Applications for Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) opened today, Tuesday 28 January. Avon and Somerset Police are inviting members of the public interested in a rewarding new career and giving back to their communities to apply for a position as a PCSO.

PCSOs are part of community police teams. As part of the neighbourhood policing team, they build relationships with local people to provide reassurance and understand the policing issues that matter most to them. PCSOs work with individuals and partner agencies to support vulnerable people and solve local concerns and issues.

Due to the nature of the role, candidates can bring skills from a variety of life backgrounds. They may have come from a career in customer service or community liaison; they might have worked for another blue light organisation; they may have recently left college or university or be returning to work after raising a family.

Diversity, difference, and independent thinking are the driving force behind everything we do. But, sharing the same values are what make us a police family.

PCSOs have flexible working partners and shifts, allowing for a healthy work-life balance, which can fit comfortably around child care and other commitments.

The police force can offer successful applicants a starting salary of £19,719 plus allowances for working shifts and weekends, a government pension scheme, and the opportunity to make a real difference to local communities in Bristol, Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath.

Will White; Head of Neighbourhoods and Partnerships says: "Being a PCSO is a totally unique, people focused job at the heart of communities across Avon and Somerset. PCSOs have an unparalleled understanding of the needs and concerns of local people stemming from their ability to build strong relationships within communities. PCSOs play a central part in neighbourhood policing and are a hugely valued member of our policing family.

"We are encouraging people from all backgrounds to apply as we want our PCSOs to be a reflection of the communities we serve. In order to offer the best service possible, we need people who come from different backgrounds and can offer a fresh perspective to the role.

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: "PCSOs make a real difference to our communities by working to tackle the crimes that matter to local people. They help promote community safety and reduce the fear of crime with their proactive and visible presence.

"Neighbourhood policing is at the heart of our communities and is essential to ensuring Avon and Somerset remains a safe place to live and work. Local people continually tell me how much their local neighbourhood policing teams, which include PCSOs, mean to them.

"It is essential that your police service represents the communities it serves, so the Constabulary are particularly encouraging applications from people with a wide range of skills, experience and from diverse backgrounds. If you are committed to supporting your local community, becoming a PCSO could be the role for you, so don't hesitate to apply."

Details on how to apply via the Red Button below.