Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) form an integral part of Wiltshire Police's Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

PCSOs are civilian members of police staff who are employed, managed and tasked by the Police, to support operational policing.

PCSOs help to address the fear of crime predominantly by high visibility, reassurance patrols but also in a number of other ways designed to improve the quality of life for local residents. Examples include reporting and dealing with anti-social behaviour, graffiti, vandalism, dealing with abandoned vehicles and other issues which local people identify as priorities.

What does a PCSO do?

PCSOs provide a visible patrolling presence acting as an effective crime deterrent, especially with regard to anti-social behaviour.
PCSOs also be working with partner agencies including local authorities and housing associations to solve local problems.

What are the key tasks?

• Foot patrol
• Instigate and support community events
• Work with local schools to gain the trust of young people
• Arrange for the removal of abandoned vehicles
• Obtain names and addresses of persons acting in an anti-social manner
• Gather intelligence during course of patrols
• Community safety - support officers in building and maintaining community relations
• Confiscate alcohol being consumed in designated no drinking areas
• Confiscate tobacco from young people
• Traffic control
• Community Liaison - giving the general public assistance

What do PCSOs not do?

PCSOs do not have the same powers as a police officer, so duties would not include arrests, investigating serious crimes, carrying out covert operations etc

What skills or qualifications do you need?

To be successful in this role, you must:

• Be confident and approachable
• Have good communication skills
• You must have the ability to work on your own, or as part of a team
• Possess good problem solving skills
• Demonstrate a flexible working approach
• Previous experience of dealing with the public and providing a high level of service is essential
• Have a good standard of health
• Have a full driving licence on appointment

What are the conditions of employment?

PCSOs will work a 37 hour week including shifts. Shift patterns are decided divisionally, but consist of a mix of day and evening shifts covering a span of 16 hours from 8.00am to midnight. Weekend working will form part of the shift pattern.

Full training will be given, including:

• The role and powers of a PCSO
• Basic law
• Problem solving
• Communication skills
• Personal safety
• First aid

Applicants should be aware that all successful candidates will be subject to high level of vetting procedures and a force driving test.

PCSOs will wear a uniform - distinctive by the white shirts and blue ties, epaulettes and bands around the hat.

What is the recruitment process?

When we are recruiting, the first step is to request an application pack. Once an application has been received the process that follows is:

• Shortlist
• Assessment
• Medical and fitness

When we are recruiting, awareness evenings will be arranged to enable potential applicants to gain an insight into Policing in Wiltshire. There will be opportunities to speak to existing PCSO's and recruitment specialists to find out more about the role, skills required and recruitment process.

Successful candidates must be able to take up the role on mandatory start dates over the coming year. All training is held at Headquarters in Devizes. The Training Programme is full time hours, not shifts.

For successful appointees, there will be a 6 month probationary period.

Further details on becoming a PCSO are available from Police Could You?

If you are interested in assisting in the prevention of crime within the local community please telephone 0845 408 7000 Ext 720 2341 or email HR.BusinessCentre@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk.