THE DOORS have opened today for “enthusiastic, confident and resilient” members of the public to help police by becoming PCSO.

Police Community Support Officers help Avon and Somerset Constabulary by contributing to the policing of neighbourhoods, patrolling, reassuring residents and working with partner agencies.

Chief Superintendent Ian Wylie said: “PCSOs are vital in our communities, providing a bridge between the communities we serve and policing. They help people feel safe and can make a real difference.

“Whilst there are significant challenges in police funding, we are committed to investing in neighbourhood policing and a key part of that is the role of a PCSO.”

Applications have opened this morning, with two recruitment workshops taking place next week to give potential applications the chance to speak to current PCSOs about their role and find out more about the recruitment process.

The first is being held at Avon and Somerset Police and Fire HQ in Portishead on Monday, January 8 from 7pm to 9pm, with the second on Wednesday, January 10, taking place at Trinity Road Police Station in Bristol from 2pm to 4pm.

A Facebook Live event for potential applicants is also being held on Friday, January 12 at 9pm at www.facebook.com/avonandsomersetpolice.

PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “PCSOs help promote community safety and reduce the fear of crime with their proactive and visible presence. I continually hear considerable praise for our PCSOs from residents and how they are making a real difference to their local communities. 

“It is essential that your police service represents the communities it serves, so the Constabulary are particularly encouraging applications from people with a wide range of skills, experience and from diverse backgrounds.  I hope many more people consider this career within the policing service.”

Those interested in joining a workshop need to book a place by emailing Representative.Workforce@avonandsomerset.police.uk

Applications close at 5pm on Thursday, January 18, can be made online at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/about-us/recruitment/police-community-support-officers-(pcsos).