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Are there any pcso's out there?

14 replies

melmog · 20/08/2009 11:23

Just needed a bit of advice about an ongoing application....

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melmog · 20/08/2009 13:57

None?

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pinkmagic1 · 20/08/2009 14:10

My Mum and Sister are PCSO's, I could ask them if you have any questions.

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melmog · 20/08/2009 14:14

Thanks Pinkmagic.

Could you find out if they have put a hold on new recruits starting training where your mum and sister work?

Bit vague I know, sorry!

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pinkmagic1 · 20/08/2009 17:27

I will ask for you when I next speak to them, more than likely later this evening. I do know they only have set training dates and limited spaces. My Mum had to wait a number of months before starting her training, 4 months, I think it was.

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QueenEagle · 20/08/2009 17:41

Used to be. What would you like to kmow? Where I am, recruiting is on hold but don't know how long for.

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melmog · 20/08/2009 21:13

I just wondered if it was just on hold or if they were cutting back?

I'm through bar the medical but have been told there's a long wait to start training. Even up to a year!

Just wondered if that was nationwide or a local thing but it sounds like it's the same all over.

I'll wait anyway but really want to get started!!

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melmog · 20/08/2009 21:13

Did you like it QueenEagle?

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pickyvic · 20/08/2009 22:00

its likely to be a force by force decision. ive just got thru the papersift for PC and have been told could be up to 2 years before we get start dates, but i have to get through assessment centre yet, then fitness, etc etc. so think i am a long way off!
but we were told not to put our lives on hold as could be a couple of years before training. think this is now pretty standard.
(please wish me luck for assessment centre!)

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melmog · 21/08/2009 06:33

Wishing you luck!

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QueenEagle · 21/08/2009 14:37

melmog, yes I loved it. Although I always wanted to be a PC but at that time my force were not recruiting so went for and got PCSO instead. It was brilliant as I was based in a town centre and got involved in loads of incidents every day. It just confirmed my resolve to go for PC and several months later the recruiting opened up again so I went for it. Have now almost completed my PC 2 year probation period and absolutely love every minute of it!

pickyvic, good luck for your assessment centre!

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pickyvic · 21/08/2009 15:15

thankyou!
recruitment happens so infrequently now due to "workforce modernisation" that im thinking at my age (37) this is the last chance saloon! to say im nervous would be an understatment! i am a special at the min so i know i will love it- ive had to apply to a neighbouring force though, as the one i live in is unlikely to recruit in the next 5 years, but hey! im not bothered, it will just mean a bit of travel, i just want to get in!

sorry to hijack your thread melmog and good luck with being a pcso! im sure youll love it when you get started. x

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melmog · 21/08/2009 15:36

No, that's fine.

I'm going for the pcso role now but would really like to become a pc too. I'm 37 too but thinking there is just the slightest glimmer of hope that I might make it. Wanted to get a foot in the door iyswim and make sure I'm cut out for it first.

Don't be nervous, you'll walk it!

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QueenEagle · 21/08/2009 15:42

I was 37 when I joined as a PC so you are def never too old!

melmog - personally I would say that if your heart is set on being a PC then go for that first. You may (like me) find that although you enjoy the role, having limited powers can get quite frustrating, especially if you are in a more rural area. Ask yourself - do you prefer the "pink and fluffy" side of policing (PCSO) or would you like to get stuck in to the more rough and tough side of things (I do!). If you find you can't hack it as a PC you automatically get asked to consider the role of a PCSO rather than quit altogether.

Just a thought.

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melmog · 21/08/2009 15:57

That's what I'm thinking already QueenEagle. The pcso's I've spoken to whilst out and about have said the same and that was my biggest worry.

I went for the pcso role first as I lost a bit of confidence after having 18 months off work with dd2 and didn't know if I'd make it going straight for a pc role.

I'm definately not pink and fluffy!

I'm through bar the medical now though (just waiting for some test results). Will go on their website and have another look.

Do appreciate this advice.