PCSO (Police Community Support Officer)

Work as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) can be very exciting, as each day brings new challenges.

You will be involved in the fight against a range of crime and disorder problems.

Just some of the tasks PCSOs might encounter on a daily basis include:

• contributing to the regeneration of local communities
• increasing public safety
• dealing with truants, graffiti, abandoned vehicles, litter and missing persons enquiries
• helping to support crime victims
• controlling crowds at major events, such as football games or concerts

The early intervention of PCSOs can often deter people from committing offences, and can contribute to stopping minor problems from turning into something more serious.

You must be good on your feet

PCSOs spend much of their time on foot patrol, and are a visible, anti-crime presence in communities throughout Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Because they are so visible, members of the public feel comfortable approaching them with questions or worries about anti-social behaviour or crime.

PCSOs must be able to communicate effectively and calmly in difficult situations and offer comfort and reassurance to the public.

Lots of responsibility

Work as a PCSO is demanding and brings with it a great deal of responsibility. You could, for example

• working as part of a neighbourhood policing team, supporting neighbourhood officers in solving local problems
• helping to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour
• dealing with minor offences and
• supporting front-line policing

It is an essential role, which gives us more time to support our communities.

PCSOs...

• deal constantly with members of the public
• build links with employers, businesses and community leaders
• deal with nuisance offences such as street drinking or begging
• have limited powers suited to their role

PCSOs do not...

• have powers of arrest
• be able to interview or deal with prisoners
• investigate serious crime
• carry out the more complex and high-risk tasks that police officers perform

As a Police Community Support Officer (PCSOs) you will play your part in keeping the community a safer place. Are you fit, a problem-solver, good at talking to people and resilient? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

What is the difference between a PCSO and a police officer?

PCSOs don't have powers of arrest, cannot interview or process prisoners, cannot investigate crime and do not carry out the more complex and high-risk tasks that police officers perform.