Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs)

Join Us

We're currently only accepting applications from people from our under-represented groups. If you are not from one of these groups please keep checking this page for future recruitment opportunities - or keep an eye on our social media channels.

If you are from an Ethnic Minority background click here to apply.

West Yorkshire Police is currently under-represented by people from Ethnic Minority backgrounds. 8% of our officers are from an Ethnic Minority background, but 23% of people in West Yorkshire are from these communities.

In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, we offer those from under-represented groups the opportunity to apply to become a Police Community Support Officer at any time.

Assuming the application meets the eligibility requirements, it will be progressed through an initial recruitment stage, but then held until general Police Community Support Officer recruitment is open for everyone.

Recruitment for those people not from an under-represented group, will open periodically throughout the year, depending on applicant numbers.

West Yorkshire Police will always employ the best person for the job, who gives the best interview on the day or performs the best in an assessment, regardless of how they describe themselves on their application form. There is no advantage or preference on the basis of ethnicity.

Are you looking for a new role to inspire you and make a real difference within your local communities? 

The role of PCSO is exciting and varied and can include:

  • Being the first contact that people have with the police, providing a visible and reassuring presence and building relationships between the community and the Force.
     
  • Engaging with members of the public in a diplomatic, confident and supportive way. 
     
  • Issuing fixed penalty notices.
     
  • Detaining a person until an officer arrives.
     
  • Gathering intelligence from the community.
     
  • Making people feel safe at large public gatherings such as sporting events and public demonstrations.

For a personal insight into the PCSO role watch our PCSO video profiles

 

Do you fit the bill?

If you care about communities, and respect the differences that make them unique, then this could be the role for you. 

You will be given all the training necessary to perform the role of a PCSO - but will need to have the following skills or experience :

  • Have a proven range of effective communication skills
     
  • Be willing to be proactive to resolve community issues
     
  • Be able to provide reassurance to the public
     
  • Be able to work both independently and as part of a team
     
  • Be prepared to work shifts
     
  • You must be aged 18 years or over at the time of appointment - there's no upper age limit
     
  • You need to have a genuine passion to care for our communities and be good at talking to the public in a diplomatic, confident and authoritative way - and of course, respect the differences between us all that make our communities what they are.

 

Salary and Benefits

£24,921 - £27,351 plus shift allowance.

The starting full time salary is £24,921 rising incrementally to £27,351 per annum on completion of four years’ service. In addition, a 14% shift allowance and 13.89% weekend enhancement, is also payable if applicable.  

This takes the salary, once progressed to the top of the pay scale, to a maximum gross salary of £34,979.19 in total.

Posts are suitable for job share.

 

Training and Qualification

The training for our PCSOs is an apprenticeship programme which is a high quality development and training programme. Upon completion of your training, you will be accredited with a Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice, a nationally recognised qualification. You will need a Level 2 Maths and English qualification to allow you to complete this apprenticeship. If you do not already have those qualifications West Yorkshire Police will provide additional training to allow you to achieve a Level 2 Functional skills qualification in addition to the apprenticeship. If you already have the qualifications you will be required to provide your certificates to evidence this.

Apprenticeships offer new opportunities to earn and learn for everyone from college leavers to career changers. As an apprentice PCSO your 15-month training programme will begin with a 12-week classroom-based block of learning where you will learn the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to do your job.  Your training will continue when you join one of our teams based at various locations across West Yorkshire where you will learn ‘on-the-job’.  You will be given time to produce a portfolio of evidence showcasing your progression before your final End Point Assessment at the end of the 15-month programme of study.

 

Get a career 

Upon completion of this apprenticeship, you will achieve a Level 4 qualification which would allow you to progress into a variety of roles within the policing family, including the role of Police Officer.

 

Working hours, patterns and environment

PCSOs follow a three week shift pattern (seven days on shift followed by three or four rest days) throughout the year, including weekends and may include Public/Bank Holidays. 

Applicants who join on a job share/part time basis will be required to complete the initial training of approximately 10 weeks, which is full time.

West Yorkshire Police values difference and recognises that people with a variety of skills, attitudes, and experiences, from diverse backgrounds and cultures, bring fresh ideas and perspectives to our workforce. West Yorkshire Police has a strong commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion that aims to achieve an inclusive workforce which reflects the communities it serves. Inclusive provisions such as multi-faith rooms or wellbeing support means the workplace offers a space that caters for everyone’s needs. 

 


Existing applicant?

If you've previously applied to join us, check the status of an existing application here.


 

PCSO Videos

 

PCSO Andy Devonport

 

PCSO Sofia Hussain 

 

PCSO Lyndon Thomas

 

PCSO Nicola Westle

 

PCSO Posters

PCSO Lyndon Thomas Poster

Unlock your potential...

Modern policing needs a dedicated support team committed to providing a wide range of services and skills.

Do you have what it takes?

Make a difference
Join the police
PCSO Lyndon Thomas - 'Unlock your potential' poster

PCSO Nicola Westle Poster

Unlock your potential...

Modern policing needs a dedicated support team committed to providing a wide range of services and skills.

Do you have what it takes?

Make a difference
Join the police
PCSO Nicola Westle 'Unlock your potential' poster

Positive Action Recruitment

West Yorkshire Police encourages applications to be representative of the communities it serves. Read our Equality in Employment page.

Partnership logos - Top 50 Exclusive Employers / Mindful Employer / The Prince's Responsible Business Network

 

Page last reviewed January 2024.