Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Eligibility

Whilst we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, there are some PCSO eligibility conditions that all applicants need to meet. Before you start your application, please ensure you meet our PCSO eligibility requirements.

Check your PCSO eligibility

Qualifications and experience

To join as a Police Community Support Officer with Northumbria Police, applicants must have:

Level 2 English (a GCSE or iGCSE at grade C (level 4) or above, Functional Skills Level 2, Key Skills Level 2 (Communication and / or Literacy) or Adult Literacy Plus
For under 19’s, you will also need Level 2 Maths (GCSE or iGCSE at grade C (level 4) or above, Functional Skills Level 2, Key Skills Level 2 or Adult Numeracy Plus. This is desirable for over 19’s.

AND

A minimum of ONE Level 3 (or higher) qualification for example 1 A-Level qualification

Relevant work experience that will support your progression into the PCSO role. We will review work experience in line with our core force values and the Competency and Values framework.

Proof of qualifications are required on application. If you do not have proof, we will be unable to progress with your application.

If you do not currently hold Level 2 qualifications in English and/or Maths, read our guide to attaining Level 2 English and Maths or equivalent

Health and fitness

Whilst our health and fitness requirements are not nearly as demanding as is often assumed, you will need to be able to cope with the physical and emotional demands of the job.

It’s important you are aware that at the point of recruitment you will go through a medical assessment. This can result in an unsuccessful application due to previous or ongoing health conditions that may create an unacceptable risk in the role.

Substance misuse

Misusing substances goes against everything the police stands for. If you currently use illegal drugs, you won’t be eligible to apply.

During the recruitment medical process, we test for substance misuse. We may also carry out substance misuse testing at any point during your career with us.

Financial position

Police officers and staff hold privileged access to sensitive information and must be protected from potential corruption. While many people have debts like mortgages or student loans, applicants should not be under pressure from unmanaged or undischarged debts.

You’re unlikely to pass vetting if you have:

An outstanding County Court Judgment (CCJ).
If you’ve been declared bankrupt, clearance is typically not granted until three years after discharge. Debt Relief Orders (DROs) are treated similarly.
If you’re under an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), you’ll need to provide documentation and proof of consistent payments over several months.

We recommend running a free credit report before applying to identify any defaulted accounts or CCJs that may affect your vetting outcome.

Cautions and convictions

Cautions or convictions will not necessarily preclude you from joining Northumbria Police. It will depend on the nature and the circumstances of the offence. However, an applicant’s honesty and integrity will be brought into question if information is considered to have been purposely withheld during the vetting process.

Each case will be considered on its individual merits.

Circumstances that will prevent you from passing our vetting process include:

offences were committed as an adult or juvenile which resulted in a prison sentence (including custodial, suspended or deferred sentence and sentences served at a young offenders’ institution or community home).
the applicant is or has been a registered sex offender or is subject to a registration requirement in respect of any other conviction.

The following circumstances may also result in rejection:

offences where vulnerable people were targeted.
offences motivated by hate or discrimination.
offences of domestic abuse.

You should declare on your application form all convictions from any past offences, formal cautions by the police and any bind-overs imposed by any court.

Age

You must be at least 17 years old to apply. However, you cannot start employment until you turn 18 and have met the required qualifications.

There is no upper age limit for applying.

Residency

You must have been continuously resident in the UK for the three years immediately prior to applying. This ensures all applicants can be vetted fairly.

If you’ve spent time overseas on a gap year or similar, this is generally considered an extended holiday (typically under 12 months), and you are still regarded as having maintained UK residency.

Nationality and eligibility

To be eligible for appointment, you must be a British citizen or resident in the UK free of restrictions (e.g. under the EU Settlement scheme or through the UK’s post-Brexit points-based immigration rules).

If you are not a British citizen, you must provide proof during the recruitment process that you have no restrictions on your stay in the UK and that you have the right to work in the UK. Information on UK immigration rules can be found on the government visa and immigration website.

Dress and appearance

You must look smart and clean at all times while representing the Force on duty. You can wear religious or cultural clothing, as long as it’s suitable for the role.

Headwear – If you wear a turban or an Imama Shareef, make sure the force badge is clearly visible. If you wear a hijab or skullcap, you must wear your official headwear over it while on foot patrol.
Facial hair – Operational officers should keep beards short to avoid health and safety risks. We may allow exceptions for religious reasons.
Jewellery – We assess religious jewellery on a case-by-case basis. You may wear it if it doesn’t pose a significant health and safety risk and remains unobtrusive.

Membership of proscribed organisation or other group

We have a policy to prevent officers and staff from becoming members of organisations or groups whose aims, objectives or pronouncements may contradict our duty to promote equality (e.g. BNP, Combat 18, National Front etc.). Therefore, if you are a member of a proscribed organisation or other group, you will not be accepted.

Tattoos

Tattoos do not prevent applicants from joining the police. However, tattoos on the face are not acceptable other than for religious or medical reasons. In addition, tattoos, whether visible or otherwise should not:

undermine the dignity and authority of the office of constable;
cause offence to members of the public or colleagues and/or invite provocation
indicate unacceptable attitudes towards any individual or section of the community
indicate alignment with a particular group which could give offence to members of the public or colleagues; and
be considered inflammatory, rude, lewd, crude, racist, sexist, sectarian, homophobic, violent or intimidating

Although tattoos will not prohibit applicants from joining Northumbria Police (subject to the above), it is recommended they are covered when at work to maintain a professional image. The dress and appearance protocol outlines that officers should wear appropriate work wear which covers tattoos as far as possible when at work, which will be issued accordingly.

If your tattoo is determined as not acceptable, your application will not be progressed.

Business interests

You must declare any other employment or business interests you intend to maintain. This ensures they do not conflict with police duties, undermine public confidence, or affect the reputation of Northumbria Police or its officers.

Police officers and certain police staff roles are also restricted from engaging in political activity. This includes standing as a Member of Parliament or local councillor, or holding office in a political party.

Inappropriate associations

If you have a family member, friend or associate with criminal convictions – or if you know they’re involved in criminal activity – you must declare this in your application.

Explain your relationship with the individual, how often you see them, the nature of your connection, and what steps you’ve taken to distance yourself from their criminal behaviour. Share as much detail as you can based on what you know.

Such an association doesn’t automatically disqualify you from vetting clearance.

Inappropriate social media content

The College of Policing advises us to review publicly available social media accounts for inappropriate comments, behaviour, or views. This ensures applicants’ online conduct aligns with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Behaviour.

We therefore carry out social media checks on all applicants, including platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, YouTube, and others.

It is strongly advised that you review your public social media content before submitting your vetting form. Have you liked any posts or groups that represent a conflict in values with the police service? Do you really know all of your ‘friends’ you are linked to? Think about how your content could be perceived by the public or the press, as well as your own online personal security.

Full declaration on vetting

Failing to declare relevant information during the vetting process can raise concerns about your honesty and integrity, which may lead to a refusal of clearance.

Some applicants say a police officer told them an incident wouldn’t be recorded. You should assume that everything is recorded, and failing to disclose it could harm your application.

If you declare something irrelevant, the Force Vetting Unit will disregard it.

Frequently asked questions about our vetting process

What mistakes do people often make on vetting applications, and how can they avoid them?Rebecca Quinn2025-08-27T12:28:40+01:00

What mistakes do people often make on vetting applications, and how can they avoid them?

To avoid common vetting mistakes and ensure your application is processed smoothly:

Read carefully: Take your time to review each question and any guidance provided.
Be honest: If you’re unsure whether to include something, declare it. The vetting unit will disregard anything not required.
Explain gaps: If you can’t recall specific details, provide a clear rationale.
Include full address history: Don’t forget student accommodation or temporary residences.
List all family members: Include half-siblings, stepfamily, and full details of your partner or spouse.
Clarify relationships: Only include partners you live with or are married to/civil partnered with under the spouse/partner section.
Provide complete details: Include maiden names, dates of birth, and addresses for everyone listed.
Declare all police interactions: This includes convictions, cautions, and motoring offences. Omitting details may raise concerns about your integrity.
Know your disclosure obligations: Police staff and volunteers don’t need to declare protected cautions or convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Mention criminal associates: Include friends, family, or housemates with known criminal involvement.

What’s the best way to notify you of a change in my personal circumstances?Rebecca Quinn2025-08-27T12:25:09+01:00

What’s the best way to notify you of a change in my personal circumstances?

You must inform the Force Vetting Unit of any changes to your personal circumstances during and after the vetting process. It is your responsibility to report these changes.

Please notify the Force Vetting Unit if any of the following apply:

You change your name or address
Someone over the age of 10 moves in or out of your residence
You change your partner
Your financial status changes significantly (e.g. receiving a windfall over £9,000, defaulting on an account, receiving a county court judgment, or entering a debt management plan)
You become involved in any criminal legal proceedings (including convictions, cautions, and motoring offences such as speeding fines)
A civil matter results in an adverse finding (e.g. child contact restrictions, non-molestation orders, bankruptcy orders)
Anyone listed on your original vetting or application forms receives a conviction, caution, or becomes involved in a criminal investigation

Will I be told why my vetting is refused?Rebecca Quinn2025-08-27T12:25:24+01:00

Will I be told why my vetting is refused?

Applicants may be refused for many reasons, and wherever possible, we will explain those reasons. However, in some cases, we cannot disclose the details because the information may involve a family member, a criminal associate, or fall under an exemption in the Data Protection Act.

Can I appeal if my vetting is refused?Rebecca Quinn2025-08-27T12:21:28+01:00

Can I appeal if my vetting is refused?

Yes. You may appeal a vetting decision where you believe one or more of the following factors apply:

Further information is available that was not considered by the decision maker.
The vetting rejection was disproportionate considering the circumstances or details of the case.
The decision was perverse or unreasonable.
No explanation was given for the decision.

Any appeal must be in writing and must clearly set out the grounds for appeal. Appeals are dealt with by a senior officer or member of staff who is independent of the original decision-making process and has not been previously involved in the case. Applicants should address their appeal to the Force Vetting Unit in the first instance who will pass the appeal, along with any rationale for the decision, to a senior officer or member of staff who will look into the case and respond directly to the applicant.

How long does the vetting procedure take?Rebecca Quinn2025-08-27T12:29:33+01:00

How long does the vetting procedure take?

Each case is treated on its merits and therefore it depends on what information is found during the checks. Sometimes it is necessary to call the applicant to interview so that their personal circumstances may be discussed and sometimes it is necessary to make enquiries in other forces or with other bodies. Therefore, we do not give a set time to complete a vetting file but deal with them as quickly as possible.