The Role of a PCSO
Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) provide a visible presence in the community, helping the police to tackle anti-social behaviour and offering reassurance to the public. Become a PCSO and you will act as the eyes and ears on the streets. The job is a fully paid role and work hours in many cases can be flexible. You will be in uniform and under the direction of a police Commander responding to crime and disorder issues. Here are just some of the issues you may deal with in your work:
- support for the police in increasing public safety
- contributing to the regeneration of local communities
- dealing with truants, graffiti, abandoned vehicles, litter, missing persons enquiries
- helping to support victims
- assisting with house to house enquiries
- involvement in patrolling major public events and ceremonials
- helping to control crowds
- protecting the public from security threats
Depending on your role, you may also be given police powers, including:
- the power to detain someone pending the arrival of a constable
- the power to direct traffic and remove vehicles
- the power to issue fixed penalty notices in relation to a range of anti-social behaviours
The Chief Police Officers’ View of PCSOs |
