What to expect

What training will I get?

New PCSOs receive nine weeks of initial training, involving role plays and practical sessions to really make sure you understand everything fully. You’ll come out of it with the essential skills and knowledge that you need to move forwards. And not only that - sharing this experience with your classmates can build strong relationships that last well into your future career.

You’ll also have either three or five days of Welsh training, depending on your current language level.

For the next six weeks you’ll be mentored by a PCSO who is trained as a tutor. During this time you’ll be able to put your new skills into practice, under the observation of your experienced colleague.

At the end of the six week phase your tutor will assess you – if you’re ready, you’ll be assigned to your new rota. You can now start going out on independent patrol!

What will I be doing?

You’ll work 37 hours a week, over a 24 hour shift pattern alongside your police officer colleagues. As a PCSO you could be carrying out a variety of duties, including:

• Patrolling your area and responding to incidents such as anti-social behaviour or shoplifting
• Follow up enquiries, such as making house to house enquiries following a crime
• Visiting victims of crime to update and reassure them Assisting police officers by preserving crime scenes Searching for missing people
• Actively engaging with the local community, including school visits and policing local events Providing crime prevention advice
• Running local initiatives, such as bike marking, student safety or the NWP Cadet Scheme Attending neighbourhood meetings such as the Pubwatch or Shopwatch schemes to provide a police input
• Engaging with local councillors regarding issues affecting their local community

What benefits will I get?

As an NWP employee you’re entitled to the same benefits as police staff, including:

• At least 25 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time roles)
• Paid bank holiday entitlements
• Flexible working opportunities
• Generous maternity/paternity/adoption leave entitlements
• Generous sick pay provisions
• Subsidised canteens
• Access to on-site gyms and fitness classes
• Option to become a member of UNISON, the public service union
• Discounts from various retailers via the Blue Light Scheme