effective policing. They set the local force's policing priorities and their budget, and they hold the Chief Constable to account for the force's performance (including dismissing him or her where necessary.