You don’t need to have any formal qualifications but you will
need to be a confident, level-headed and positive person with the
ability to deal with difficult people and situations and be
sensitive but objective to be a PCSO.
You’ll have had experience in dealing with members of the public
in some form in a previous role. You’ll also need good
communication and listening skills, good team-working skills, be
able to have stamina for long periods of foot patrol and the skills
to deal with all types of people, some of whom may be drunk,
hostile or upset.
There’s also accuracy needed to complete paperwork and an
appreciation of the confidential nature of police work. You must be
older than 18.
What are we looking for in a PCSO?
Effective communication
You communicate all instructions, decisions and requests
clearly. You adapt the way you communicate to suit the people you
are talking to.
Community and customer focus
You see things from the public’s point of view and encourage
others to do the same. You want to build a good understanding and
relationship with the community.
Respect for race and diversity
You understand other people’s views and take them into account.
You treat people with dignity and respect at all times, no matter
what their background, status, circumstances or appearance.
Team working
You work effectively as a team member and build relationships
within the team.
Personal responsibility
You take personal responsibility for making things happen and
achieving results. You display motivation, commitment and
perseverance, and you are reliable. You act with a high degree of
integrity. You take personal responsibility for your actions and
sort out issues or problems that arise. You are focused on
achieving results to the required standard and on developing your
skills and knowledge.
Previous convictions and cautions
A number of crimes will mean a definite or likely rejection of
your application, including anyone who has received a formal
caution in the last five years, committed a violent crime or public
order offence. Convictions for racially motivated and homophobic
offenses and dishonesty and serious drugs and dangerous driving
offenses will also most likely lead to a rejection.
Height
There are no restrictions on height. We do however consider your
height and weight ratio at the Physical Fitness Assessment.
Tattoos
You should not have tattoos which could cause offence. Tattoos
are not acceptable if they are particularly prominent, garish, and
offensive or undermine the dignity and authority of your role. You
will be asked to provide information about any tattoos during the
recruitment process.
Residency
Applicants must either be British citizens, EC/EEA nationals, Commonwealth
citizens, or foreign nationals with indefinite leave to remain in
the UK will be
accepted.
Attendance criteria
Currently all applications are considered on attendance for the
two years previous to the date of application. Successful
candidates must have had no more than an average of eight days
absent or four instances of sickness per year over the previous two
years.
There are certain absences that may be discounted for the
following reasons:
- The absence is covered the Disability Discrimination Act
- The absence was considered a one off (usually an
operation)
- The absence was pregnancy related.
All candidates that exceed the parameters will not be able to
apply for roles until their attendance meets the required
criteria.