Work With Offenders - The Choices
Police Community Support Officer
Police community support officers are there to help deal with street crime and anti-social behaviour and contribute to the general presence of police on patrol in the local community. They hold fewer powers than regular police officers, but are able to build upon their position which may lead to a higher ranking role in the police force. They deal with minor incidents across a fixed area and carry out a wide range of tasks.
Their responsibilities include: Issuing fixed penalty notices for anti social behaviour offences; regular street patrols; detaining offenders for higher ranking officers to deal with; guarding crime scenes and establishing safety zones; interacting with the public, providing information such as up-to-date crime prevention techniques and local crime statistics; guarding traffic and dealing with the removal of vehicles and unsafe objects; providing a safety presence at large public gatherings such as public demonstrations or meetings; and being responsible for dealing with minor offences and incidents such as litter throwing, street drinking, vandalism and truanting.
Police community support officers are not required to have had any formal training, but related qualifications would be beneficial to their development.
These include an NVQ level 2 in public services or a BTEC first diploma or national diploma in public services. They will go through rigorous training exorcises aimed at nurturing their knowledge of first aid, patrolling skills and community awareness. Additionally, experience of working in a community based setting would be beneficial, as would owning a full UK drivers license.
Qualifications: Nothing essential, but an NVQ in public services (or related) would be an advantage.
Experience: In a community based role would be beneficial.
Skills: Written and verbal communication skills, people skills, problem solving and initiative skills.
