Community safety officer
As a community safety officer you’ll be responsible for devising strategies to tackle crime, antisocial behaviour and neighbour nuisance.
As well as working at a strategic level, community safety officers may be responsible for detailed casework and will often have to present reports and witness statements in court. This may involve working with residents who have been the victims of antisocial behaviour. Some community safety officers work in highly specialised roles, dealing with issues like domestic violence or gang crime.
Did you know?
The profession of community safety officers has only existed for just over a decade, in response to growing concerns about antisocial behaviour and ‘neighbours from hell’. In 1998 the Crime and Disorder Act placed a statutory duty on local authorities, police forces and others to form crime and disorder partnerships.
Facts and Figures
- Starting salary:
Salaries vary widely, depending on the post. However, starting salaries are usually between £16,000 and £23,000.
- Senior level salary:
Up to £40,000.
- Education:
Entry requirements vary, with some councils expecting community safety officers to have a degree with experience in a related field for managerial positions. It helps to have experience in social care or crime legislation. It may be possible to become a support officer by doing an Advanced Apprenticeship in Community Justice.
- Skills:
You'll need to be comfortable working in a team in a challenging environment, and have the enthusiasm, knowledge and interpersonal skills to apply your expertise with a high degree of flexibility and sensitivity. If you like the idea of being a valued expert in an area with a high public profile, this role could suit you.
- Likely employer type:
Local authorities, community safety or crime reduction partnerships, Police forces and registered social landlords.
- Opportunities:
Numbers of positions are increasing, and there may be possibilities for promotion to team and service manager.
Meet a community safety officer
Helpful links
- National Community Safety NetworkA forum led by practitioners
- Crime ReductionExtensive resources on crime prevention and reduction
- RespectInformation about the government’s Respect campaign
- Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance GroupInformation about community safety and neighbour nuisance for housing professionals
- Community Development FoundationWorks in partnership with local government, partnerships, voluntary organisations and health agencies
