Become a PCSO
Application Process
Before you apply you should fully understand what the role involves and be aware of the PCSO application process.
PCSO application process
1. Application form
The application form consists of personal details, employment history and qualifications. You will be required to upload copies of your qualification certificates to your application form so please ensure you have these available when you apply. You will also be required to upload pictures of any tattoos you may have.
2. National Shift
This is a national-level process where you will complete two exercises. These reflect the competencies and values relevant to the role of a police officer including a situational judgement test (SJT) and behavioural questionnaire. Please visit the College of Policing national sift candidate guidance
3. Skills scan
You will be sent a form to complete online. This will include your qualifications and previous experience. More in-depth details will be provided in advance of you completing them.
4. Interview
4. Pre-employment checks
Vetting will be carried out for yourself and you will also be required to attend a medical, and for fingerprints/DNA to be taken. Our Talent Acquisition Team will be on hand and able to support you through ever step of your pre-employment checks.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Welcome to TeamNP! You’ve successfully completed the application process and are now a member of our policing family. Your new career journey starts here, good luck in your new role as a Police Community Support Officer.
What you need to know before you apply
In your interview, there is a very good chance that you will be asked questions that will test your knowledge of the police service and our force. So make sure you’re up to speed with our vision and mission.
Our workforce must understand and reflects our #TeamNP values. Make sure you’re familiar with these values as you consider applying.
It’s equally important that you have an understanding of the area that Northumbria Police serves. Head to the Northumbria Police website where you can learn more about the current issues in your community and find out more about our service across the force area.
If you want to know more about what the different teams across Northumbria are involved in right now or hear from more of our serving officers, see the latest updates from our social media channels including our LinkedIn page.
Our in-house Positive Action team is on hand to offer support, whether you’re considering an application or are already going through the recruitment process. They’re here to help those from under-represented groups, including those from ethnic minority communities or those with a disability.
The team will work with you to understand any barriers you believe you face to joining our force. You’ll also be invited to sign up for a workshop to dispel common myths about policing, give you a good idea of what to expect from the job and the recruitment process and help you feel confident to apply.
To help you prepare for the role you can get in touch with our Positive Action team by emailing positiveaction@northumbria.police.uk.
It is important that Northumbria Police represent the communities we serve. We celebrate the benefits of having diverse thinkers within our organisation, including those with a disability or a neurodiversity condition. However, whilst having a disability does not automatically exclude you from applying to be a PCSO, it is important to read our eligibility requirements prior to applying.
We are happy to provide any adjustments that might support you through the application process. To discuss the support available to you throughout the application process please email the positive action mailbox.
Make sure you do your research about what makes us tick here at Northumbria and the values and behaviours that contribute to making a successful PCSO.
- Support your comments by using appropriate evidence and examples. The STAR method is the most effective way of structuring your answers to the questions to ensure you give us all the detail we need to understand your skills and experience.
- Remember to include skills and achievements relevant to the role gained at home and elsewhere, as well as work experience. This may include details of holiday/ weekend jobs or voluntary/ unpaid work you have undertaken.
- Give examples of things YOU have done, teamwork is important, but we are assessing YOU, not your company or team!
This is an opportunity to sell yourself!
Due to the investment in training and development required to perform this role, you are required to commit to a minimum period of 24 months in post. During this timeframe you will not be eligible to apply for any other vacancies advertised by Northumbria Police either internally or externally.
During your commitment an individual development plan is delivered to support your career development, you will have regular meetings with supervision to support this.
After your commitment period you are supported to; remain in your current post or start your recruitment journey for alternative Police Staff or Police Officer roles.
Ready to apply?
Want to join #TeamNP as a PCSO? Great, we can’t wait to hear from you! Before you apply, please make sure you’ve read through all of our eligibility criteria and you have everything you need, such as proof of qualifications. Congratulations, this is your first step in carving out a career where you can really make a difference.