Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are uniformed police staff whose role is to provide a high visibility presence in the community, helping the police to tackle anti-social behaviour and offering reassurance to the public. PCSOs typically work as part of neighbourhood policing teams. They complement the work of police officers by focusing their skills predominantly on lower level crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour (ASB). PCSOs have a key role to play freeing up police officer time, for example, by undertaking some tasks which require police presence but not necessarily the expertise of a fully sworn officer.

What is a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)?

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) play a vital role in improving the quality of life for people in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. They contribute to the safety of their communities by:

• Supporting the police in increasing public safety
• Tackling anti-social behaviour and underage drinking;
• Contributing to the regeneration of local communities;
• Dealing with truants, graffiti and litter;
• Assisting with missing persons enquiries;
• Helping to support victims
• Assisting with house to house enquiries;
• Involvement in patrolling major public events
• Helping to control crowds
• Protecting the public from security threats.

 What do they look like?

They look similar to police officers and are clearly identifiable as employees of Devon & Cornwall Constabulary. They have their titles emblazoned on high-visibility jackets and have blue epaulettes ties and hat bands. All PCSOs are equipped with police radios.

What’s good about being a PCSO?

• Sense of achievement of creating a strong community
• Building relationships with partners and the public
• Variety – no day is ever the same
• Diverse mix of colleagues – PCSOs come from all ages, backgrounds, cultures and communities;
• Good rates of pay;

Where do they work?

PCSOs are community-based and because of their ability to familiarise themselves with the community in which they work, they are extremely well placed to tackle the issues that matter most to schools, local businesses and partner agencies. Although we live in one of the safest areas of the country with a very low crime rate, PCSOs can address the low level, quality of life issues that would really make a difference to everyday lives.

Having read about being a PCSO, and you feel you have the qualities we are looking for to make a difference to communities across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, why not apply?

How to apply? Devon and Cornwall Constabulary is not currently recruiting PCSOs. Please monitor this website for future updates on recruiting requirements. Please contact The Recruitment Unit,  on 01392 452500 or e-mail HRRecruitingEnquirie@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk for information about Police Community Support Officer applications. The PCSO application and assessment process will consist of the following:

• National application form
• National shortlisting process
• Vetting and background enquiries
• PCSO Assessment Centre (consisting of a written test, structured interview and interactive role-plays)  PCSO fitness test (for successful applicants)
• Medical examination (for successful applicants)
• Final reference and security checks.

For general information about PCSOs please contact the Force PCSO Co-ordinator, Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, Territorial Policing & Partnerships, Middlemoor HQ, Exeter, Devon EX2 7HQ on 01392 223183 or email vicky.hollinshead@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk