Preparing for the role

As a PCSO you will need to be flexible to work the required shift pattern.

You will need to be physically fit as you will be spending most of your time on foot patrol. Although you will be part of a team, you also need to be prepared to spend much of your time working alone within the community. And of course you need to be prepared to wear our uniform (including a stab vest) so you are visible to the community.

The key skills required of a PCSO are:

• Communication
• Problem solving
• Teamwork

You also need to be resilient, able to deal with confrontational situations and argumentative people, and to persuade people by the power of your reasoning.