Monday, 14 October 2013

West Midlands Police have been overwhelmed by the amount of applications they received for police community support officer jobs.

Recruitment has now closed for the 50 PCSO posts and over 1,000 people applied. The PCSO roles were the first roles to be advertised in the force in three years.

Before reaching the final interview stage to secure the job they will go through a number of challenging tests, fitness and medical assessments. Those who are successful will begin a seven week intensive training programme which is then followed by a probation period working on neighbourhood policing teams, alongside PCs, other PCSOs, Specials and partner agencies. .

Superintendent Jo Smallwood, who has managed the recruitment drive, said: “We are delighted with the response and the number of applications received. We are looking forward to identifying those who will best serve the communities of the West Midlands.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Bob Jones pledged his support to neighbourhood policing and added: “PCSOs are an integral part of the local policing team. They increase visibility and increase public confidence in policing.

“Over time, the better intelligence and understanding of crime in the area has led to significant crime reduction. This is why I am committed to retaining PCSOs as part of neighbourhood policing and recruiting an additional fifty PCSOs to maintain their strength.”

The new PCSOs will cover Birmingham city centre, Solihull, Sandwell and Walsall by March 2014.