Police Community Support Officer Apprenticeship (Pcso) 2025 - Register Your Interest

Our purpose at TeamNP is simple: to keep people safe and to fight crime. But it takes more than officers alone to do the job and that’s where our 2,000-strong team of police staff come in. As one of the largest police forces in England, we have a huge variety of departments and specialisms offering you endless opportunities. From mentoring and coaching schemes and online soft skills courses to leadership development programmes; we’ll give you the support, training and time to carve out the career you always wanted.

As one of the top 50 UK inclusive employers and a disability confident employer, we promote a culture of respect in the workplace so everyone can feel seen, heard and valued. What’s more, we’re proud to have been rated as 'good' on our most recent inspection for building, supporting and protecting our workforce. You can also expect first-rate support to manage your health and wellbeing. With year-round events, a 24/7 welfare support hotline and a leading approach to neurodiversity, our initiatives enable you to be at your best. Above all else, here at Team NP we can offer you a career that is so much more than just a job; it’s a chance to be part of something that really matters.

Once you’ve successfully completed all the elements of the PCSO training, you’ll be awarded a level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice. This leads to your end point assessment and achievement of the Police Community Support Officer Apprenticeship. We are committed to helping you continuously develop in your role to take your career in any direction. You will have access to resources such as mentoring programmes, leadership training, in-house soft skill development and more.

• Handling incidents within your area and conducting initial investigations.
• Ensuring scene preservation when necessary.
• Providing quality service to victims and witnesses of crime and anti-social behaviour.
• Identifying vulnerable individuals and ensuring their safety.
• Participating in briefings, operations, and other policing activities.
• Attending court as needed and exercising designated powers set by the Chief Constable.

The 12-15 month training programme combines practical and theory-based learning. Your training will start with two classroom phases, lasting around 3 months, based at Ponteland alongside other PCSOs on your course. From the essentials like safety training and first aid to decision making and communication skills, your study will encompass all the skills and knowledge you need ready for the next step in your training. Some of your study will be delivered as tutorials, role-plays, self-study or e-learning.

As part of the second phase of your training, you’ll start work in frontline policing. You’ll be based at a police station alongside your experienced colleagues in a neighbourhood team. You’ll be working one-to-one with an experienced tutor who will support you in putting your learning into practice as part of your operational duties. You’ll also have the opportunity to shadow experienced PCSOs out and about in the community.

Please note, vacancies are available across the force area. We are unable to guarantee you a particular location. As we’re a 24/7 service, you’ll need to be flexible to work shifts - days, evenings and weekends.