Training and development

As a new PCSO you'll join at entry level and will be comprehensively supported during your training and development in the first year. This will include the completion of a development portfolio.

The first part of your training involves an eight-week course at Kent Police College in Maidstone, followed by local training at the police station where you'll be based. Training will cover many topics including:

• Use of our IT systems
• Law of England and Wales
• Health and safety
• Powers of arrest
• Victim Code and Witness Charter
• Road Traffic Act
• Crime recording
• Interview techniques

During your training you will need to successfully complete a number of practical assessments, to test and develop your communication skills and your application of law and procedure during realistic community policing scenarios.

Before you go out on patrol on your own you'll spend some time with officers who'll also support you, offering advice and guidance during the transition between the classroom and the workplace.