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More information on the applications process and role of a PCSO can be found below.
Minimum of 3 GCSE's grades A to C or equivalent (higher than a level 4) including English and Maths.
Previous experience in a customer care environment/Administration skills and basic computer literacy
Everything you need to know about each stage of the recruitment process should be contained within the recruitment page of the website. If you still have questions, you can email our recruitment team.
Even if your application for PCSO is successful, you will need to go through the full official recruitment process like all other applicants in order to qualify as a police officer.
Applicants must have resided in the UK for a minimum of three years prior to applying. However, British citizens who have been out of the country for more than six months must obtain a letter of good conduct from the country or countries they have resided in.
You can still apply to become a PCSO as long as you are a citizen of a country that is a member of the European Economic Area, or Switzerland. Commonwealth citizens or foreign nationals who are resident in the UK and free from restrictions are also eligible to apply.
Having tattoos will not necessarily prevent you from becoming a PCSO.
You should not have tattoos which could cause offence. Tattoos are not acceptable if they are particularly prominent, garish, offensive or undermine the dignity and authority of the role.
If you have tattoos that are visible on your arms, neck, face and hands you will need to make a declaration that you have a tattoo within the eligibility section of the application form. We will ask you to send in two photographs of each tattoo (one distance photograph clearly showing where on the above body area the tattoo is located and a second close up photograph that we can use to assess this against our standards).
Any financial issues or problems must be declared and will be judged on an individual basis. All previous cautions, convictions or any involvement with the police must be declared and the circumstances of the offence will be carefully considered.
Any significant changes in personal circumstances during your application, such as permanent partner, new residents at your home, change of address, arrests, cautions or convictions or association with criminals should be notified to Employee Services, Central Services Department.
If vetting clearance is refused you will be advised, although specific reasons will not normally be given to protect the confidentiality of others and the security of Cumbria Constabulary. However, you can request a review, which is carried out by a person independent of the vetting decision marker.
Having a medical condition would not necessary affect your application. We require all our new officers undergo a medical assessment with our Occupational Health Unit. You will need to pass this medical assessment to be eligible to join Cumbria Constabulary.
To be a PCSO you must meet the eyesight standards set out for recruitment by the Home Office.
Those with colour blindness are eligible to become PCSO, but would be restricted from fulfilling certain posts, such as traffic officer or firearms officer. If your colour blindness is monochrome, you would be unable to apply.
Cumbria Constabulary welcomes applications from people with disabilities as defined by the Equality Act 2010. If you consider yourself to have a disability, please inform us of the type of reasonable adjustments you might need to assist you in participating in the recruitment and selection process. Cumbria Constabulary will try to make the reasonable adjustments required where practicable.
If you have epilepsy you can still apply to become a PCSO. We will look at each case on its merits and take guidance from our Occupational Health Unit.
You can still apply as long as your diabetes is under control. Your doctor will need to supply a medical report for clarification.
You can still apply to be a PCSO if you have dyslexia.
There is no minimum or maximum height restriction for being a PCSO.
The Chief Constable reserves the right to post you anywhere within the Cumbria Constabulary area. On appointment you will be assigned to one of the three geographical areas: North, South or West. Your posting will be decided according to the operational need for PCSOs in each area at the time of your appointment.
For specific shift patterns please refer to the online job advert.
Depending on where you are posted, the shift pattern may vary. You will work shifts between the hours of 8am and 10pm, this will include bank holidays and weekend working. Operational demands may require your rostered shift or rest day to be cancelled and re-scheduled at short notice.
The annual leave entitlement is 23 days for less than five years’ service, rising to a maximum of 30 days dependent on years’ service.
You must be at least 18 years old to apply to be a PCSO.