A recruitment drive has been launched for new Police Community Support Officers across Avon and Somerset.
Avon and Somerset Police has launched a recruitment drive for the officers to join its ranks.
PCSOs are part of neighbourhood police teams and work with colleagues from across the organisation with the aim of reducing crime and providing a visible and reassuring presence in neighbourhoods.
They build relationships with local people to understand the policing issues that matter to them most and work with schools, colleges, community leaders, businesses.
As of March this year, the force had 319 PCSOs, according to a House of Commons briefing paper called Police Service Strength.
The role is varied and PCSOs are out and about every day, walking or cycling the streets, meeting people and offering support and advice.
The role includes offering crime prevention advice,working with partners to address anti-social behaviour, intelligence gathering,supporting at crime scenes or events and much more.
Rather than seeking specific skills or experience, the force wants to hear from people from all backgrounds and with a range of professional and life experiences to apply.
Candidates could come from other career backgrounds, be it returning to work after raising a family or seeking a role after leaving college or university.
Those with previous policing experience and people who would like to transfer from other forces are also welcome to apply.
Chief Superintendent Will White, Head of Neighbourhoods and Partnerships at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “PCSOs enjoy a unique, stimulating and rewarding career.
“This people-focused vocation is ideal for those who take pride in their work and would relish a role in which they can make a real difference to local communities from across South Gloucestershire to Somerset, Bristol and Bath.
“Our PCSOs build a unique understanding of the needs and concerns of local people, using their personal skills to create strong relationships with communities.
"Our ideal candidates will enjoy helping others, be committed to engaging with and understanding the needs of people whatever their background or situation and be passionate about providing an outstanding service for everyone.
“We welcome those who share our values – caring, inclusive, courageous and learning.
"We are excited to be recruiting new colleagues who will bring their own unique perspective, skills and experience to an organisation which values diversity and independent thinking.”
PCSOs enjoy flexible working patterns and shifts, allowing for a healthy work-life balance, which can often comfortably accommodate child care and other commitments.
Successful applicants are given a starting salary of £20,619 with allowances for working shifts and weekend taking this to around £26,000.
This is up from when the force last did a recruitment drive in January, when salaries started at £19,719.
The job includes being part of a local government pension scheme and offers ongoing career and development opportunities with employees able to access a range of lifestyle benefits, employee assistance and wellbeing support.
Avon and Somerset Police is the seventh largest UK police force and covers 1,855 square miles.
It serves a diverse population of around 1.65 million people, including some 679,000 households.
Click here for more information about PCSO recruitment and to apply.
