Challenging role as a community officer

The role is extremely wide-ranging. Community support officers wear a uniform and have day-to-day duties which include dealing with vandalism and antisocial behaviour, getting to know people across the community, visiting victims of crime, providing crime prevention advice and issuing fixed penalty notices.

Superintendent Julie Earle force neighbourhood policing project manager said: "PCSOs are crucial to our ability to deliver Neighbourhood Policing, they are an integral part of Safer Neighbourhood Teams working alongside police officers, special constables and partner agencies to deal with the issues that matter most to local communities.

"PCSOs have a vital role to play in engaging with the community and helping citizens to participate in tackling local problems. The role of a PCSO is both exciting and fulfilling, they can make a real difference in tackling local problems of crime and disorder, improving neighbourhood conditions, increasing public reassurance and feelings of security. PCSOs can make a positive improvement to the quality of life within their communities jobs don't get much more satisfying than that!"

All recruits will have a full five-week training programme at the force's Training and Support Headquarters at Netley. As part of their continuing development, each support officer will be assigned a police constable or an experienced police community support officer who will act as a tutor during their first few weeks on duty. That officer will accompany them on patrol to provide guidance and allow them to get used to the job.

There is no specific qualification requirement the force says life experience is the most important thing.

However, excellent communication skills and the ability to get on well with all kinds of people are a must, as is an assertive and confident personality, an active lifestyle and a full driving licence.

*For further information and application details visit www.hampshire.police.uk.