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Emergency and uniform services | Government services
Police community support officers (PCSOs) work in a neighbourhood policing team to help deal with and prevent crime.
You can get into this role through a higher apprenticeship as a police community support officer. To do this apprenticeship, you'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent.
Volunteering
You'll need good communication skills, and experience of working with the public in community settings will be useful. It may be helpful if you have experience of community work or you've volunteered as a special constable.
Each police force has its own selection process. This will usually involve: written tests an interview an interactive test to see how you work with other people. Great value is placed on personal qualities and character, especially: the ability to remain calm under pressure, tolerance and empathy, combined with firmness.
You'll need:
You will do a variety of work in which you could:
There is no formal route from PCSO to police officer, but the training and experience you gain could help you if you want to move into this role. Many people do make being a PCSO their long-term career. You could also use your experience to mentor and train new PCSOs.
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Are you thinking about a career in the Civil Service, or do you know someone who is? If so, why not consider a Movement to Work placement with the Department for Work and Pensions?PLEASE NOTE: ONGOING start dates.
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