what?
PCSOs spend most of their time out on patrol, usually on foot or possibly also on a bicycle. They work in pairs or small teams, and in liaison with their police officer cxolleagues. In some forces they team up with police officers, managed by a sergeant. They do not have the same powers of arrest as police officers, although they do have the right to detain suspected offenders for up to thirty minutes until a police officer arrives. They carry radios so that they can communicate with police control rooms and other colleagues
Skills and personal qualities
A PCSO needs:
- good communication skills to deal with all types of people, some of whom may be drunk, hostile or upset
- a confident, mature and assertive manner
- the ability to accept discipline
- good team working skills
- accuracy when completing paperwork
- a willingness to get involved in a range of possibly difficult situations
- stamina for long periods of foot patrol
- an appreciation of the importance and confidential nature of police work.
getting in
PCSOs are currently opperating in police forces only in England and Wales, and in the British Transport Police. The role of a PCSO is still relatively new and numbers are expected to rise. Entry may be competetive. Vacancies are usually advertised on individual police force websites, in the local press and in recruitment agencies.
entry for young people
No specific qualifications are required to become a PCSO, and people with a range of experiences are welcome to apply.
Employers may look for applicants with some experience of community service, either paid or voluntary, or for those who have studied a course in public services, such as:
- NVQ/SVQ Level2 in Public Services
- BTEC First Diploma in Public Services
- BTEC National Diploma in Public Services (Uniformed)
- BTEC Foundation Degree in Public Service
The application process includes medical and security checks.
training
The training for PCSOs is organised by individual police forces and is not as intensive as that of police officerts or special constables. The length of training varies, but usually ranges between three weeks and three or 4 months.
- good communication skills to deal with all types of people, some of whom may be drunk, hostile or upset
- a confident, mature and assertive manner
- the ability to accept discipline
- good team working skills
- accuracy when completing paperwork
- a willingness to get involved in a range of possibly difficult situations
- stamina for long periods of foot patrol
- an appreciation of the importance and confidential nature of police work
hours and environment
PCSOs work 37 hours a week, in a shift system, usually covering the hours between 8am and midnight, including weekends and public holidays. There are opportunities to work part-time and flexible hours.
PCSOs are often based at local police stations in the community safety department, but they spend themajority of their time out on patrol, usually on foot. They may be outside in all weathers.
They are often sent out to patrol areas experiencing particular problems, such as estates where there have been a spate of car thefts or burglaries, or communities where there have beencomplaints about nuisance youths on the streets.
They wear a high-visibility uniform, which is similar to a police uniform, and includes a hat. They may wear a protective vest, but do not carry items such as handcuffs or batons.
salary and other benefits
These figures areonly a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- a newly recruited PCSO earns around about £15,000 per year
- with experience the salary rises to about £16,500
- At the top of the scale they earn about £19,674
- overtime and shift allowances may be available, although this varies between forces
interests
A PCSO should be interested in:
- local community issues and people
- police work and the law
entry for adults
There are no age restrictions. This is an ideal job for more mature applicants who have experience in other jobs or are returning to work after raising a family.
getting on
Because the role of a PCSO is relatively new, career progression opportunities are still in developement.
However, experienced PCSOs can use their skills to tutor new recruits. Some police forces offer progression routes to roles as PCSO supervisor or manager.