Police Community Support Officers, known as PCSOs provide valuable support to Police Officers. The role of a PCSO is all about communication and building good relations with the public.
PCSOs work closely with their local communities. They will get to know the people who work, visit and live in their area. A PCSO has their own distinct blue uniform so that it is clear to the public who they are and where they are.
As well as providing advice and information about crime related matters to the public. PCSOs also collect useful information which they will share with other PCSOs and Police Officers. This information may help to prevent a crime happening in the future or may help to catch someone who has already committed a crime.
PCSOs can take witness statements from members of the public and can give evidence in court if necessary.
PCSOs work closely with their local communities. They will get to know the people who work, visit and live in their area. A PCSO has their own distinct blue uniform so that it is clear to the public who they are and where they are.
As well as providing advice and information about crime related matters to the public. PCSOs also collect useful information which they will share with other PCSOs and Police Officers. This information may help to prevent a crime happening in the future or may help to catch someone who has already committed a crime.
PCSOs can take witness statements from members of the public and can give evidence in court if necessary.
This is important because a PCSO will need to be prepared to deal with all sorts of different people from all sorts of different backgrounds.
PCSO's have to be capable of working alone and using their initiative because for much of the time they will be expected to work on their own.
It is also important that a PCSO can work as part of a team as they will have to share information with other PCSOs and Police Officers and may have to work closely with them at big events like a football match for example.
It is useful to have a full clean driving licence, but it is important that the PCSO isn't worried about being out on patrol in all weathers because a lot of their work is done on foot.
In Norfolk, every PCSO begins with a three week training course at the Operations and Communications Centre (OCC) Wymondham.
After this the PCSO has two weeks on a 'tutor period' where they spend their time with an experienced training tutor constable.
Once the training is complete the PCSO will begin work in their area.
Although the formal training is complete at this point, the new PCSO will continue to learn and gain experience while they work.
During their first year thePCSO will complete a Personal Development Portfolio where they will record things which they have achieved and learned.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply.
Complete and return the application
If your application is successful you are short listed and will be invited to attend a Police Initial Recruitment Test a Wymondham Operations and Communications Centre which lasts about 1 hour.
If you pass this test you will be invited to an interview
If you pass the interview stage you will be invited to a medical and a uniform fitting.
If you pass the medical you will then be given a training date and told where you will be based.
Vacancies for Police Community Support Officers are advertised in the local newspapers and on the Norfolk Constabulary main website.