Police Community Support Officer

Typical Salary

£17,500 To £23,250

Typical Hours

39 to 41 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How To Become a Police Community Support Officer

You can get into this job through:

an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

Apprenticeship

You can get into this role through a higher apprenticeship as a police community support officer.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

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).

Each police force has its own selection process. This will usually involve:

written tests
an interview
an interactive test to see how you work with other people

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

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 carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your work will vary from one day to another, but will usually include:

going on highly-visible foot and cycle patrols
offering advice on crime prevention
dealing with anti-social behaviour alongside neighbourhood wardens and community action teams
talking with young people and visiting schools
building links with businesses and community leaders
guarding crime scenes and detaining suspects until a police officer arrives
making house visits to reassure people and gather intelligence
issuing fixed penalty notices
providing support at large public gatherings, such as sports events and public demonstrations

Working Environment

You could work in the community or on a patrol.

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

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career Path & Progression

There is no formal route from PCSO to police officer, but the training and experience you gain could help you if you want to move into this role.

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

Volunteering Opportunities

You'll need good communication skills, and experience of working with the public in community settings will be useful.

It may be helpful if you have experience of community work or you've volunteered as a special constable.

Police UK has more details on how you can get involved.

Tips & Information

Career tips

Great value is placed on personal qualities and character, especially:

the ability to remain calm under pressure
tolerance and empathy combined with firmness

Further information

You can find out more about the role of police community support officer from the College of Policing.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

be over 18 years of age
pass a fitness test
pass a medical check
pass enhanced background checks

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