Important information about recruitment
The recruitment window for Police Community Support Officers is
currently closed and there are no further Recruitment Seminars
planned at this time.
Prospective applicants should continue to regularly monitor the
website for updated information.
Becoming a Police Community Support Officer
Police Community Support Officers in Cheshire work at the heart
of Neighbourhood Policing Teams, providing a visible and reassuring
presence on the streets, working with the community to help tackle
the menace of anti-social behaviour.
If you like variety, you'll love the role of the PCSO, as no two days
are the same. PCSOs roles differ
according to the needs of the local community, but they usually
patrol a beat and interact with the public, while also offering
assistance to police officers at crime scenes and major events.
Good planning skills are essential as is the desire to want to make
a difference.
PCSOs were introduced
under the Policing Reform Act of 2002 to increase the police
presence on the streets, provide reassurance to the public and free
up the time of regular police officers. Now fundamentally embedded
within neighbourhood teams, the focus of PCSOs has been on
engagement rather than enforcement.
All Cheshire Police Community Support Officers are trained and
equipped. They undertake an initial training programme and once
they are deployed, they work in accompaniment with an experienced
officer.
Activities you could be involved with
- 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
- Conduct patrols
- Work in partnership with other agencies
You would be a critical part of the force.
Although PCSOs do not have the
same powers as regular police officers, they still carry a lot of
responsibility, and are a critical part of the police force.
Could you do it?
If you can answer “Yes” to the following questions, you could be
the person we are looking for:
- Are you confident in communicating with a wide range of
people?
- Can you stay calm and level-headed in difficult
situations?
- Would you be able to maintain confidentiality?
- Can you complete paperwork accurately?
- Are you happy to spend time outdoors? You will spend up to 80%
of your time on foot patrol in your area
- Are you a good listener?
- Are you a team player?