Police to recruit more PCSOs

North Yorkshire Police has launched its latest campaign torecruit Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to join the force.

Police Community Support Officers are a critical part ofNorth Yorkshire Police. PCSOs work at the front line of the force and provide avital link between the police and the local communities the force serves.

They provide a visible and reassuring presence on thestreets of our region and act as the eyes and ears of the force - buildingrelationships with local communities and business owners, tackling anti-socialbehaviour and using the information they gather to prevent and deter crime.

PCSOs have slightly different powers to a Police Constable. They have designated powers surrounding anti-social behaviour, tobacco andalcohol, transport and fixed penalty notices amongst others.

The role can be challenging, but incredibly rewarding soNorth Yorkshire Police are looking for individuals who want to make adifference every day, have excellent communication andcustomer service skills and a genuine interest in helping others and buildingpositive relationships.

To give prospective applicants an idea of the day-to-day ofthe role, North Yorkshire Police have made afilm with two of the forces PCSOs. The film follows PCSO 5552 Grenville Dowson andPCSO 5510 Philip Wright carrying out their daily duties. They talk about what being a PCSO encompasses, the benefits PCSOs bring to the force and what they personally get out of the job.

PCSO Dowson, who has recently been nominated for a CommunityPride award for the role he played whilst attending a house fire, is based inYork City Centre and PCSO Philip Wright is based in Harrogate Town Centre. The video can be viewed here 

The film depicts the huge variety the job offers; fromconducting patrol duties on foot and bicycle; building relationships within thelocal community to responding to major incidents as well as protecting some ofthe most vulnerable members of our society.

Both PCSOs also speak about the forces ambition to increasethe diversity of its workforce and the benefits that diversity brings to this role inparticular and the fact that applications are welcome from people with a widerange of backgrounds and experience.

Recruitment opens on Monday 1 August and applicationsare welcome up to 10 am on Monday 22 August.

For more information or to make an application go to https://northyorkshire.police.uk/jobs/