Police community support officer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can get into this role through a higher apprenticeship as a police community support officer.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Volunteering

You'll need good communication skills, and experience of working with the public in community settings will be useful.

It may be helpful if you have experience of community work or you've volunteered as a special constable.

Police UK has more details on how you can get involved.

DirectApplication

You can apply to become a police community support officer and often don't need formal qualifications. Employers will be more interested in your personal qualities and character.

You'll need a good level of spoken and written English, so some police forces may ask for English GCSE at grade 4 (C).

Each police force has its own selection process. This will usually involve:

• written tests
• an interview
• an interactive test to see how you work with other people

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• knowledge of public safety and security
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• leadership skills
• negotiation skills
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• knowledge of psychology
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• sensitivity and understanding
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• concentration skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Police community support officers (PCSOs) work in a neighbourhood policing team to help deal with and prevent crime.

You will do a variety of work in which you could:

• go on highly-visible foot and cycle patrols
• offer advice on crime prevention
• deal with anti-social behaviour alongside neighbourhood wardens and community action teams
• talk with young people and visit schools
• build links with businesses and community leaders
• guard crime scenes and detain suspects until a police officer arrives
• make house visits to reassure people and gather intelligence
• issue fixed penalty notices
• use social media channels, online forums and force websites to develop links with local communities
• provide support at large public gatherings, such as sports events and public demonstrations

Location : You could work in the community or on a patrol.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £26,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

There is no formal route from PCSO to police officer, but the training and experience you gain could help you if you want to move into this role.

Many people do make being a PCSO their long-term career.

You could also use your experience to mentor and train new PCSOs.