PCSOs

We are not currently recruiting for PCSOs but recommend that you regularly check this page for future campaigns.

Please note that in order to obtain an application pack you must attend an open day. At present we have no open day events planned.

Police Community Support Officers ( PCSOs ) inspire confidence on the streets of Essex.

They strive to make our communities safer and stronger yet perform one of the most demanding roles in the modern police force.

Although we are not currently recruiting for PCSOs take a look around our PCSO pages to find out more about what being a PCSO is like.

PCSOs can't make arrests and they don’t carry handcuffs or a baton. They rely on their ability to understand and communicate with some of the most challenging people in some of the most difficult situations.

As a result we're looking for special qualities.

Have you got what it takes?

Put yourself in the shoes of a PCSO. These are some of the issues you may have to resolve.

• How would you deal with a group of binge drinkers dancing in the street?
• What would you do to re-build the confidence of an elderly couple who were burgled last week?
• How would you handle young people using a shopping centre as an indoor cycle track?
  
  
  PCSOs work within neighbourhood policing teams helping to solve local issues by getting out in community, meeting people and offering advice and support to people who live and work in the neighbourhood.

PCSOs deal with minor offences and support front-line policing. They do not make arrests, conduct interviews, deal with prisoners or investigate serious crime. PCSOs go out on solo patrols which means they will be expected walk their areas alone.

What can you expect?

As a PCSO you can expect to:

• Go on highly visible solo foot patrols
• Support Neighbourhood Policing Teams to solving local problems
• Make house visits to gather intelligence and offer public reassurance after minor crimes or anti-social behaviour
• Get involved with key people in the community, such as community, religious and business leaders
• Work with Community Watch, Neighbourhood Watch, Business Watch, Pub Watch, Farm Watch and Horse Watch schemes
• Protect crime scenes until police officers arrive
• Collect CCTV evidence
• Provide low-level crime prevention and personal safety advice
• Carry out low-level missing person enquiries
• Act as professional witnesses, attending court when needed
• Support crime prevention
• Engage with youths
• Interact with schools
• Support the mobile police station

Hours and Salary

Essex Police PCSOs work 37 hours per week full time. However part-time hours may be possible.

Starting salary is £18,006 per annum (pay award pending) although PCSOs are entitled to a shift allowance of around 14 per cent once they have completed their initial training.

The exact allowance depends on shift pattern and the division they work in.