Police community support worker

Police community support officers (PCSOs) play a vital role in making communities safer and more secure. They work to support normal community policing, bringing a visible presence to town centres, housing estates and shopping centres in the fight against antisocial behaviour.

PCSOs normally act as foot patrols in a specific area, getting to know the local community and dealing with incidents that do not need full police powers. Officers can also be used to help carry out other routine police duties, such as controlling traffic and acting as stewards at public gatherings.

Did you know?
Many PCSOs have gone to work in other parts of the police service. Some have become full-time police officers and others have even gone on to fill civilian roles in murder investigation teams.

Facts and Figures

  • Starting salary:

    Salaries vary from force to force but £16,000 is the usual starting point

  • Senior level salary:

    An average salary is £19,500 and a PCSO supervisor can earn £24,000.

  • Education:

    There is no formal educational requirement for this post, but each applicant has to pass written tests

  • Skills:

    You'll need to be confident, level-headed and have a mature attitude to help create safer communities. A PCSO should show experience and confidence in dealing with difficult people and complex situations, have the ability to communicate well and work as part of a team. Because of the long hours on foot patrol, PCSOs must be physically fit and have stamina.

  • Likely employer type:

    Local police forces

  • Opportunities:

    Police forces across the country, including British Transport Police, are looking to recruit more than 3,600 extra PCSOs within the next 12 months

  • Number of professionals:

    There are 11,000 PCSOs across the UK

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