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

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)

Full-Time 25000 - 32000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Be the community's first point of contact, ensuring safety and support.
  • Company: Join Surrey Police, dedicated to keeping communities safe and making a difference.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a starting salary of £29,151, flexible working, and 25-30 days annual leave.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while gaining a professional qualification.
  • Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold GCSEs in English and Maths, and have a full UK driving licence.
  • Other info: Diversity is valued; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ 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.

Chief Constables\’ Message

We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.

We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.

We wish you all the very best with your application.

The Role & Key Responsibilities

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.

Skills & Experience

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.
  • If you are aged 18 or below you must hold a GCSE A*-C (4-9) or Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in English and Maths. If you are aged 19 or older then you will need to pass an initial skills assessment in English prior to commencing the apprenticeship.
  • 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 £29,151 plus an unsocial hours allowance of £1,857 per annum.*
  • Fully-funded professional qualification – Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice.
  • 25 days per year annual leave, rising to 30 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.

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.

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 noreply@surreysussexpolice.as.recruitmail.com to your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications.

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Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) employer: Sussex Police

Join Surrey Police as a Police Community Support Officer and become an integral part of a dedicated team committed to community safety. With a competitive starting salary, fully-funded professional qualifications, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and employee well-being, you will find numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. Experience the pride of making a real difference in your community while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package.
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Contact Detail:

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 the local community issues in Surrey. Understanding the specific challenges and needs of the communities you’ll serve will help you demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Engage with local community groups or volunteer organisations. This experience will not only enhance your communication skills but also show your dedication to community service, which is crucial for a PCSO.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for situational questions by thinking about how you would handle various community scenarios. Being able to articulate your thought process and problem-solving skills will set you apart in the interview.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with current or former PCSOs if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the application process, helping you to tailor your approach and stand out as a candidate.

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

Excellent Communication Skills
Empathy and Compassion
Problem-Solving Skills
Active Listening
Conflict Resolution
Community Engagement
Teamwork and Collaboration
Adaptability
Decision-Making Skills
Understanding of Local Issues
Ability to Remain Calm Under Pressure
Integrity and Ethical Judgement
Cultural Awareness
Basic IT Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Police Community Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key skills required, such as communication, problem-solving, and community engagement.

Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role. Emphasise any previous work in community service, communication skills, or problem-solving abilities that demonstrate your suitability for the position.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your passion for community safety and your desire to make a difference. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate 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 Sussex Police

✨Show Your Community Spirit

As a PCSO, your role is all about community engagement. During the interview, share examples of how you've contributed to your community or helped others. This will demonstrate your commitment and passion for making a difference.

✨Demonstrate Effective Communication Skills

Being a great communicator is crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might be asked situational questions, so think about how you would handle various community scenarios and explain your thought process.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and compassion. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges a PCSO might face and how you would approach them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

✨Research the Organisation

Familiarise yourself with Surrey Police's values, mission, and recent initiatives. Showing that you understand their commitment to diversity and community safety will reflect your genuine interest in the role and alignment with their goals.

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)
Sussex Police

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