PCSO FAQs
Am I eligible?
Our eligibility criteria is detailed in full in Am I eligible? However if you have any questions which we have not answered, please feel free to contact us directly
Am I too old to become a Police Community Support Officer?
There is no upper limit (minimum age limit 17), as long as you are physically fit and able to pass a medical and fitness test. You can find more information on this on our ‘Am I Eligible’ page.
What is the recruitment process?
- An on-line application process which entails several on-line tests and an application form. All tests must be successfully completed before you can complete the application form.
- Assessment Centre
- Force Interview
- Fitness, Biometric and Drug testing
- Medical and Vetting
- Employer References
- Unconditional offer of Appointment
For more information, please see The recruitment process section.
Please note every application is different therefore the recruitment process can take between 4 – 6 months to complete.
If I have a disability, can I still apply?
Dyfed-Powys Police welcomes applications from people with disabilities.
If you consider yourself to have a disability, please inform us of the type of adjustments you might need to assist you in participating in the recruitment and selection process. Dyfed-Powys Police will try to make the reasonable adjustments required where practicable.
Can I join if I have a criminal record?
You may still be eligible to join the police service if you have minor convictions/cautions, but there are certain offences and conditions that will make you ineligible
Can I join if I have tattoos?
Tattoos are not a bar to appointment. However, some tattoos could potentially offend members of the public or colleagues, or could bring discredit to the Police Service. For full information please refer to the ‘Am I eligible’ Section.
I have diabetes, can I still apply?
Yes, as long as your diabetes is under control. Your doctor will need to supply a medical report for clarification.
Can I become a PCSO if I wear glasses or contact lenses?
If you successfully reach the medical examination stage of recruitment, you will have to undergo an eye test. New recruits must have at least 6/12 vision in their right or left eye, or at least 6/6 vision in both eyes. Those who wear glasses, spectacles or contact lenses must have at least 6/36 vision in both eyes without wearing their glasses, spectacles or contact lenses.
Will my financial status affect my application?
Applicants will have their financial status checked. These checks are carried out because police officers/staff have access to privileged information, which may make them vulnerable to corruption.
Applicants with outstanding County Court judgements.
Is there a height restriction?
No, there is no minimum or maximum height.
What qualifications do I need?
To be eligible to apply for the role of Police Community Support Officer, you must have a GCSE A-C in Mathematics and English or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not have the required Level 2 qualifications, you can still apply for the role however you will be required to undertake an academic suitability test for Verbal Reasoning & Calculation as part of the application process.
What do the application on-line tests consist of?
There are 2 tests that every applicant must complete (regardless of qualifications), these are a Situational Judgement test and a Behavioural Style Questionnaire. Both of these must be passed in order to continue in the application process.
If you do not have a Level 3 qualification or above you must also successfully pass a psychometric test. This will test your academic ability to Level 3.
You can practice these tests prior to applying here.
If you successfully complete the above tests, however fail in a part of the recruitment process, you will not be required to retake these tests again, should you wish to re-apply.
Can I decide to withdraw from the recruitment process at any point?
The short answer is yes you can. Policing is an exciting but equally challenging role, which is not for everyone. However, we do ask that all prospective police officers fully consider these challenges and their suitability before submitting their application.
If I fail at any point during the recruitment process, can I re-sit?
If you fail at any point in the process, the Force will notify you. While it is not possible to complete a re-sit, it will be possible to re-apply within six months following notification.
process. Dyfed-Powys Police will try to make the reasonable adjustments required where practicable.
Can I choose what station to work from?
You will be provided with a station posting on your unconditional offer letter. If you have a preference, you may raise this with the recruitment team but this is dependent on where vacancies arise.
What training is provided?
All initial training will be provided by our dedicated PCSO trainer. We offer an exciting timetable of courses/inputs that will prepare you for your role as a Police Community Support Officer with Dyfed Powys Police.
The initial training program is a classroom based course which is delivered over a period of 14 weeks, Monday – Friday at Police Headquarters Carmarthen, you will also be required to carry out self-study during this period. There will be formal written and practical assessments throughout the course.
During the 14 weeks initial training you will also spend one week with your Neighbourhood Policing Team at your divisional police station.
Does being a PCSO help me become a Police Officer?
Being a PCSO will enable you to experience all aspects of police work and gain a wealth of professional knowledge. However, time served as a PCSO will not guarantee a position as a regular officer and you will need to complete the normal application process. Police community support officers who apply to the police officer process would need to complete 24 months service as a PCSO, before being appointed.
I am a current Police Community Support Officer, can I transfer?
Unfortunately not; you will need to apply for the role during our recruitment campaign.
Who can I contact if I have a specific question?
Please do not hesitate to contact the recruitment team via email at [email protected] if you have any questions.