6. Training and development

The training for a police community support officer (PCSO) provides you with the knowledge, skills and legislative powers to enable you to carry out your duties, including first aid and personal safety.

As a PCSO, your training is among the most important tools at your disposal. It’s what enables you to deal calmly with whatever challenges arise each day and to serve your community with confidence.

Initial training

On appointment as a PCSO, you’ll begin with six weeks of mostly classroom-based training, Monday to Friday. This will introduce you to the Met and to your new role, as well as helping you build skills and knowledge in areas such as:

• radio procedure
• effective patrol
• report writing
• dealing with evidence
• gathering intelligence
• managing a crime scene
• entering premises
• use of force
• communication skills and problem solving
• human rights, safeguarding and mental health awareness
• domestic abuse, missing persons and anti-social behaviour
• diversity awareness and unconscious bias
• road checks and issue of Fixed Penalty Notices
• health, safety and risk assessment
• public and personal safety
• emergency life support

Throughout the course, you’ll be tested on what you’ve learned. The results of these tests will be used, together with your overall performance during the course, to identify any areas where you require further development.

Day one is delivered at Hendon and then the remainder of the course will be delivered from one of the two Regional Learning Centres (RLCs) based at Hendon or Marlowe House in Sidcup.

The course will follow a shift pattern on alternate weeks:

• Early: 7am to 3pm
• Day: 9am to 5pm
• Late: 2pm to 10pm

The training provides individuals with the knowledge, skills and legislative powers to enable them to carry out their duties, including first aid and personal safety.

Further training

Once you’ve completed your initial training, you’ll be posted to a Basic Command Unit (BCU) within London. Here you’ll receive further training, tailored to the requirements of your specific role.

Probation

Your first year as a PCSO will be a probationary period. Think of it as your opportunity to demonstrate how well you’ve taken your training on board and developed the capacity to meet the requirements of your post.