The police
Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)
As a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) you will support the work of your local police force and provide a visible and reassuring presence on the streets. It is a paid role, although you won't have the same powers as a regular officer.
Police Community Support Officers particularly work to reassure the public and to tackle the social menace of anti-social behaviour.
What you'll do as a Police Community Support Officer
Working under the direction of a police commander, you will find yourself fighting a range of crime and disorder problems. Just some of the problems you might have to deal with include:
- contributing to the regeneration of local communities
- increasing public safety
- dealing with truants, graffiti, abandoned vehicles, litter, missing persons enquiries
- confiscating alcohol being consumed in a public place
- helping to support victims
- controlling crowds at major events
PCSOs spend much of their time on patrol in communities and you should approach them with any questions or worries you have about anti-social behaviour or crime in your area.
Police powers
Depending on your role, you may also be given some police powers, including the power to:
- detain someone until a constable arrives
- direct traffic and remove vehicles
- issue fixed penalty notices for anti-social behaviour
Becoming a PCSO
If you're interested in finding out more about becoming a Police Community Support Officer, take a look at the police recruitment website: www.policecouldyou.co.uk (new window).
