Profiles - PCSOs

What inspired you to become a PCSO?

Honestly, it was other PCSOs who inspired me. I’d assumed I was too old to apply - being in my late 40s, I genuinely thought the role was meant for younger people. But after speaking with PCSOs in the Neighbourhood Policing Team, I realised I already had the right skills. It’s really about your ability to communicate and problem-solve more than anything else.

What is your most memorable experience as a PCSO?

It’s hard to pinpoint my most memorable experience as a PCSO, because the role brings both uplifting moments and more challenging, sometimes upsetting ones. Policing is incredibly varied, but what stands out most to me is the people. The colleagues I work alongside, those who need our support, and even those who’d rather we weren’t there, for all sorts of reasons. Everyone is different, and the sheer variety of individuals I’ve encountered in this role has left a lasting impression.

What do you love about being a PCSO?

I love being that old-fashioned ‘bobby on the beat’ - walking around, chatting with people about all sorts of things, and helping them with policing issues. If I can’t assist directly, I’ll always find someone who can.

My role is incredibly varied, especially being based in a rural community where I often support Police Officers in different aspects of their work. I’ve never had a job like this, one that allows me to draw on both my personal experiences and my previous career.

What means the most to me are those moments, however small, when you feel you’ve genuinely helped someone or made their situation a little easier. As PCSOs, we often continue supporting victims long after the initial incident, especially in cases like domestic abuse. When you bump into someone years later and they thank you for helping them feel stronger, it’s a powerful reminder of why we do this job.

It’s also incredibly rewarding when young people you’ve worked with come back and say, “I get it now, you were just trying to keep me out of trouble.” Moments like that stay with you.

What would you say to someone thinking about applying, but isn’t sure?

I would say go for it.  The main skills that you need is common sense and being a good communicator. 

What inspired you to become a PCSO?

I have always wanted to work for the police. Outside of work I enjoy volunteering and had an opportunity for a career change, so I thought why not help people and get paid for it!

What is your most memorable experience as a PCSO?

I’ve had many memorable experiences, but one that stands out was being on duty in Worcester during Queen Camilla’s visit. Positioned right outside the cathedral, I had the pleasure of speaking with the crowds of well-wishers gathered there.

What do you love about being a PCSO?

Every day is different. You get to see and do things you wouldn’t in any other career, but all through the lens of helping others.

What would you say to someone thinking about applying, but isn’t sure?

Do it. It’s a rewarding career and you will work and meet some great people, do things that not many others get the chance to, and have fun whilst working.

What inspired you to become a PCSO?

My goal has always been to become a Police Community Support Officer. Having worked at front counters for over eight years, I genuinely enjoy engaging with members of the public and making a positive difference wherever I can. I'm driven by a desire to help others and contribute to their daily lives in meaningful, supportive ways.

What is your most memorable experience as a PCSO?

I regularly attend Droitwich Mews Care Home, where I was recently told about a resident named Jean, a woman in her seventies who had previously served as a police officer at Worcester Station. At the care home, there’s a “wishing tree” where residents can write down their wishes and hang them on the branches. Jean’s wish was to be a police officer for a day.

The care home manager brought this to my attention, and I was determined to make it happen. I arranged for Jean to visit Droitwich Police Station, personally collecting her for the day. She tried on police kit, sat in a patrol car, had her fingerprints taken, and shared memories from her time in the force. Despite living with early-onset dementia, Jean vividly recalled moments from her policing career.

Coincidentally, it was also Jean’s birthday. The team sang “Happy Birthday,” presented her with a card, and made the day extra special. The story was picked up by local newspapers and even featured on Midlands Today.

What do you love about being a PCSO?

I’m passionate about engaging with the local community, helping to resolve issues wherever I can, and making a positive difference in people’s lives.

What would you say to someone thinking about applying, but isn’t sure?

I’d say go for it - you won’t regret it. The role is incredibly fulfilling and offers the chance to make a real difference, not only in your own life but in the lives of others across the community. I’d be more than happy to speak with anyone interested in applying to become a PCSO.

What inspired you to become a PCSO?

I wanted to become a PCSO to make a positive difference in my community by being a visible and approachable presence. The role allows me to support vulnerable people, build bridges between the police and the public, and help solve local issues. It’s a chance to connect with people, offer reassurance, and contribute meaningfully to public safety.

What is your most memorable experience as a PCSO?

One of my most memorable moments came from an online log I actioned about a resident in a local care home living with dementia. He’d shared with staff that it was his dream to be in the police. I was able to source a police hat, badge, and certificate to present to him as a gift. Visiting him, chatting about his working days, and seeing the joy it brought him was incredibly special. It’s an experience I’ll remember for the rest of my life, and I felt truly honoured to be part of his story.

What do you love about being a PCSO?

What I love most is that no two days are ever the same. It’s a dynamic role that often sees me out on foot or cycling through the community, staying visible and approachable. I value the chance to connect with a wide range of people, offering reassurance and support where it’s needed. Whether I’m helping someone through a difficult situation or simply being a friendly face they can talk to, it’s incredibly rewarding to know I’ve made a difference in their day.

What would you say to someone thinking about applying, but isn’t sure?

If you're thinking about applying to be a PCSO, I’d say go for it—especially if you care about your community and want to make a real impact. It’s a rewarding role where you’ll build strong relationships, support vulnerable people, and help tackle local issues. You won’t regret it.

What inspired you to become a PCSO?

I’ve always been interested in a career in the Police Force, but the PCSO role stood out to me as a unique opportunity to connect with people and serve as a vital link between the police and the community.

What is your most memorable experience as a PCSO?

One of my most memorable experiences was visiting an elderly victim of burglary and being thanked for helping them feel safer. That moment really stayed with me - it reminded me of the impact we can have simply by being present and supportive.

What do you love about being a PCSO?

What I love most about the role is the freedom it offers. You truly get out what you put in. The rewards are tremendous - whether it’s providing reassurance to victims, helping to reduce crime, building trust and respect within the community, or engaging with young people in your policing area.

What would you say to someone thinking about applying, but isn’t sure?

For anyone considering applying, I’d offer this advice: ask yourself if you’re a ‘people person.’ Do you enjoy interacting with people of all ages? Can you handle challenging situations and stay calm under pressure? If the answer is yes, then go for it. You won’t regret it.

What inspired you to become a PCSO?

I began my journey with the police in the control room, handling challenging situations every day. It was there I realised I wanted to become a PCSO - to make a difference in the community and help solve problems on the ground.

What is your most memorable experience as a PCSO?

Last year, I was nominated for PCSO of the Year. I was absolutely overwhelmed and incredibly proud. It meant a lot to know that the work I do helps people in the community feel safe, supported, and heard.

What do you love about being a PCSO?

What I love most is that every day is different. I deal with real issues and concerns in the community, build strong relationships with local residents and businesses, and work closely with partner agencies to take a multi-agency approach to problem solving.

What would you say to someone thinking about applying, but isn’t sure?

If you’re looking for a challenging role where you work with a wide range of people and make a real impact in the community, then this is the job for you.

There’s genuine job satisfaction in knowing you’ve gone the extra mile to support someone in need. Every day brings something new - you may not know what you’ll face, but you do know you’ll make a difference to someone.

What inspired you to become a PCSO?

Policing has always been a lifelong ambition of mine. Speaking with serving officers made me realise, it’s never too late to pursue it.

What is your most memorable experience as a PCSO?

One of the things that really stood out was how welcoming my team were. They wanted to meet me even while I was still in training, taking the time to introduce themselves - including the Sergeant and Inspector. It made me feel valued from day one.

What do you love about being a PCSO?

No two days are the same. I get to make a real difference, support the community, and meet so many interesting people - some just going through a tough time. What I love most is being part of a team that’s there to help.

What inspired you to become a PCSO?

I was inspired to become a PCSO after serving as a Special Constable with Gloucestershire Police. During that time, I had the opportunity to work across several departments, which gave me a real insight into the breadth of policing. While I was in that role, PCSO vacancies opened up in a few different forces. I applied to West Mercia Police and found the recruitment experience genuinely enjoyable.

Initially, my plan was to gain full-time experience as a PCSO before applying to become a police officer. But that plan quickly changed - I enjoyed the PCSO role so much that I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Sixteen years later, I’m still here, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What is your most memorable experience as a PCSO?

One of my most memorable experiences was being on duty during the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay as it passed through Evesham. Huge crowds turned out to witness the event, and it was incredible to be part of such a historic moment.

What do you love about being a PCSO?

What I love most about being a PCSO is having the time to get out into the community and speak with people - whether that’s at local events, coffee mornings, school fetes, parish council meetings, or other public engagement opportunities. Our role genuinely makes a difference, from supporting emergency incidents to patrolling neighbourhoods. I’ve worked with some fantastic colleagues over the years, and I’m currently part of a close-knit team with incredibly supportive supervisors.

What would you say to someone thinking about applying, but isn’t sure?

If you're thinking about becoming a PCSO, I wholeheartedly encourage you to apply. It’s a rewarding career, and West Mercia Police is a brilliant organisation to work for. No two days are the same, and you’ll develop a wide range of valuable skills that you’ll use every day.

What inspired you to become a PCSO?

I became a PCSO with West Mercia Police because I believed I had the right transferable skills to carry out the role effectively. I enjoy being back in a policing environment and engaging with the community.

What I value most is the appreciation from the public. People often approach me to say, “Thank you for doing this,” or “Thank you for being here.” It’s a reminder that the work we do makes a real difference in people’s lives.

What is your most memorable experience as a PCSO?

Drug dealing is a persistent issue in many communities, and one of my most memorable experiences involved responding to a complaint about suspected activity at a local address. I maintained a highly visible police presence in the area and directly approached the individual involved, warning him to stop dealing.

As a safety measure, I also arranged for the seizure of his unregistered XL Bully dog, which had been causing concern among residents. The impact was immediate - drug activity in the area dropped significantly, and the community felt much safer without the presence of such an intimidating dog.

What would you say to someone thinking about applying, but isn’t sure?

To anyone thinking of applying to be a PCSO, I’d say this: if you enjoy being out in the community, engaging with people, and solving problems, then this is the role for you. It’s rewarding, varied, and no two days are the same.

Sarah, PCSO in Whitchurch

What inspired you to become a PCSO?

Policing has always been a lifelong ambition of mine. Speaking with serving officers made me realise, it’s never too late to pursue it.

What is your most memorable experience as a PCSO?

One of the things that really stood out was how welcoming my team were. They wanted to meet me even while I was still in training, taking the time to introduce themselves - including the Sergeant and Inspector. It made me feel valued from day one.

What do you love about being a PCSO?

No two days are the same. I get to make a real difference, support the community, and meet so many interesting people - some just going through a tough time. What I love most is being part of a team that’s there to help.