NEW PCSO ROLE

Station Police Community Support Officer (SPCSO)

Background
A new and exciting career development opportunity has arrived for PCSOs to work as Station Police Community Support Officers (SPCSOs). The Front Counter Project is modernising the current process of delivering front counter services, which is key to the Met’s citizen-focus programme. Front counters present a ‘shop window’ for the MPS, and it is here where the greatest proportion of victims of crime and members of the community make contact with us. Our intention is to increase the number of trained staff in the Front Counter thereby reducing queues and improving the front counter environment. Other initiatives are also being progressed to improve our customer experience.

Role Purpose
SPCSOs are at the forefront of providing a citizen-focused service to London’s community. For many victims and witnesses SPCSOs may be the first, and possibly only, MPS representative they ever meet. You will therefore be an ambassador for the MPS, occupying an important and high profile role within the organisation.

SPCSOs will be responsible for reporting approximately 25% of all crime and 25-40% of all serious sexual assaults, domestic violence and race/hate crimes. Consequently SPCSOs can make a significant impact on the way victims of crime perceive the performance of the MPS in relation to the recording and investigation of crime.

SPCSOs will be required to perform a minimum of two days core PCSO patrol activities per month, which equates to 10% of a SPCSO’s time, to retain and maintain skills. In addition if major incidents occur SPCSOs may be utilised and deployed to undertake increased time on core PCSO activities as the need dictates.

Information Technology (IT)
The use of IT is key to this role and you will need to demonstrate competence in the basic use of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook. Basic skills will be developed through training to make the best use of MPS IT systems relevant to the role of SPCSO.

Recruitment & Selection Process
If you are interested in this role you need to have passed the necessary requirements to become a PCSO and pass an interview to assess your IT and problem solving skills. During the documentation stage (Day 2) at Central Recruitment, you can specify the Boroughs that you would like to work at and select an interview date. You also need to complete an expression of interest form. If you are not successful at the SPCSO interview your application to become a PCSO will not be jeopardised.

Training
Upon being selected you sign a generic PCSO contract. PCSO training will be six weeks long and is non residential. This will be followed with a two to three month period as a PCSO on the borough agreed before attending a specialised three week SPCSO training course. This three week course will encompass areas such as dealing with property, driving documents, accidents, persons signing on bail, forensics and packaging, customer care and other tasks consistent with providing a service to members of the public. You will also receive training in relevant legislation and investigation techniques to enable you to report and conduct the initial investigation into allegations of crime.

The training course will be assessed and you must meet the standard of competence required to take up the role of SPCSO. However guidance and support will be provided by the assessors throughout the course.

Additionally training in relevant IT systems and close support will be provided to equip you to fulfill the role of SPCSO efficiently and effectively, providing a high level of service to all customers.

Benefits to you
It is anticipated that the SPCSO role will provide you with the following benefits:

· To gain valuable experience and training to deal with a wide range of customer enquiries and needs which can enhance your annual Performance Development Review and your CV

· Increase your IT skills, which could potentially improve your future employment opportunities within the organisation and externally

· Enhance your investigative and crime reporting skills

Period of Posting
There is an expectation that you will undertake this role for a minimum period of two years .If you wish to become a police officer you can apply after one year of service. This enables the application process to commence while you carry out your additional year of tenure.

Working Pattern
The Borough you are posted to will determine your working pattern. There may be an opportunity for you to earn up to 20% Shift Disturbance Allowance, but this will only be where night duty is required.

Conclusion.
The role of Station PCSO is challenging and rewarding requiring a high degree of customer service skills to ensure the best service is provided to the community. Could you be an SPCSO?