Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)

Here at Northumbria Police, we think our region is amazing. It takes a great deal of people from different backgrounds, with diverse skills and experience to serve our force area effectively, think you have what it takes to help us make a difference? This could be the perfect time for you to join us as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).

Our PCSO apprenticeship programme is a chance to earn as you learn; we’ll equip you with the skills and confidence to engage with local communities, help to prevent crime and build valued relationships. You provide a visible and reassuring presence, being the eyes and ears of both the public and Northumbria Police. The community we serve is diverse and you could be working in either rural or urban communities.

As a PCSO, you will work within a Neighbourhood Policing Team to engage with local communities and partners, build positive relationships, identify community issues, and implement solutions to keep communities safe. You will handle incidents within your area, conduct initial investigations, and ensure scene preservation when necessary.

Providing quality service to victims and witnesses of crime and anti-social behaviour is key, including identifying vulnerable individuals and ensuring their safety. You will participate in briefings, operations, and other policing activities, attend court as needed, and exercise designated powers set by the Chief Constable.

Your role involves liaising with community partners to resolve issues, prevent crime, and provide advice. Being approachable and adaptable will help you build and maintain positive relationships, making you a respected figure in the community. When it comes to being a PCSO, you must be resourceful, diplomatic, motivated, and connected with the community. While you don’t have arrest powers, handcuffs, or batons, you will rely on your training, communication, and interpersonal skills to manage challenging situations.

You need to stand up for yourself and handle confrontations, but you’ll always have support from police officers and other staff. The camaraderie in this role is unique and invaluable, especially during tough times.

As we’re a 24/7 service, you’ll need to be flexible to work shifts – days, evenings and weekends.