Civil Enforcement Officer

Typical Salary

£15,000 To £35,000

Typical Hours

40 to 42 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

How To Become a Civil Enforcement Officer

You can get into this job through:

applying directly

College / University

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

There are no set qualifications to become a civil enforcement officer. Some employers may ask for GCSEs, including English and maths.

Experience of working in a customer service role is highly valued and could help you get into this job.

Your employer will provide introductory training when you start work. This will cover subjects like parking enforcement policy and the traffic regulations act.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to work on your own
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
to be flexible and open to change
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to understand people’s reactions
knowledge of public safety and security
legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

patrol streets and car parks, checking regulations are being followed
give advice to the public on parking regulations and facilities
check parking tickets and issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)
write simple reports and pocket book notes
authorise the clamping and removal of vehicles
check parking meters and car park equipment, to report damage or faults
report defective signs and road markings or any suspect vehicles
attend court or a tribunal if a parking ticket is being disputed
work with other professionals like police community support officers or the police, to report crimes or anti-social behaviour

You'll be using equipment like:

hand-held computers and printers for recording and issuing PCNs
two-way radios, or mobile phones, to keep in contact with supervisors
cameras to record vehicles that are breaking parking regulations

Working Environment

You could work at a car park or on the streets.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career Path & Progression

With experience and further training you could progress to a senior enforcement officer, supervisor or parking manager role.

The British Parking Association has details of professional parking qualifications.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a civil enforcement officer from the British Parking Association.

Restrictions & Requirements

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.