POLICE support community officers have started work at Oxford University but are not allowed to patrol inside college grounds because they are private property.
Four new PCSOs, who will be the 'eyes and ears' of the force in the university's public areas, spent their first day on the beat yesterday.
Because the PSCOs are not trained police officers they are not allowed to answer emergency calls.
University spokesman Maria Coyle said: "They will not be patrolling round the quads, but can be invited on to college grounds if there is an incident.
"If nothing is happening they will not be walking around the colleges."
The PCSOs will also police high-profile events and will have a base at The Clarendon Building, in Broad Street, which is part of the Bodleian Library.
The team will cost £120,000 over the next two years, part-funded by the university and Thames Valley Police.
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