Overview
A PCSO is a paid member of Police Staff who works uniformed on the front line of policing alongside Police Officers and Special Constables. PCSOs hold certain designated powers, but these do not include the power of arrest (amongst others) as this is not a required function of the role.
Activities
- Patrolling the streets
- Tackling anti-social behaviour
- Dealing with minor offences
- Crowd control and directing traffic at public events
- Helping direct traffic at roadblocks or scenes of accidents
- Gathering criminal intelligence
- Supporting front-line policing
Organisations
In the Black Country there are 4 stations one each in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton. The smaller stations that used to exist in Dudley town, Sedgley and Tipton have now been closed.
Workplaces
PCSO’s work from Police stations and are mainly based outside patrolling in a local area that they have been assigned to. Sometimes they will need to be at the station to do admin work such as writing up a report for an incident or crime.
Working Hours
37-41 hours per week, working shifts and covering days, evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
Salary
Starting from £21,000.
Qualifications
You can apply to become a police community support officer and often don’t need formal qualifications. Employers will be more interested in your personal qualities and character. You’ll need a good level of spoken and written English, so some police forces may ask for English GCSE at grade 4 (C).