PCSO

We offer a unique, stimulating and rewarding career with an opportunity to make a real difference to your community.

As a PCSO, you will receive:

• a starting salary of £21,135 plus allowances for working shifts and weekends, equating to in the region of £26,000 per annum
• 23 paid days annual leave, plus public holidays, which increases after five years’ service
• a Local Government Pension Scheme. Find out more about the benefits of a Local Government Pension Scheme (PDF)
• training and development opportunities throughout your career
• wellbeing support and advice, for professional and personal matters including an employee assistance programme, physiotherapy and an in-house occupational health service
• lifestyle benefits, including sports and social facilities and activities, cycle to work scheme and childcare vouchers, including access to the Force Club
• a range of public sector discounts from insurance to holidays
• free parking at some sites where available
• access to supportive and active staff groups, networks and associations

One of our key values is inclusivity, we value the difference in perspective our people bring, and we work together with our colleagues to ensure they reach their potential.

We will provide you with the skills and resources needed to perform in the role, we are driving technology into all areas of our organisation, from physical kit including laptops, phones and radios, through to online training courses so you can continue to learn remotely.

Our offices, stations and vehicles are all kitted out with a wide range of technological solutions including Wi-Fi to ensure our staff are fully connected wherever they go.

In your career as a PCSO you will be on your feet out and about every day, meeting with the public, talking to businesses, schools, colleges and other organisations.

You will be someone who is happy to be on patrol on your own and be able to make decisions quickly and effectively.

PCSOs play a vital role in helping to improve relations between the police and local communities and as a key point of contact you will provide knowledge, reassurance and resolution on a wide range of policing matters.

You will:

• provide an outstanding service to your communities
• work alongside other colleagues in our organisation providing a joined up approach to the service and support we offer
• have the integrity and values to hold a position of trust and responsibility
• care about making a difference and enjoy helping people
• want to actively engage in partnership with others and understand their needs, whatever their background or situation
• be happy talking to people and listening to their concerns and providing solutions
• be professional, friendly and build relationships with your colleagues and your communities
• be enthusiastic, reliable, self-disciplined, flexible and confident enough to take control of situations
• take pride in your work and be proud to say you are a PCSO

This is an ever evolving role so you should be someone who is happy to work to changeable priorities and deadlines.

A typical day may begin walking the local cycle track where there have been complaints reported of individuals causing trouble. You could then receive a radio message calling you to the scene of a car accident where you need to control the traffic. Later on in the day you could be at a local college, talking to the students about speed awareness. No two days are the same.

In this role you will not have powers of arrest, instead you will talk to individuals to find resolution.

Read how PCSO Mo has brought about positive change in his local community.

As a PCSO, you will need to:

• go on highly-visible foot and cycle patrols
• offer advice on crime prevention
• deal with anti-social behaviour alongside neighbourhood wardens and community action teams
• visit schools and talk with young people
• build links with businesses and community leaders
• guard crime scenes and detain suspects until a Police Officer arrives
• visit or speak to victims and those who may be vulnerable to reassure and offer advice
• gather and develop intelligence from within your community
• make house visits to reassure people and gather intelligence
• issue fixed penalty notices
• provide support at large public gatherings, such as sports events and public demonstrations

You will be required to work shifts, mostly between the hours of 7am and 3am, depending on the area in which you work. You could work alone, in pairs or in small teams.

An example of a typical four-week shift pattern for a PCSO:

Week 1

• Monday – Rest day
• Tuesday – 07:00-16:00
• Wednesday – 11:00-20:00
• Thursday – 14:30-22:30
• Friday – 15:00-00:00
• Saturday – 14:00-00:00
• Sunday – 12:30-22:30

Week 2

• Monday – Rest day
• Tuesday – Rest day
• Wednesday – 07:00-16:00
• Thursday – 07:00-16:00
• Friday – 07:00-16:00
• Saturday – Rest day
• Sunday – Rest day

Week 3

• Monday – 14:30-22:30
• Tuesday – 14:30-22:30
• Wednesday – 14:30-22:30
• Thursday – Rest day
• Friday – Rest day
• Saturday – 07:00-17:00
• Sunday – 07:00-17:00

Week 4

• Monday – 07:00-16:00
• Tuesday – 10:00-18:00
• Wednesday – 10:00-18:00
• Thursday – 08:00-17:00
• Friday – Rest day
• Saturday – Rest day
• Sunday – Rest day

Find out more about the PCSO recruitment process.

If you are currently serving as a PCSO with another police force and have completed your 12 month probationary period, you are eligible to apply for a transfer to Avon and Somerset Police.

This is currently closed to new applicants.

If you have previously worked for us or another police force as a PSCO, you may be able to re-join.

This is currently closed to new applicants.

Find out why you should work for us.