The role of Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) has been developed as a result of the Police Reform Act 2002.

PCSOs work alongside the police in a supporting role. Duties are likely to include:

• patrolling their local area
• providing a visible presence and helping to reassure the public
• dealing with incidents of nuisance and anti-social behaviour which don't require full police powers.

By dealing with minor incidents PCSOs enable police to make more effective use of their time.

PCSOs are sometimes given the power to direct traffic, issue fixed penalty notices and detain someone whilst waiting for the arrival of a police constable. The work may also include assisting at large public gatherings, such as sports events and public demonstrations. The exact nature of the work of PCSOs will vary, depending on the particular police force and in response to local needs.

PCSOs work under the direction of the police commander in their area. They work in pairs or small teams.

Hours and Environment

PCSOs work shifts, including weekends and bank holidays. Shifts are usually between 8am and midnight, however, some forces use a shift pattern rota that operates 24 hours a day. Part-time work and job-share may be available.

Much of the work takes place outside, patrolling residential and commercial areas on foot. There may also be indoor work such as giving talks to community groups about crime prevention.

A uniform is provided and officers are equipped with radios to keep in contact with colleagues and call for assistance if required.

Skills and Interests

To be a PCSO you should:

• have excellent communication and listening skills
• be able to make difficult decisions with confidence
• remain calm under pressure
• have a tolerant and sympathetic approach
• be alert, observant and capable of keeping accurate and objective records
• be able to work on your own initiative but also work well in a team.

Entry

Local police forces set their own entry requirements so the following is intended as a general guideline. For more information, and to apply for a position, you can find local contact details on the Police Portal website in Further Information.

You will be selected for the role of PCSO based on your application and interview. You can apply to be a PCSO if you have a permanent right to remain without restriction in the UK. Full police checks will be undertaken.

In general, you will not need any specific academic qualifications but you will need good communication skills, and literacy skills for keeping records. PCSOs need to be fit enough to carry out sometimes lengthy foot patrols, therefore, you may be asked to take a fitness test.

Some experience of working within the community either paid or voluntary, can be useful and is sometimes essential. Having a driving licence may also be helpful.

Having a qualification in public service can be an advantage when looking for work as a PCSO. Relevant qualifications include:

• NVQ Level 2 in Public Services
• BTEC First Diploma or National Diploma in Public Services
• foundation degree in Public Service.

Training

Training can take between three weeks and three months, depending on the particular force you join. As a new recruit you will initially go through an intensive induction programme which is mainly classroom based. Training will include:

• an introduction to the role and duties of a PCSO
• relevant legislation
• first aid
• patrolling skills
• using police computers
• community awareness
• dealing with relevant paperwork
• radio procedures.

You will then be familiarised with your local force.

As a PCSO you will receive ongoing training and development while in post, often regarding specific duties or responsibilities.

Opportunities

PCSOs are employed and managed by local police forces across the country and demand is rapidly increasing.

The post of police community support officer is sometimes used as a stepping stone into other areas of police work, or can lead to tutoring new PCSOs. It is a good starting point for those wishing to become police officers, although a PCSO would still need to go through the traditional recruitment process and meet all the requirements. See Police Constable profile for more information.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries for PCSOs are around £16,000 a year.
With experience, PCSOs can be paid between £16,000 and £19,000 a year plus a shift allowance.
In some areas pay can be as much as £23,000 a year.

Further information

9 Riverside Court
Don Road
Sheffield
S9 2TJ