Wiltshire Police is recruiting for Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).
It is the first PCSO recruitment campaign of 2017 and successful candidates will begin on 4 September 2017. Applications are open until 5pm on Monday 20 February.
Applications are welcomed from members of the public as well as current Wiltshire Police staff.
PCSOs provide a visible patrolling presence, acting as an effective crime deterrent, especially with regard to anti-social behaviour.
There will be a live online question and answer session on Facebook and Twitter on Monday 13 February 6pm – 7.30pm. An expert panel will be ready to answer any questions potential applicants have about the PCSO role or the recruitment process in general.
The Q&A will open at 6pm on Wiltshire Police’s Facebook page and @WiltshirePolice Twitter page. People can send their questions in advance or on the night using the hashtag #WiltsPCSO
What are main roles carried out by PCSOs? • Community liaison • Community safety • Instigate and support community events • Work with local schools to gain the trust of young people • Foot patrol • Gather intelligence during the course of patrols, such as obtaining the names and addresses of person acting in an anti-social manner • Traffic control and arranging the removal of abandoned vehicles.
PCSOs do not have the same powers as a police officer therefore duties would not include arrests, investigating serious crimes, carrying out covert operations etc.
To be successful in this role, applicants must; • Be confident and approachable • Have good communication skills • Have the ability to work on your own, or as part of a team • Possess good problem solving skills • Demonstrate a flexible working approach • Previous experience of dealing with the public and providing a high level of service is essential •Have a good standard of health • Have a full manual driving licence on appointment
What are the conditions of employment?
PCSOs will work a 37 hour week including shifts. Shift patterns are decided divisionally, but consist of a mix of day and evening shifts covering a span of 16 hours from 7am to midnight. Weekend working will form part of the shift pattern.
The starting salary is £19,737 per annum rising to £20,763 per annum in two annual increments + 14% SAFF (shift allowance for flexibility). Benefits include pension scheme, 22 days annual leave and access to gym facilities.
The SAFF scheme is a financial allowance rewarding those who offer the greatest degree of flexibility and is payable dependent on the working pattern you undertake. If the working pattern changes or your flexibility becomes more restricted, the allowance may change or even cease.
Full training will be given, including: • The role and powers of a PCSO
• Basic law • Problem solving • Communication skills • Personal safety • First aid.
PCSOs will wear a uniform – distinctive by their blue shirts, epaulettes and bands around the hat.
For more information, please visit either the Wiltshire Police website www.wiltshire.police.uk
If you have any further questions, please email applications@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk or call the dedicated recruitment phone line on 01380 861121 (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm).
