At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the community's first point of contact, ensuring safety and support.
- Company: Join a progressive police service dedicated to community safety and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a starting salary of £28,301, flexible working, and 25+ days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining a professional qualification.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have a full UK driving licence, and GCSEs in English and Maths.
- Other info: Diversity is key; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 22800 - 28400 £ per year.
We’re hiring more Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and we want you to join us. As the key link with communities across Surrey, our PCSOs play a critical and visible role in helping keep our communities safe, identifying and protecting the most vulnerable and preventing harm. In return, we promise you a good starting salary, great training experiences – and the pride that comes from helping others. You will also be working towards a professional qualification – a Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice. Police Community Support Officer As the first point of contact for the community, you’ll need to be a great communicator; calm, confident and compassionate. You’ll need to be able to listen carefully, think through challenges and find solutions. Above all, you’ll simply care about the community and want to do what you can to keep it safe. It’s a challenging role, but also incredibly rewarding. If you want to help keep your community safe, then join us now and help make a difference, together. Eligibility Criteria To apply as a PCSO you must: Be aged 17 at point of application. You must be 18 before you can start. Have a full UK manual driving licence, by time of appointment. Hold a GCSE A*-C (4-9) or Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in English and Maths. If you do not hold an equivalent level 2 qualification you will be referred to Functional Skills UK and will be required to complete the qualification(s) prior to your End Point Assessment. You must have lived in the UK for three continuous years immediately prior to application. Have leave to enter or leave to remain and work in the UK for an indefinite period. Not have six penalty points or more Not be a member of the British National Party (BNP) or other relevant organisations Not have tattoos which could cause offence Not have served a prison sentence. Why Work With Us? For PCSOs the pay and holiday benefits are as follows: Starting salary of £28,301 plus an unsocial hours allowance of £1,768 per annum.* Fully-funded professional qualification – Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice. 25 days per year annual leave, rising to 29 days depending on your length of service. A competitive benefits package including pension, flexible benefits, employee assistance programme for advice and counselling, access to discounts / savings / cash-back rewards. A progressive approach to flexible working, enhanced maternity and paternity leave and potential for a career break (after two years’ service). Opportunities to join various support networks, staff associations and sports clubs. *unsocial hours allowance is paid upon successful completion of your training. Diversity Statement We are only as good as our people. It\’s important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we\’ll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all. We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement. We are committed to being an anti-racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and to uphold anti-racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. For more information, you can read our full anti-racism statement here. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you. Additional Information Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders so please ensure this is checked regularly. You may wish to consider adding to your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) employer: Surrey and Sussex Police
Contact Detail:
Surrey and Sussex Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with community policing principles. Understanding the role of a PCSO in your local area will help you demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with your community. Attend local events or meetings to connect with residents and understand their concerns. This will not only enhance your communication skills but also show your genuine interest in community safety.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions. Think about how you would handle various scenarios that a PCSO might face, such as dealing with anti-social behaviour or supporting vulnerable individuals. This preparation can set you apart in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current PCSOs or police staff. Reach out on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights into their experiences and advice on the application process. Their first-hand knowledge can be invaluable in your preparation.
We think you need these skills to ace Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Police Community Support Officer. Highlight your communication skills, compassion, and commitment to community safety in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the role. Emphasise any relevant experience in community service, conflict resolution, or teamwork that showcases your ability to connect with the community.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your passion for community safety and your desire to make a difference. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you embody the qualities they are looking for in a PCSO.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and complete. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey and Sussex Police
✨Show Your Community Spirit
As a Police Community Support Officer, your connection to the community is vital. Be prepared to share examples of how you've engaged with your local area or contributed to community projects. This will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Demonstrate Effective Communication Skills
Since you'll be the first point of contact for the community, it's essential to showcase your communication skills. Practice active listening and think of scenarios where you successfully resolved conflicts or helped others through effective dialogue.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-life situations. Think about challenges you might face as a PCSO and how you would handle them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Emphasise Your Compassion and Calmness
The role requires a calm and compassionate approach. Be ready to discuss times when you've had to remain composed under pressure or show empathy towards others. This will highlight your suitability for a role that involves protecting vulnerable individuals.