We chatted to one of our Police Community Support Officer’s (PCSO), Richard about his career with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary.
Hear about working for us: Richard, Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)
Can you tell us about your role?
This is my 17th year as a PCSO and I can honestly say that I enjoy the role as much today as I always have. As a PCSO I have lots of responsibilities within the community that I serve. I can be asked to carry out high visibility patrols of crime and ASB hotspots, help CID and the response teams with house to house and CCTV investigations, collect and submit items for forensic examination and assist with special operations, like speed enforcement for example.
Problem solving is also a big part of my role – looking at the issues that affect the community and creating ways to address them – this often involves thinking outside the box.
In addition to those tasks, and the list truly is endless, I have a safeguarding role in the community, looking after the interests of children at schools and in care, supporting the elderly, who might have been the victim of scams or a fraud, and assisting those with mental health problems and learning difficulties who again need our support.
Engaging with the community is a major part of the role. Whether in schools, at youth groups, Parish Council meetings, monthly Beat Surgeries, public meetings and so on. My role is to help build relationships with people from all walks of life, which hopefully builds their confidence in the Police.
What is the difference between a Police Community Support Officer and a Police Officer?
There are a few fundamental differences. A PCSO doesn’t get involved in responding to the most urgent incidents on a daily basis and we don’t arrest. We don’t carry a taser, PAVA spray, handcuffs or a baton. We support our warranted officers, but our role is about building that relationship with the community and supporting it in any way that we can. We are problem solvers and intelligence gatherers.
What would a standard day look for you?
No two days are ever the same which is another reason why I still enjoy my role so much. Today I started at 6am to go on joint patrol with Forestry England looking for gangs of fungi pickers linked to modern day slavery. I’ve completed a couple of hours of paperwork (yes sadly there is some that needs doing) then I’ll be off to a car that’s been dumped (probably stolen) on a road nearby. Also this week I’ve been tasked to assist with a search in the city centre. I’ve got to catch up with the 15 year I’m supporting after they kept going missing from home. I’ve got more house to house to do for a series of burglaries in a local village and I have two school visits, one today and one tomorrow. Every day is different.
Are there any particular skills you require to do the role?
The most important skill for this job is the ability to talk and listen to everyone and anyone. If you are good with people and if you care then this is a great role for you. I started as a PCSO at the age of 43 so you are never too old or young.
What is the best part of your job?
I still believe that I make a difference to someone’s life at least once a week, this is why I am still doing the job. I also get to meet a lot of great people. It is also exciting when I get involved in the special operations organised by Police officer colleagues.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a PCSO?
Do it – a good PCSO can be a really positive addition to the community they serve and if you want a career where you can help people and make a real difference then this is the perfect job for you. Don’t worry about your age, life experience is a great asset to have in this role. If you can, speak a PCSO, hopefully they will be able to help you make your decision. There are days that are tough and there are situations you have to deal with that are difficult but I believe we should experience challenges in our lives. Finally, you join a team of likeminded people, I love the camaraderie I have experienced since joining the Police.
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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