Police community support officers

Put yourself in the shoes of a PCSO. These are some of the issues you may have to resolve:

• How would you deal with a group of binge drinkers dancing in the street?
• What would you do to re-build the confidence of an elderly couple who were burgled last week?
• How would you handle young people using a shopping centre as an indoor cycle track?

PCSOs work within neighbourhood policing teams helping to solve local issues by getting out in the community, meeting people and offering advice and support to people who live and work in the neighbourhood.

They also deal with minor offences and support front-line policing. They do not make arrests, conduct interviews, deal with prisoners or investigate serious crime. PCSOs go out on solo patrols which means they will be expected to walk their areas alone.

As a PCSO you can expect to:

• go on highly visible solo foot and cycle patrols
• support Community Policing Teams to solving local problems
• make house visits to gather intelligence and offer public reassurance after minor crimes or anti-social behaviour
• get involved with key people in the community, such as community, religious and business leaders work with Community Watch, Neighbourhood Watch, Business Watch, Pub Watch, Farm Watch and Horse Watch schemes
• protect crime scenes until police officers arrive
• collect CCTV evidence
• provide low-level crime prevention and personal safety advice
• carry out low-level missing person enquiries
• act as professional witnesses, attending court when needed
• support crime prevention
• engage with youths
• interact with schools
• support the mobile police station

You will need GCSE A-C (4-9) or equivalent in English and Maths, and applicants will possess qualities such as:

• a confident, level-headed, positive and mature manner
• the ability to deal with difficult people and situations
• to be sensitive but objective
• good communication and listening skills
• good team-working skills
• stamina for long periods of foot patrol
• skills to deal with all types of people, some of whom may be drunk, hostile or upset
• to be accurate when completing paperwork
• an appreciation of the confidential nature of police work.

PCSOs may encounter stressful situations, trauma, physical confrontation and work long hours on a variable shift pattern.

They need to be resilient enough to cope with the demands and pressures of the role so applicants should be in good health mentally and physically.

You will undergo a medical examination to ensure you meet the health standards required, including eyesight.

You can apply to be a PCSO if:

• You have lived in the UK continuously for the last three years. If you have lived outside of the UK for more than 12 months, you are unlikely to be eligible to apply.
• You are 18 years old
• You hold a full UK manual driving licence
• You don’t have tattoos on your face or the front of your neck, or any which could cause offence to members of the public or colleagues. Other visible tattoos such as on the back of the neck, forearms and hands, will be permissible as long as they are deemed to be appropriate and inoffensive, while maintaining a professional image. These will be assessed on a case by case basis
• You don't have excessive piercings that could be deemed to be unprofessional
• You will declare any convictions and cautions: If you do have any criminal convictions or cautions on record you may still apply, eligibility will depend on the age and nature of the offence. Any previous criminal convictions or cautions (including those spent), fixed penalty notices, traffic offences or any involvement with the police must be declared
• you are from outside the UK, it’s essential that you have indefinite leave to enter or to remain in the UK. Due to changes in legislation, members of the European Economic Area (EAA) are now required to have ILR or EU settled status

You gain:

• a sense of achievement from helping to create a strong community
• no two days are ever the same
• a diverse group of colleagues 
• people getting to know you, talk to you and share their concerns with you
• spend time outdoors by patrolling on foot and by bike
• receive a good rate of pay
• satisfaction of knowing that regular officers have extra time to deal with more serious crimes

• Application form
• Eligibility check
• Interview
• Medical assessment
• Uniform fitting
• Vetting checks
• Biometrics clearance (DNA and fingerprints taken at assessment)
• References