Police community support officers

Average National Salaries (2020)

What does this career do?

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) support the local police force by patrolling the streets to provide a visible and reassuring presence and to tackle a range of crime and disorder problems. PCSOs are also attached to the British Transport Police who operate the specialised police service for the railway network across Britain.

Typical tasks

• patrols a geographic area to monitor and deter criminal and anti-social activity and disorderly conduct
• assists police officers at crime scenes and major events
• carries out house-to-house enquiries
• provides crime prevention advice and helps to support victims of crime
• may detain someone pending the arrival of a police officer
• may direct traffic and arrange for vehicles to be removed.

Current entry requirements

There are no formal educational requirements although entrants must pass written tests and undergo a medical check including an eyesight test. Nationality restrictions apply and background security checks will be made.

Percentage in work

• Employed

• Unemployed

Due to insufficient sample sizes, some data was excised.

Predicted employment status in 2022

• Full-time

• Part-time

Predicted employment levels in the East Midlands

Career related courses available at West Notts

• Sociology A Level - Level 3
• Preparation for Uniform Protective Services (Intermediate) - Level 2
• Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services (Advanced) - Level 3

About the statistics

Data is powered by LMI for All and is sourced from labour market statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Institute for Employment Research, the Department for Works and Pensions, and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.