Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)

Police community support officers (PCSOs) support the police in reducing crime, fear and antisocial behaviour. They are usually assigned to a neighbourhood policing team. They spend much of their time patrolling the community, on foot or bicycle.

PCSOs have fixed powers. They do not investigate more serious crimes, but they play a vital role by:

• dealing with minor crimes, including vandalism, graffiti and litter
• stepping in at an early stage to deter crime
• issuing fixed penalty notices
• advising on crime prevention and reassuring the public
• building good relationships with local schools, businesses and community groups
• carrying out house-to-house enquiries
• guarding crime scenes until police officers arrive
• acting as professional court witnesses
• helping to control crowds at big events.

Most PCSOs work shifts. That includes early, late and night shifts, as well as some work at weekends and on public holidays. Some forces offer part-time and flexible working.

Earnings vary between forces, but start from around £17,000 for new entrants, rising to around £25,000 for the most senior. There may be extra allowances and overtime payments.

PCSOs need:

• maturity, confidence and motivation
• to be honest and dependable
• the ability to listen to, and communicate with, all kinds of people
• to be able to handle difficult situations and people
• an approachable manner
• stamina
• accuracy, for keeping records
• an interest in people, the law and police work.

There are around 16,000 PCSOs working in England and Wales. They are employed by the 43 geographical police forces and by the British Transport Police, which looks after railways.

There are no set entry qualifications. Experience of community work, paid or unpaid, may be useful and the Diploma in society, health and development and the Diploma in public services may be relevant.

The assessment process for applicants includes a medical check, eyesight test and sometimes a fitness test.

Successful applicants undergo a training period of several weeks. They learn about the local service and gain skills such as interviewing techniques, evidence gathering and crime scene management.

With experience, it may be possible to gain promotion into a role supervising other PCSOs. Some PCSOs go on to apply to become police officers.

Further details