Be the face of support in your community
Be the face of support in your community
As a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), no two days are alike. This role is all about people – being out in the community, visible, approachable, and actively working to make your neighbourhood safer and more supportive. PCSOs are often the first to notice and address issues before they escalate. You'll be involved in tackling local problems, supporting victims, and providing a reassuring presence at various events, from bustling town centres to football matches and concerts. It's a fulfilling job where you can see the positive impact you make every day.
In short, PCSOs are there to be a calming, confident presence in the community. You're someone people turn to and trust.
Supporting public safety and preventing crime
Helping victims of crime and anti-social behaviour
Assisting with missing person enquiries
Controlling crowds at public events
Working alongside local residents to regenerate communities
This is an active, on-your-feet role, and you’ll spend most of your time out on foot patrol across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Your presence alone can make a big difference, People feel more comfortable and confident approaching you with questions or concerns.
To thrive in the role, you’ll need to:
Working as a PCSO is all about being a visible, trusted presence in the community. It’s a role that carries responsibility and makes a real difference.
PCSOs free up time for frontline police by handling issues early and keeping communities informed, reassured, and supported. They play a vital role, but it’s different from that of a police officer.
You will...
Be out and about, engaging with the public on a daily basis.
You will...
Help victims of crime and anti-social behaviour.
You will...
Support victims and vulnerable individuals.
You will...
Work closely with police teams to tackle local challenges.
You won't...
Have powers of arrest.
You won't...
Interview or manage prisoners.
You won't...
Investigate serious or high-risk crimes.
The starting salary for a new PCSO is £26,101, which covers your initial nine weeks of training. No experience? No problem. You’ll get all the training you need.
From there, your salary will increase each year, rising up to £29,109 as you gain experience in the role.
Once you’ve completed your training, you'll also receive a 14% shift allowance and weekend working enhancements. This means your total annual salary can reach around £34,922.
As a PCSO, you’ll get the training and support you need to feel confident and capable in your role, right from day one. You’ll begin with a nine-week full-time training course, Monday to Friday. This training is essential, so you’ll need to be available for the entire period.
Training takes place at Leicestershire Police Headquarters in Enderby, so daily travel to and from the site will be required. After that, you’ll spend six weeks ‘in company’ at your assigned station, putting your skills into practice with support from experienced colleagues.
Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate any time off during this phase.
You’ll follow an accredited national curriculum set by the College of Policing, delivered as either an apprenticeship or a stand-alone course.
First aid, personal safety, community engagement, understanding local priorities, and the legal powers and responsibilities of a PCSO.
We’ll help you build confidence in communication, conflict resolution and problem-solving, so you're ready for real-world situations.
You’ll have continuous opportunities to grow, develop, and adapt as the needs of your community evolve.
We’re looking for people from all walks of life who are ready to make a difference. To apply to become a PCSO, you’ll need to meet the following criteria.
Age
Be at least 17.5 years old when you apply, and 18 by the time you start.
Citizenship and Residency
Be a UK, EU or Commonwealth citizen with no restrictions on your right to stay in the UK. Have lived in the UK for the past three years, regardless of where you were born.
Qualifications
Have GCSE English Language (Grade C / Level 4/5) or equivalent, or be able to show you use English to that standard.
Driving licence
Hold a full manual driving licence (UK or EU) when you apply.
Health assessment
You’ll complete a confidential medical questionnaire, and depending on your history, we may contact your GP. Conditions like epilepsy are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Background checks
You must declare any spent or unspent convictions and undergo a basic background check. Be honest – any undisclosed offences could impact your application.
The following criteria may prevent you from applying, so please be open and honest throughout the recruitment process. Be sure to check all criteria before applying!
A previous unsuccessful application
If you have had an application turned down by a police force in the last three months at any part of the national process
Membership of some organisations
If you have been or are a member of a group or extreme political organisation such as BNP, National Front or Combat 18 that stirs up racial hatred and violence, a proscribed terrorist organisation, group or a similar organisation
Existing or pending convictions
Are awaiting to appear in court or have any serious convictions or recent cautions, bind-overs or findings of guilt
Substance misuse
This includes the misuse of drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. However each case is considered upon its own merits
Offensive tattoos
If you have tattoos on your face, neck or hands which could cause offence. However the nature, location, size, prominence and appearance of tattoos will be considered
Financial checks
If you have any current County Court Judgements (CCJ) against you or be the subject of an Individual Voluntary Agreement (IVA). If you have been registered bankrupt, you may only apply if it is at least three years since the date your debts were discharged
I’ve proudly served the Oadby community since 2003, and I’ve never looked back. Over 21 years, I’ve seen how technology has helped us connect more deeply with the people we serve - on the streets and online. As a Muslim officer in a beautifully diverse area, I’ve built strong, respectful bonds across faiths and backgrounds. Being welcomed at the local Gurdwara and receiving an award there meant everything. I’m passionate about passing on my experience, and I truly believe in the power of policing through community.
I joined Leicestershire Police in 2005 after being inspired by seeing an Asian officer in my new city of Leicester. As a PCSO, I’m committed to being visible and available to the community, listening to concerns, and working with local agencies to reduce crime. My focus is on building strong relationships with schools, councils, and community leaders. If you’re passionate about making a difference and keeping communities safe, becoming a PCSO is an incredibly rewarding way to contribute.
After 32 years as a nurse, including nine on the neonatal ward, I sought a new challenge and joined as a PCSO in 2020. It was daunting at first, but my life experience, problem-solving skills, and ability to connect with people quickly clicked into place. I love being out in the community, from talking to young people in Shepshed to handling everything from disputes to crime scenes. Age isn’t a barrier - it’s a strength. This job is all about people, and I’m proud to make a difference every day.
I’ve always wanted to join the police, and Leicestershire – my home – was the perfect place to do it. From day one, I’ve felt supported and part of a real team. No two days are the same. One day I’m helping find a missing child, the next I’m roleplaying scenarios at Headquarters. It’s fast-paced, meaningful, and incredibly rewarding. If you want a career that makes a real difference in a diverse community, Leicestershire Police is where you belong.
I joined Leicestershire Police as a PCSO in 2017, inspired by my experiences as a security guard and the encouragement of a colleague. I'm originally from Nigeria and I’ve always had a passion for helping people and making a difference in my community. Each day brings something new - patrolling, tackling anti-social behaviour, giving crime prevention advice - but the heart of the job is connecting with people. My life experience helps me relate, reassure, and build trust. I’m proud to serve Leicestershire and make a real impact.
Here are some important dates setting out the time frames for our recruitment process. You must be available to complete all of the stages and commence training. If you’re not available for any stages of the process for any reason (for example a pre-arranged holiday) we may not be able to process your application as alternative dates may not be available.
Recruitment opens
9th June 2025 (09.00)
Recruitment closes
26th October 2025 (23.55)
Interviews and presentations
November 2025
Pre-employment checks
November 2025
Cohort start date
2nd February 2026
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