How to become a PCSO

How to become a PCSO Don’t just care about community. Support it… Police Community Support Officers (also known as PCSOs or CSOs) work within their local area, keeping members of the public safe and helping Police Officers carry out their jobs more effectively.Although they don’t have powers of arrest and cannot interview offenders, PCSOs do share many other responsibilities with their fully-trained counterparts, including the ability to detain people and confiscating stolen or illegal items. And, as uniformed officers, some forces may also authorise them to carry equipment such as body armour, batons and restraints.Typical duties for a PCSO could include:Patrolling the local area (either on foot, or by bicycle)Dealing with minor offences and issuing penaltiesGuarding crime scenes and reassuring victimsProviding ongoing support to the local police forcePerforming searches, and seizing items (e.g. alcohol, tobacco, drugs)Working with members of the public to tackle long-term problemsIs it right for me?It’s vital to the role that PCSOs are a visible part of the community, meaning much of your work will be done in patrols. For this reason a good level of physical fitness is essential.You’ll also need bravery, as well as the ability to stay calm under pressure. So whether it’s controlling crowds at an event, confronting criminals, or dealing with disturbances in the local area, a good PCSO will know exactly how to handle the situation â€" as safely and efficiently as possible.And, once you’ve built up a good level of experience, it is possible to move into the police force from this role, making it a great start for those looking for a long-term career in law enforcement.Other key skills for anyone looking to become a PCSO include:Excellent communication skillsEmpathy and tactProblem solving and good decision makingHonesty and integritySelf-defence skillsA thick skinCareer Progression PCSOUp to £25,000 Police OfficerUp to £35,000 Police SergeantUp to £45,000What's it really like? To be honest, I only looked into becoming a PCSO because I thought it would help me get into the police force. But the more I found out, the more I loved it. My day basically consists of going round the local area, looking out for any suspicious activity and keeping the community safe. Sometimes it can be challenging, and might require you to deal with local criminals or diffuse dangerous situations. Other days, it can seem like nothing happens. But just being out there and showing people that they’re protected can be huge in some places. My biggest tip? You need to be resilient. Also, be comfortable working outside. If you’re bothered by the wind and rain, you’re probably not going to go far in this job. Get qualifiedYou won’t need a dedicated qualification to become a PCSO, but you will have to complete some basic health, fitness and security checks in order to prove your eligibility â€" not to mention a series of assessment exercises. You’ll also need to b e over the age of 18, have no previous criminal record, and hold a full UK manual driving license to apply.