A Day in the Life of a �Police Community Support Officer
What is a PCSO?
PCSOs are support staff that are employed, directed and managed by their Police Force to tackle local anti-social behaviour and issues affecting the quality of life.
PCSO Simon Clements
I’ve been a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) for 4½ years.
I used to work in a factory that was closing down and Greater Manchester Police attended my workplace to promote the PCSO role.
My job
I am based at West Didsbury police station and I work 36.25 hours a week on a four-week shift rota. It works like this:
Shift 1: Monday to Friday on days
Shift 2: Monday to Wednesday on lates (2pm – 12am)
Shift 3: Saturday to Monday on days
Shift 4: Thursday to Saturday on lates (3pm – 12am)
Shift 5: Wednesday to Friday from 11am -9pm
8am
On duty at West Didsbury police station, I search the police database for crimes that have occurred on my beat and any anti-social behaviour (ASB) incidents.
I then attend our morning team briefing.
9am
On hi-viz bicycle patrol in my area, which includes visiting areas where crimes and incidents have occurred, looking out for known offenders that are wanted, stopping any known offenders or anybody acting suspiciously.
11am
Visit a resident that has been a victim of burglary. I offer reassurance and crime prevention advice.
I then leaflet drop to
houses around the
victim’s address to inform
that a burglary has
occurred in the area.
11am
Lunchtime!
1pm
Handling a number of crime enquiries that have been tasked by my Sergeant. I go to collect CCTV evidence, house to house.
3pm
On patrol, responding to any jobs that come over the radio; anything from an abandoned vehicle to suspicious activity.
5pm
Return to station half an hour before I am due to finish to update any intelligence on the police database.
I then book off from duty.
A typical day?
Not one day is the same, as you could be supporting victims, dealing with anti-social behaviour, or talking to a group of children at a local school.