Police Community Support Officer

Recruitment is currently closed

PCSO recruitment: closed Starting salary: £18,981 Salary rising to: £21,780 after successful completion of 12 months probationary period and attainment of qualifications

 

Introduction

Kent is a safe county and by working as a police community support officer, you could play a vital role in keeping it that way.

We have vacancies for PCSOs across the county to provide a high profile and visible uniformed presence, to make sure the public feel reassured and to assist in the prevention of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

Role of a PCSO

Join us as a PCSO and your distinctive uniform will quickly make you a familiar face in the community, with your presence providing reassurance to people worried about crime. You'll act as a visible point of contact and help continue to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

As part of the wider policing team you'll work closely with regular officers, Special Constables and council wardens across Kent.

We know that by working closely with local organisations and residents, we can continue to make a real difference to people's neighbourhoods. Therefore you will be patrolling the heart of our communities, engaging with the public and dealing with real problems that challenge our communities every day and night.

Help to build a safer community

To help you maintain law and public order in the community where you work, as a PCSO you have certain powers, such as issuing penalty notices, and you'll play a key part in longer-term projects to tackle local problems and find solutions.

The qualities you need

At Kent Police we have set demanding standards for ourselves and you will be expected to live up to these.

You'll need to have a responsible approach with experience of:

• serving the public
• dealing with conflict resolution
• problem solving
• decision making
• communicating clearly and effectively

These skills will need to be coupled with a high degree of flexibility and self-motivation.

You will act with integrity, impartiality and professionalism, taking pride in your work and presenting a positive image to others.

Due to the nature of the work, you'll also need to be physically fit and be able to pass the necessary job-related fitness test.

Find out more: fitness test

Requirements

Your 37-hour working week will involve variable shifts, which could be any time between 7am and 11pm, seven days a week. We have a flexible approach to working hours, including weekend working when scheduled.

You'll also need to have a full driving licence and you must be 18 years or older when you join. No formal qualifications are required, however you will need a good standard of written English which will be tested at assessment.

Security vetting

All applications are required to meet the necessary security vetting, financial, medical and reference checks that are satisfactory to Kent Police. This will include: Biometric vetting.

Training

As a new PCSO you will start on our entry level and you'll be comprehensively supported during your training and development in the first year.

This will include the completion of a Vocational Qualification (QCF) Policing (Police Community Support Officer) Level 3 Certificate - you will be fully supported to achieve this during your first twelve months.

The first part of your training involves an eight week classroom-based course. This is followed by local training at the police station where you will be based. But it doesn't stop there. Before you go out on patrol on your own you will spend some time with officers who will support you, offering advice and guidance during the transition between the classroom and the workplace.   

Working with Kent Police

The annual starting salary for our new PCSOs is £18,981 with progression to £21,780 after successful completion of 12 months probationary period and attainment of the QCF qualification.

Alongside the training, you will also be provided with a full range of uniform and the necessary equipment and support to carry out your role.

Our commitment to diversity and fairness involves support groups including the Kent Minority Ethnic Police Association, Gay and Lesbian Support Group and Disability Awareness Group, although this list is not exhaustive.

We also offer health facilities, welfare support and active sports and social clubs.

Benefits

Working alongside police officer colleagues, PCSOs in Kent have a vital role in reducing nuisance crime and anti-social behaviour.

The benefits don't just come from knowing you're improving the lives of residents, they also include: :

• an attractive salary
• extensive training
• 23 days holiday (increasing to 25 on progression to the next level) 
• membership of our recreational club 

The recruitment process

If you're interested in applying, you need to complete our online application form. If your application meets our criteria, you'll be shortlisted and invited to attend a mandatory briefing event at our Training School in Maidstone. This will take place on Sunday 10 March 2013.

You will also be required to undertake a job-related fitness test at this event.

You'll then be invited to an assessment centre which is currently scheduled during the week commencing 18 March 2013.

The assessment will include a competency based interview, a scenario judgement assessment, and a written assessment. Full details of the assessment will be provided to candidates who attend the briefing.

If you're successful at the assessment, you'll need to undergo a full medical.

Training dates

We are recruiting to fill PCSO intakes which will start in May and June 2013. Further intakes are anticipated thereafter. 

Postings

We currently have a number of vacancies around the county and you'll need to be prepared to work where required to meet organisational demand. We'll try to accommodate your preferred location of work where possible.

 

Making an application The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 4 March 2013. We anticipate receiving a high number of applications for this role and therefore reserve the right to close this vacancy in advance of the date shown above should this be necessary. IMPORTANT: Before applying Please download and read the application guidance carefully before you apply. Failure to provide all the necessary information may delay your application. Also make sure you read thoroughly: eligibility criteria medical standards job related fitness test The information available via the links above will answer many questions you may have. If you still have any queries, please call: 01622 653653.  To apply Please enter our e-recruitment system Good luck!