Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)

What You’ll Be Doing

• Maintain a visible presence to deter crime, address public concerns, and build community confidence.
• Support police operations through community engagement and intelligence gathering.
• Assist officers in responding to low-level incidents within designated powers.
• Build relationships with local groups and individuals to support the vulnerable and tackle anti-social behaviour.
• Engage with at-risk individuals to prevent crime and strengthen trust in policing.
• Provide initial support at complex incidents when necessary to ensure public safety.
• Monitor risks and escalate threats to public safety in line with force guidance.
• Apply problem-solving and evidence-based approaches to improve neighbourhood policing.
• Collaborate with external partners to reduce crime and protect vulnerable people.
• Promote an inclusive, respectful, and ethical team culture aligned with force values.

Working Hours

PCSOs work on a rotating shift pattern covering Monday to Sunday, between 08:00 and 22:00. Flexibility is essential. A sample 4-week shift pattern is shown below:

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working as part of a team
• Strong administrative and record-keeping skills
• Confident using computer systems for data input and research
• Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal
• Ability to build strong working relationships with a wide range of people
• A commitment to our values: Courage, Respect, Empathy, and Public Service
• A full manual UK driving licence with less than nine penalty points (evidence required before offer)

Training & Key Dates

The next PCSO training course will begin on Tuesday 30 March 2027 and will run for 10 weeks, Monday to Friday, 08:30–16:30.

Please note: Full attendance is mandatory. If you have any prior commitments during this period, we will be unable to offer you a place on this course.

How to Apply

Check your eligibility – Please review the PCSO Eligibility Criteria.

Apply – Complete the PCSO application Form.

Deadline – Submit your application by 2330 hours on Sunday 01 November 2026.

Recruitment Timeline

• National Sift: Between 16 and 29 November 2026
• Interviews: From 14 to 23 December 2026
• Pre-appointment checks: From December 2026 until February 2027.
• Training Start Date: 30 March 2027

Please note: Dates may be subject to change.

If you have the skills and passion to make a real impact in your community, we’d love to hear from you. For any questions about the role or your eligibility, please contact the HR Resourcing Team at resourcing@lincs.police.uk .

Further information Police community support officer (PCSO) | College of Policing