More about the role of a PCSO

PCSOs are uniformed police staff. They work to complement and support regular police officers. Their role provides a visible and accessible uniformed presence, aimed at improving the quality of life in the community and offers greater public assurance.

They have a different role from their police officer colleagues but can be designated a range of police powers by the Chief Constable which can have an immediate impact on dealing with problems.

The role of PCSO is unique, designed purely to tackle anti-social behaviour and local issues affecting the quality of life. PCSOs are not replacement police officers but there to address many of the tasks that do not require the experience or powers held by police officers but which often take officers away from more appropriate duties.

Work activities

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 you might encounter on any given day are:

• contributing to the regeneration of local communities
• increasing public safety
• dealing with truants, graffiti, abandoned vehicles, litter, 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 certainly stops minor problems getting worse.  Through our comprehensive training programme you will learn to:

• deal with minor offences
• offer early intervention to deter people from committing offences
• provide support for front-line policing
• conduct house-to-house enquiries
• guard crime scenes
• provide crime prevention advice.

What’s in it for you?

There's so much to gain from becoming a police community support officer.  Every day you will make a difference, preventing trouble and making your community stronger and safer. You might need to step in to calm an argument in the street, or you could be running a meeting for residents who are worried about the redevelopment of land. 

In return for your hard work you will:

• develop your skills in dealing with people
• gain job satisfaction from making a difference in your community
• see how your role makes a positive contribution to local policing.

The qualities you need

At Dyfed Powys Police we have set demanding standards for ourselves and you will be expected to live up to these. You'll need to have a responsible approach with experience of:

• serving the public
• dealing with conflict resolution
• problem solving and decision making
• communicating clearly and effectively

These skills will need to be coupled with a high degree of flexibility and self-motivation. You will act with integrity, impartiality and professionalism, taking pride in your work and presenting a positive image to others. Due to the nature of the work, you'll also need to be physically fit and be able to pass the necessary job-related fitness test.

Working hours and conditions

You will work 37 hours a week on a shift system between the hours of 8:00am and 10:00pm covering 7 days a week.

PCSOs spend much of their time on foot patrol, and are a visible, anti-crime presence in communities throughout England and Wales. Because they are so visible, members of the public feel comfortable approaching them with questions or worries about anti-social behaviour or crime.

You must be able to communicate effectively and calmly in difficult situations, and to offer comfort and reassurance to the public in order to succeed as a PCSO.

You'll also need to have a full driving licence and you must be 18 years or older when you join. No formal qualifications are required, however you will need a good standard of written English which will be tested at assessment.

Training

The first part of your training involves an eight week classroom-based course. This is followed by local training at the police station where you will be based. But it doesn't stop there. Before you go out on patrol on your own you will spend some time with officers who will support you, offering advice and guidance during the transition between the classroom and the workplace.

Please note the recruitment cycle can take some time to complete. At the end of each stage of the recruitment and selection process you will be notified whether or not you have been successful and therefore eligible to proceed to the next stage.