Are you looking for a new challenge?

Applications are invited to join us as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), which provides you with an opportunity to earn while gaining a Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice through on-the-job learning.

PCSOs play an integral part in neighbourhood policing; providing a visible presence on the streets, making communities safer and stronger. You will be confident, resilient and comfortable dealing with all sections of the community with the ability to make decisions and work with partners to solve problems. A positive character with a professional approach, you act with integrity and treat individuals with respect.

Entry Requirements

• Age 17 at date of application, must be 18 upon appointment – no upper age limit
• English Language or Literature at GCSE grade 9-4 or equivalent (e.g. Grade A-C GCSE / O Level or Level 2 Functional Skill).
  • International qualifications can be accepted if their equivalency is established through ENIC (previously NARIC)
  • If you don’t have a relevant English qualification, you can obtain one through a college or training provider and then proceed with your application. To find a provider, you can contact your local college to see what they offer or search for a provider online. Some courses are fully funded by the Department of Education; the provider will explain what costs, if any, are involved.
• For over 19s, maths GCSE grades 9-4/A-C or equivalent no longer required.
• For under 19s (if GCSE grade 9-4 not already held at time of starting apprenticeship), need to attain maths Functional Skill level 2. Will be supported by TVP.
• International qualifications can be accepted if their equivalency is established through ENIC (previously NARIC)
• Be a British, EC/EEA or Commonwealth citizen or a foreign national with indefinite leave to remain
• Be in good health and able to physically and mentally perform your duties, having the ability to successfully complete the job-related fitness test. BMI readings will be taken at your fitness test and medical as part of your overall health assessment.
• Full UK manual or automatic Driving Licence (you can still apply if you are currently learning to drive and plan to take your test in the next 3 to 6 months however you won’t be able to join an intake until you have passed your test.

Training

• Ten weeks’ training at our Force Training Centre in Sulhamstead, designed to give you a solid understanding in the essentials of a PCSO's role and powers.
• Ten weeks’ tutoring on your Local Command Unit (LCU)
• On and off the job learning over the course of one year to enable you to achieve the Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice.

Successful candidates will go into a recruitment pool to fill planned PCSO intakes in financial year 2026/27, subject to posting choices and vacancies.

Please read all the attached documents, including the Staff self assessment questionnaire and the PCSO application advice, before submitting your application.

As part of the Thames Valley Police family you will enjoy a fantastic range of benefits including 24 days annual leave per annum pro-rata for part time (plus Bank Holidays), flexible working conditions, a wide range of lifestyle discounts, career development opportunities and have the option to join a local government pension scheme. To view a full list of our benefits, please click the below link.

If you have any queries please contact the Recruitment Department via RecruitmentPCSO@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting reference 15163. We will endeavour to respond to your query as quickly as possible.

Closing date: 9 August 2026