My name:
Hannah Shackcloth
My job:
Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)
Who I work for:
Norfolk Constabulary
A bit about my job:
PCSOs are the eyes and ears of the Police while patrolling the streets. I spend 80% of my shift on foot patrol or, increasingly, cycle patrol. During this time I gather intelligence, meet community members and talk to people in my neighbourhood. The main part of my role is to tackle quality of life issues such as anti-social behaviour and environmental issues like abandoned cars and fly-tipping. I'm also Hospital Liaison Officer, helping them with security issues, and I visit High Schools regularly.
How I got it / Qualifications needed
It's a requirement of any role in the Police Service to have 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, and experience of working with people. When I applied for the job, I was working for the Council dealing housing and Council tax benefit applications, so I already had a customer service background.
I was attracted to the job because I wanted to work more closely with the community. I was bored in an office job and wanted to be out and about in the neighbourhood. Since joining the job I have become a tutor and help to train new PCSOs in our team. I am also trained as a Gay Liaison Officer and work with Gay and Lesbian groups within the community.
What I earn:
£15,000 - £20,000.
Anything else?
Since starting my job I have found it very rewarding and enjoyable, in fact it is the best job I have ever had, and I look forward to a long career with Norfolk Constabulary. I would recommend a career as a PCSO to anybody who is interested in the needs of the community, who is good at and enjoys talking to people and someone who doesn't mind shift work!
