About the job
Overview of the role
PCSOs are a vital part of the police frontline. From patrolling neighbourhoods and tackling anti-social behaviour, to supporting victims and building bridges between communities, you'll be out making real change to people's lives. While your main focus will be on lower-level crime and disorder, you'll also be deployed on incidents, gather intelligence to support investigations and give on-the-ground support at crime scenes.
The role differs to that of a police officer as PCSOs do not carry batons, irritant spray, leg restraints or handcuffs. However, PCSOs are given basic but crucial unarmed defence training to protect themselves and members of the public, ensuring their use of force is reasonable, justifiable and legal.
Despite not having any powers of arrest, PCSOs play a crucial role in preventing crime. It’s a hands-on job where no two days are the same, so whether you’re looking for a long-term career or a stepping stone into policing, this is your chance to make a difference every single day.
Police community support officers are accountable for maintaining a visible community presence. It is a role which focuses on building trust between the public and the police to ultimately bridge the gap and improve communications.
You’ll be the friendly face people can talk to whilst out and about, often being the first to notice and address issues before they escalate. You’ll work with local councils and housing associations to tackle issues of concern and work on projects with partners to address and reduce crime in the long term.
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You’ll be integrated into a neighbourhood policing team and develop comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the local community to identify issues and effectively support those affected by offending
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You’ll go out on foot patrols in your area to provide a reassuring presence in the community
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You’ll take action to tackle problems such as disorder and anti-social behaviour
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Be a point of contact for people in the community using your communication skills to build strong, positive relationships between different groups, individuals and the police
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Work on crime prevention initiatives, giving advice and support to victims of crime and vulnerable people
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Be deployed on incidents and give on the ground support to investigations
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Gather intelligence about what is happening locally
Whilst every shift can be different, here’s what a 1pm – 10pm could look like.
1pm – your shift starts with a briefing at the station to review local incidents, priorities and concerns for the day
1:30pm – you’ll head out on a foot patrol, engaging with shopkeepers and residents in a hotspot area for anti-social behaviour
2:30pm - whilst on patrol, you head into the local school to deliver a talk on the importance of online safety and knife crime
3:30pm – a call comes in and you’re deployed out to a live incident where you’re the first point of contact to offer reassurance and advice to concerned members of the public
5:00pm – you’re done at the scene and head off to meet with local council staff in a community group meeting to listen to residents’ concerns, answer their questions and build trust within the neighbourhood
6:30pm – you’re back out on patrol, engaging with young people by offering advice and signposting them to support services
8:00pm – you’re called out to respond to a dispute between two neighbours where you’ll take statements and collect CCTV to log back at the station
9:00pm – you return to the station to write up notes, complete incident reports and log community feedback to be reviewed
10:00pm – it’s the end of your shift so you head home
Life as a PCSO
You’ll work 37 hours per week in eight-hour shifts on a rotating shift pattern that covers mornings, afternoons and evenings, but not overnight shifts.
Shifts can differ depending on the team you work in, but a typical shift includes three mornings, two evenings and one late followed by rest days, known as a six on and three off schedule.
The starting salary is £28,071 which will rise in increments (subject to performance) up to £29,859. You’ll also get an allowance for shifts and weekend working.
You will have a minimum probation period of one year and will be granted 24 days of annual leave with the option to purchase additional days of leave.
As a PCSO there’s flexibility to focus on areas within the role that you enjoy. This could be anything from youth engagement, safeguarding, business liaison or event policing, allowing you to become a specialist and a key point of contact in that area.