Q&A with PCSO Fran Harrison❓💬
Ever wondered what it’s really like to be a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)? We caught up with PCSO Fran Harrison, one of our brilliant neighbourhood policing team members, to hear what the job’s all about—from patrols and school visits to shift patterns and career advice.
Why did you want to become a Police Community Support Officer? 🤝
I wanted a job where I could put my skills to use be out and about in the local communities. To build relationships and be a familiar face to the residents, so I could help and support people of all ages and backgrounds.
It was the chance to make a real impact, and it varies each day between being at the desk in the office and being in the local neighbourhood. Being part of something that is doing good and making a positive difference.
What does an average day look like as a PCSO? 👮
No day is ever the same. One day I could be on the beat supporting local neighbourhood officers with their duties, or the next I could be visiting local schools and community groups. “Community engagement is a huge part of the role, I’m always out and about patrolling my patch”.
What hours do you work as a PCSO? 🕒
We’re currently working on a 4-week rotating shift pattern, and they average around 37 hours a week.
The shifts can vary between morning, midday, and night, this could be an 8 am – 5 pm, or 1 pm until 12 pm. We don’t work past midnight, and weekends are flexible, I’ll usually work 1 in 2 weekends.
Do you have the same powers as a police officer? 🚓
No, we don’t carry handcuffs or have the power to arrest. The role is very different from a police officer, so we may not make arrests; however, we can issue fixed penalty notices, seize alcohol in designated public places, and more. As a Neighbourhood team, working togehter helps us to prevent crime and support public safety.
Do you need a degree to apply? 🎓
You don’t need a degree to become a PCSO. When you join, you’ll be enrolled on a fully funded Level 4 apprenticeship in Community Policing Practice, and it gives you the chance to;
- Earn as you learn
- Build valuable skills and experience
- Gain a nationally recognised qualification
What’s your advice to anybody looking to join as a PCSO? 💡
I’ve worked in lots of other jobs before, and I never thought I’d join the police. So, if you enjoy being out and about in the local communities, making a difference to people, then it’s the right opportunity for you.
Anyone over 18 can start their career in the police, no matter their experience. Come and try it out, you’ll enjoy it!
Compassionate. Resourceful. Inquisitive. Does that sound like you? 👀
Take your first steps into policing. Explore our current PCSO vacancies and learn more about how to start your journey into a career you care about 👉 Police Community Support Officer – Northumbria Police