Hannah, a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) has been in the role for 5 years.
Hear about working for us: Hannah, Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)
Can you tell us about your role?
A PCSO’s role is to be an approachable asset in the community, happy to try to help with all concerns and issues. We engage with schools, youth groups and local businesses, whilst being the eyes and the ears on the ground gathering intelligence.
As a PCSO, we are given training to ride a bike within the Hampshire Constabulary standards, allowing us to access parts of our beat that a car would not be able to. Alternatively, PCSOs might work in an area where being able to drive a car is necessary, so would also be given driving training as well.
We support our Police Officer colleagues in the prevention of crime and tackling anti-social behaviour. Responding to issues such as under- age drinking, vandalism, neighbour disputes and listening to housing concerns.
PCSOs attend various groups such as coffee mornings to speak to the public about topics, such as fraud. This is generally a very good way to get involved with your community and inform people what can happen and what to look out for. PCSOs will also manage missing people organising regular meetings with social workers, schools and parents. This gives some continuity between the police and the family, to ensure a positive working relationship.
What is the difference between a Police Community Support Officer and a Police Officer?
The difference between PCSOs and PCs is primarily what we are involved with. PCSOs are not expected to respond with blue lights and sirens, nor take control of a situation where there could be a violent offender on scene. Police Officers, carry a bigger work- load, like, they are required to write case files if a case is going to court.
PCSOs have more time within the community as we are less restricted, however we do still carry a work load and still become involved in the investigation side of things.
Another difference is that PCs carry handcuffs, tasers, batons and PAVA spray, meaning there is less expectation for PCSOs to get involved in conflict.
Police Officers can be abstracted to cover other areas within the force or asked to cover other police forces.
What would a standard day look for you?
A standard day for me would be getting to work, checking emails and seeing what has happened in the area. We can access the police system that will tell us what crimes or incidents have taken place over the last few days.
I would then target my patrols and see any victims that need to be spoken to by Police. This might be to gather CCTV or conduct house-to-house enquiries.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a PCSO?
Go for it. This is a very enjoyable career, no two days are the same and you get to feel like you have made a difference. You get to patrol some lovely areas and meet new people.
For our current vacancies visit our vacancy page All Hampshire Constabulary Jobs, or if you have any questions, please contact police.recruitment@hampshire.police.uk and we would be happy to help. Alternatively, please call us on 023 8045 1611.
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