Were they
"real" police or "plastic" community support officers?

What do you mean by "plastic"? IMHO they had usual police hats and
clothes, then again - I'm ignorant immigrant who had never have any
contact with the police before...


The main issue is to check with the station supervisor so they know you
are there and can provide any requisite local knowledge.

Seems a bit unreasonable - if all anoraks will start contacting
station supervisors, when would they do their work?