About PCSOs
We are not currently accepting applications for PCSOs.
The role of a PCSO
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you want a role where no two days are the same? Cumbria Constabulary is looking for dedicated and approachable individuals to join our team as Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) across the county.
As a PCSO, you will play a vital role in supporting frontline policing, acting as a visible and reassuring presence in the community.
You’ll work closely with residents, businesses, and partner agencies to tackle local issues such as anti-social behaviour, community safety, and crime prevention. PCSOs are tasked with patrolling neighbourhoods, providing practical advice on safety, gathering intelligence on emerging issues, and offering reassurance through their proactive presence.
While they do not carry the same powers as regular officers, they support frontline policing by handling low-level incidents, mediating disputes, and assisting in community events.
Their commitment to preventative measures and community engagement helps to create a safer, environment, ultimately easing the demands on police officers and fostering a spirit of collaboration with the community.
It is not essential for you to hold a full manual driving license.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide a visible and accessible policing presence in your community.
- Build strong relationships with residents, schools, and local organisations.
- Support crime prevention initiatives and engage in problem-solving activities.
- Handle low-level incidents, such as minor traffic disruptions or neighbourhood disputes.
- Assist in delivering public awareness campaigns on safety and crime reduction.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking individuals who:
- Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Are empathetic, approachable, and community-focused.
- Can remain calm under pressure and handle challenging situations with professionalism.
- Are proactive, resilient, and committed to making Cumbria a safer place.
Requirements
Essential Criteria
Applicants must be aged 18 or over.
- UK work eligibility and can pass a full background check.
- A genuine interest in community engagement and public safety.
- Minimum of 3 GCSEs (grades A-C or equivalent) which must include english and maths.
- Flexibility to work a shift pattern which includes weekends and evening working.
Desirable Criteria
- Previous experience in a customer care environment or working in a community setting.
- Basic knowledge of police operations.
- Administration skills and basic computer literacy.
- Hold a Full manual UK driving licence.
What We Offer
- Comprehensive training and development.
- A basic salary of £26,106 which can be increased to £32,623 through weekend working and payment of a shift disturbance allowance. *
- Generous Local Government pension scheme topped up by the Constabulary.
- Access to Cycle to Work and Car Salary Sacrifice Schemes.
- For a small subscription use the force gyms across our estate.
- Flexible working opportunities with full-time, part-time and job share options considered.
- Family friendly - a range of family-friendly leave policies covering maternity, paternity, adoption, parental and special leave. We also offer flexible retirement and career breaks.
- The chance to make a meaningful impact in one of the UK’s most beautiful regions.
Selection Process
Paper-sift and qualifications check.
- Competency based interview (face to face).
- Vetting, medical and biometric checks.
- Employment start date scheduled for September 2025.
Join us in ensuring that Cumbria remains one of the safest places to live, work, and visit.
SFJ Awards Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice*
The level 4 diploma will be delivered and assessed through a mixture of taught blocks, supported in area tutor phase and operational deployment, over a twelve month period. The qualification consists of eight mandatory units (listed below), the units contain the learning outcomes and the assessment criteria that the student is to be assessed against, through theory-based or practical activities.
Towards the latter part of the programme the PCSO will complete a community-based problem-solving assignment. This will demonstrate an understanding of adopting an evidence-based approach to problem-solving in order to resolve or mitigate community issues, problems or concerns. In addition, the PCSO will complete and achieve the PCSO Independent Patrol Status (IPS) by month six of the programme and PCSO Full Operational Competence portfolio (FOC) by 12 months.
SFJ Awards level 4 diploma in Community Policing Practice units:
- Engage with the community
- Handle information and intelligence
- Provide an initial response to policing incidents
- Partnership working in the community
- Manage conflict in community policing
- Engage in problem-solving and evidence-based community policing
- Deal with minor crime or anti-social behaviour
- Provide support to vulnerable people, victims and witnesses
*Subject to awarding body approval to deliver.
The qualification provides PCSOs with the knowledge, skills and competence to undertake the role of Police Community Support Officer. In the future this experience could also be used to mentor and train new PCSOs.
Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice
The PCSO programme involves the PCSO undertaking a Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice, a one year qualification awarded by SFJ Awards*. This is undertaken and coincides with serving as a student PCSO, with active frontline duties for Cumbria Constabulary.
*Subject to awarding body approval to deliver.
Cumbria Constabulary will deliver the SFJ Award through the Learning and Development Department.
PCSO students will receive support from the police and PCSO trainers with the academic studies, and officers and staff from Cumbria Constabulary will support you with your operational role.
You will receive regular meetings to discuss your progress and any support you feel you could benefit from with your line manager within the force.
The qualification costs of the Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice are covered by the Constabulary.
Upon successful competition of the first year, you will have achieved the Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice.
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