Drive to recruit almost 50 new PCSOs across Devon and Cornwall

A recruitment drive for more Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) has been launched by Devon and Cornwall Police.

The current round of recruitment closes on Sunday, September 21 at 11.55pm and successful applicants would begin their training in January. The next training courser would start in March.

The force wants to recruit an additional 49 PCSOs – 34 in Devon and 15 in Cornwall - which will bring the total number up to nearly 200 PCSOs working in neighbourhood policing teams to prevent crime and tackle anti-social behaviour. 

This is being funded by the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Grant. Overall, the force is recruiting up to 73 PCSOs which includes replacing PCSOs who have left. 

They do not have powers of arrest but can provide a highly visible presence and are the face of the police within local communities.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez is encouraging more people to apply for a new career and said PCSOs are an invaluable asset to policing.

She said: “They provide the public with a reassuring visible presence on the streets in our communities and play a vital and varied role in reducing crime and antisocial behaviour.

“It is reassuring to know the number of PCSOs is increasing alongside police officer numbers, being at a record level of 3,610.

“At a meeting of the Police and Crime Panel on Friday (September 12) I asked members for their help encouraging people in their communities to consider applying. This plea is being extended to not just all other councillors across Devon and Cornwall, but directly to anyone who has ever considered a career in policing or knows of someone who would be ideally suited to the role.”

A Devon & Cornwall Police spokesperson said: “Our PCSOs play a vital role in our communities and will be involved in many aspects of operational policing working with officers and staff across the organisation. 

“They also work with partners to identify local policing and community priorities throughout Devon and Cornwall helping to reduce crime, support vulnerable people and keep our communities safe. No two days are the same and I would encourage anyone who wants an interesting and varied career to consider applying to be a PCSO.”

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No formal qualifications are required to become a PCSO or a driving licence as patrols are generally carried out on foot or bicycle. Training is fully funded by the force.

New recruits will be posted at a location within 30 miles of their home address.

For more details about becoming a PCSO for Devon & Cornwall Police, please visit DC PCSO - Dorset Police and Devon & Cornwall Police working in Partnership