Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)
Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)

Taunton Full-Time 26106 - 28653 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Avon and Somerset Police

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Engage with the community, build trust, and tackle crime together.
  • Company: Join Avon and Somerset Police, a community-focused police force.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and comprehensive training.
  • Other info: Attend mandatory information events to kickstart your application.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in your community and support those in need.
  • Qualifications: Excellent communication skills and a passion for serving the community.

The predicted salary is between 26106 - 28653 £ per year.

Police Community Support Officer – £34,443 – £37,805 (salary including allowances).

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you have excellent communication skills and a strong sense of public duty? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join Avon and Somerset Police as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).

Salary: £27,204 – £29,859 (plus shift, weekend and bank holiday allowances, total salary range £34,443 – £37,805). Shift allowance is 14% of 37 hours per week, weekend working enhancement available.

About the Role

As a PCSO you will be the face of policing in your local community. You will work alongside police officers and other partners to tackle crime, anti‑social behaviour, and build strong relationships with the public. Your role is vital in ensuring that communities feel safe and supported.

Key Responsibilities

  • Engage with the community to build trust and provide reassurance.
  • Foster relationships with residents, businesses, schools and organisations to address concerns.
  • Patrol designated areas to deter crime and anti‑social behaviour.
  • Provide crime‑prevention advice and support to local residents.
  • Assist with public events and community initiatives.
  • Support victims of crime and signpost them to appropriate services.
  • Gather intelligence to support police investigations.
  • Address low‑level offences and work with partner agencies to resolve community issues.

What We’re Looking For

  • Excellent communication skills with a strong ability to listen and empathise.
  • Confident, approachable and able to build trust with diverse groups.
  • Remain calm under pressure and handle challenging situations.
  • Highly motivated with a commitment to serving the community.
  • Flexible and willing to work shifts, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Essential Requirements

  • Age 18 or over.
  • Right to work in the UK without restrictions.
  • Full UK driving licence (preferred but not mandatory).

Why Avon and Somerset Police?

At Avon and Somerset Police, we’re more than a police force – we’re a community that serves a diverse area including bustling cities, historic towns and stunning countryside. We’re proud of our work to make our region safe and welcoming for all.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary range £27,204-£29,859 plus allowances (£34,443-£37,805 total).
  • Generous Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
  • Health & Wellbeing Support: Occupational Health, counselling, wellbeing days.
  • Access to professional learning and development.

Training & Onboarding

  • Initial training at Police Headquarters, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm. Duration: 10 weeks.
  • Annual leave cannot be taken during initial training.

Location

Your station posting will be determined based on organisational need and will be within a 30‑mile radius of your home address. Confirmed posting details will be shared during the final stages of the recruitment process.

Start Date

Earliest potential start date: October 2026 (indication only; not guaranteed).

Get Ready to Apply!

Applications are open; don’t miss your chance to join our team and make a real impact in your community.

Mandatory Information Event

  • The Bridewell Police Station, Bristol City Centre
  • Bridgwater Police Centre, Express Park
  • Police Headquarters, Portishead

Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity

We recognise the benefit different life experience and perspectives can bring. We are on a journey to become the most inclusive police force in the country.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) employer: Avon and Somerset Police

Avon and Somerset Police is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community and public service. With a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including a Local Government Pension Scheme and access to professional development, employees are supported in their growth and well-being. The inclusive work culture values diversity and individuality, making it a rewarding environment for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in their local communities.
Avon and Somerset Police

Contact Detail:

Avon and Somerset Police Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the community you want to serve! Attend local events, engage with residents, and understand their concerns. This will not only help you connect better but also show your genuine interest in making a difference.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s through role-playing scenarios or joining public speaking groups, being able to listen and empathise is key for a PCSO. The more confident you are, the better you'll connect with the community.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay flexible and open-minded! The role of a PCSO can be unpredictable, so being adaptable to different situations is crucial. Show that you’re ready to tackle challenges head-on and support your community whenever needed.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye out for those mandatory information events – they’re a great opportunity to learn more and make a good impression!

We think you need these skills to ace Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)

Excellent Communication Skills
Empathy
Community Engagement
Relationship Building
Conflict Resolution
Problem-Solving Skills
Ability to Remain Calm Under Pressure
Flexibility
Motivation to Serve the Community
Listening Skills
Trust Building
Public Duty Awareness
Teamwork
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for community service shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in people's lives and how that aligns with the role of a PCSO.

Highlight Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure to showcase your ability to connect with diverse groups. Use examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with the community or resolved conflicts.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the PCSO position. Remember, less is often more!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the application process there.

How to prepare for a job interview at Avon and Somerset Police

✨Know Your Community

Before the interview, take some time to research the community you'll be serving. Understand the key issues, concerns, and demographics. This will help you demonstrate your commitment to making a difference and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a PCSO, excellent communication is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with diverse groups in the past. Think about situations where you’ve resolved conflicts or built trust, as these will highlight your ability to connect with the community.

✨Demonstrate Empathy and Listening Skills

During the interview, be ready to discuss how you handle challenging situations with empathy. Share experiences where you listened to others' concerns and took action to support them. This will show that you have the right mindset for a role focused on community engagement.

✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure. Practice responding to hypothetical situations related to crime prevention or community issues, as this will help you articulate your thought process during the interview.

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)
Avon and Somerset Police
Location: Taunton

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>