Police community support officer

As a police community support officer, you'll:

• carry out foot and cycle patrols in the community
•  support crime prevention schemes and deal with anti-social behaviour
•  make house-to-house enquiries to reassure people and gather intelligence
•  deal with minor offences and issue fixed penalty notices
•  build links with local schools, businesses and community groups
•  provide support at large public events and demonstrations

• 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
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You will need the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions.

A driving licence may also be required.

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

The training and experience you get as a police community support officer (PCSO) can help if you want to move into other areas of police work.

For instance, to become a police officer, you'll apply in the normal way but your manager may be able to arrange some work shadowing beforehand.

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