The RSPCA rank names and rank insignia share similarity with British police ranks, which has led some critics to suggest an attempt to "adopt" police powers in the public imagination. When Richard Girling of The Times asked about their lack of powers, a spokesman for the RSPCA said "We would prefer you didn’t publish that, but of course its up to you".

RSPCA personnel do issue members of the public with a caution which is identical to that used by UK Police Officers, "You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court". RSPCA officers are trained to state, following giving the caution, that the person is "not under arrest and can leave at any time".