Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) - Oxfordshire

Are you looking for a new challenge in 2023?

Applications are invited to join us as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), which provides you with an opportunity to earn while gaining a Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice through on-the-job learning.

PCSOs play an integral part in neighbourhood policing; providing a visible presence on the streets, making communities safer and stronger. You will be confident, resilient and comfortable dealing with all sections of the community with the ability to make decisions and work with partners to solve problems. A positive character with a professional approach, you act with integrity and treat individuals with respect.

Forget the stereotype – modern apprenticeships offer new opportunities to earn and learn for everyone from college leavers to career changers.

Entry Requirements

• English Language or Literature and Mathematics at GCSE grade 9-4 or equivalent (e.g. Grade A-C, O Levels or Level 2 Functional Skills).
  • International qualifications can be accepted if their equivalency is established through ENIC (previously NARIC).
• Age 18 at date of employment (though you can apply at 17) – no upper age limit
• Full Driving Licence (you can still apply if you are currently learning to drive and plan to take your test in the next 3-6 months however you won't be able to join an intake until you have passed your test)
• Please note that if you have submitted an application for the role of Police Officer (or if you submit an application at a future date) then your PCSO application will be put on hold until the outcome of the Police Officer application is known. You will be required to complete 12 months’ service in the role of PCSO before you can apply to become a Police Officer.

Training

• Ten weeks’ training at our Force Training Centre in Sulhamstead, designed to give you a solid understanding in the essentials of a PCSO's role and powers.
• Ten weeks’ tutoring on your Local Police Area (LPA)
• On and off the job learning over the course of one year to enable you to achieve the Level 4 Certificate in Community Policing Practice.

Successful candidates will go into a recruitment pool to fill planned PCSO intakes in financial year 2022/23, subject to posting choices and vacancies.

Please read all the attached documents, including the Staff self assessment questionnaire and PCSO application advice, before submitting your application.

As part of the Thames Valley Police family you will enjoy a fantastic range of benefits including 24 days annual leave per annum pro-rata for part time (plus Bank Holidays), flexible working conditions, a wide range of lifestyle discounts, career development opportunities and have the option to join a local government pension scheme.

If you have any queries please contact the Recruitment Department via RecruitmentPCSO@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting reference 9504. We will endeavour to respond to your query as quickly as possible.

Closing date: 31 October 2023.

At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities. Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission. As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities. Learn more About Us.

Working Smart. You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day. In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce.

Supporting You. Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do. Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we’ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives. We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with. We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card. Learn more about how we will be Supporting You.

Developing You. We promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential.

Valuing Difference. We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference. Learn more about how we are Valuing Difference.

Vetting. All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.