Policing the streets

Am I eligible?

Have you got what it takes to become a police community support officer?

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and ethnic groups. Our applicants are not limited to any particular age group - in fact, we encourage those who are looking for a career change. Unlike the requirements for regular police officers, there is no minimum age to apply

Basic guidelines for applicants

  • there are no minimum or maximum height requirements
  • there is no formal educational requirement, but you will have to pass written tests
  • only applications from British citizens, EC/EEA nationals, Commonwealth citizens, or foreign nationals with indefinite leave to remain in the UK will be accepted
  • A number of crimes will mean a definite or likely rejection of your application, including anyone who has received a formal caution in the last five years, committed a violent crime or public order offence
  • you must be physically and mentally able to undertake police duties
  • you will need to complete a medical history questionnaire and undergo an eyesight test satisfactorily before appointment
  • some tattoos (whether visible or not) and facial piercing might be unacceptable.

Do you qualify?

Not everybody is cut out to be a police community support officer (PCSO). Although PCSOs come from a wide variety of backgrounds, all share certain attributes. They must, for example:

  • be confident, level-headed and mature
  • have experience and confidence in dealing with difficult people and complex situations
  • be sensitive, but also thick-skinned
  • have good communication skills
  • work well as part of a team
  • have the stamina for long stretches on foot patrol
  • exhibit excellent communication skills
  • be patient in dealing with all types of people, some of whom may be drunk or hostile.

Take a look at the guide to becoming a PCSO (.pdf 1.54 MB) for more information. And don't forget to check with your chosen force, as eligibility criteria can vary from force to force.