Police Community Support Officers

The role

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), also called Community Support Officers (CSOs), provide a visible presence in the community, helping the police to tackle anti-social behaviour and offering reassurance to the public.  Become a PCSO and you will act as the eyes and ears of the police on the streets.

PCSOs help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour by dealing with minor offences and supporting front-line policing.

PCSOs patrol in uniform. Here are some of the issues they may deal with in their work:

• Working with the public to identify and address their concerns
• Contributing to the management of local neighbourhoods
• Helping to support people who are affected by crime and disorder

Additional responsibility

Depending on their role, PCSOs may also be given powers, currently under review, including:

• The power to detain someone pending the arrival of a constable
• The power to direct traffic and remove vehicles
• The power to issue fixed penalty notices in relation to a range of anti-social behaviour

To become a PCSO and to find out more about the role go to www.policecouldyou.co.uk