What is the difference between a PCSO and a
PC?
PCSOs do not have
powers of arrest, cannot interview or deal with prisoners, can only
investigate minor offences and do not carry out the more complex
and high-risk tasks that police officers perform.
PCSOs spend much of
their time on foot patrol, and are a visible, anti-crime presence
in communities throughout Cheshire. Because they are so visible,
members of the public feel comfortable approaching them with
questions or worries about anti-social behaviour or crime.
What is my salary?
Your commencing salary is £18,000 per annum within the salary
scale for Grade 4. Subject to satisfactory, your salary will rise
to £19,988 through annual increments.
You may also be eligible for a shift allowance or weekend
working enhancements, depending on your working pattern
What will my training involve?
You will undertake a comprehensive training program in the
classroom and then receive tutoring in your workplace.
There is a probationary period of six months following your
initial eight weeks of training.
Before PCSOs take to the
streets they undergo a five week training course. It focuses on
giving recruits the skills and knowledge they will need including;
learning about the law and criminal justice system in England and
Wales, road safety, the confiscation of alcohol and tobacco, first
aid, Data Protection and the National Intelligence Model.
Following classroom training, new PCSOs then spend the
following five weeks shadowing experienced officers. In addition,
specific training days are incorporated into the shift pattern,
enabling training needs to be addressed regularly in line with
changes to legislation and Force policies.
Preparing a PCSO for life on the
beat begins in the classroom, but previous experience of dealing
with the public and the day to day experience of the role itself
are just as valuable to new recruits. Life skills form an important
part of doing this role. Knowing how to talk to people and
communicate effectively really helps and the tutoring helps to
build on the training.
What kind of fitness level is required?
A Physical Fitness test is held towards the end of the
recruitment process, after the interview. As the role of a
PCSO
can be physically demanding, we need to ensure our recruits are
suitably fit for the role.
What equipment will I use?
You will have a radio, a mobile data terminal, first aid kit,
torch and protective vest. As PCSOs are not used to
carry out potentially confrontational duties, you won’t have
handcuffs, batons or incapacitant sprays.
You will spend over 80 per cent of your time on foot or cycle
patrol. You can only build links with the public by being
accessible and familiar to them.
Will I have the power of arrest?
No. Police officers, not PCSOs, have the power
of arrest. You may be given the power to require someone to remain
with you for up to 30 minutes, pending the arrival of a police
officer, in certain circumstances. However, this is not a power of
arrest.
You will be a highly visible, reassuring presence, helping to
prevent crime and anti-social behaviour and to make your community
a better place to live. Not everyone has the right qualities to be
a PCSO.
But if you do, you’ll see the difference you make in people’s faces
every day. You can find more details in PCSO Powers.
What is Cheshire Constabulary’s equal opportunities
policy?
It is Cheshire Constabulary is an equal opportunities employer
and has an intention to have a workforce representative of the
communities that we police and serve.
As an employer, we strive to ensure that all our personnel
practices, including recruitment, promotion and development are
applied consistently and fairly and that the overriding principle
governing selection is merit.
We promote positive action and offer support and mentoring to
all staff and potential applicants and candidates from under
represented groups, including:
- Women
- People with a disability
- Members of the gay or transgender community
- People from a black or ethnic minority background
- People from different faiths
The selection process for candidates from these under
represented is exactly the same as for any other candidate.
The Representative Workforce Programme is available to provide
advice and assistance with all aspects of the application process
for those applicants a part of our commitment to becoming more
representative of the wider community.
For more information, please contact:
Under the Equality of Opportunity Plan, Cheshire Constabulary
will:
- Constantly review policy and grievance procedures to ensure
compliance with legislation and best practice
- Ensure the make up of the Force reflects our commitment to
Equal Opportunities by matching the national averages produced by
Her
Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and mirroring the size
of the ethnic population.
- Reduce harassment in the work place
- Open up opportunities for appointment to specialist posts for
all qualified staff
- Review the promotion process
- Train staff in Equal Opportunities policy and procedure
What are the hours of work?
Your normal working week is 37 hours, as agreed within a shift
pattern, which will be arranged and agreed with your manager.
PCSOs
are usually required to work between the hours of 7am and midnight
over seven days.
You will not normally be expected to work overtime. However, if
you are required to do so, any overtime exceeding 30 minutes on one
day shall be paid at the rate of double time for work on a Sunday,
bank holiday or extra statutory leave entitlements.
What are the annual leave entitlements?
Your annual leave entitlement will be equivalent to 22 working
days plus eight public holidays based on an average working week of
37 hours.
- Staff with five years of continuous service receive 27 days
leave
- Staff with ten years of continuous service receive 30 days
leave
If your contractual hours are on a shift pattern, your annual
and statutory leave entitlements will be calculated in hours. Leave
will be deducted from your entitlement as actual hours taken.
Up to five days annual leave may be carried forward from the
previous year or brought forward.
The leave period is from 1 April to 31 March.
What is the pension scheme available?
This Authority is a member of the Local Government Pension
Scheme. You will automatically be entered into the scheme unless
you opt not to join, providing you have an employment contract for
three months or more.
The scheme has a range of benefits and employee contribution
rates are tiered from 5.5% to 7.5% according to your pensionable
earnings.
Can I work part-time?
PCSOs like all other
staff in Cheshire Constabulary have a right to request part-time or
flexible working.
Are my chances of becoming a Police Constable greater if I work
as a Police Community Support Officer first?
Becoming a PCSO is not a fast
track to becoming a Police Constable.
However, while many PCSOs have gone on to
become Police Constables, others have found their role to be just
as rewarding.