Wiltshire Police is launching a new recruitment drive this month, with applications open for Police Constables and Police Community Support Officers to join the Force.
Applications to become a Police Constable opened at 10am this morning, Monday 4 September 2017 on the Force website – http://www.wiltshire.police.
The four week campaign runs until 11pm on Sunday October 1 2017, with candidates needing to register online and complete the initial eligibility form, including educational qualifications. Competition for roles is tight, with candidates who pass the initial eligibility stage invited to complete an application form.
Shortlisting stages include an assessment centre, medical, fitness, references and vetting checks. The whole recruitment process takes a number of months due to the high standards and skills needed for the role.
Later this month the Force is also accepting applications for Police Community Support Officers (PCS0s) who work with police officers and local crime investigators in integrated community policing teams.
PCSOs provide a visible patrolling presence and develop strong relationships with communities, acting as an effective crime deterrent and local community contact. PCSO recruitment opens on Monday 25 September on the Wiltshire Police website.
Chief Constable Mike Veale said: “We can offer fantastic opportunities in different career paths with varied and challenging policing roles across Wiltshire and Swindon.
“Boosting our numbers in all the roles that make up our frontline community policing teams is part of our long term plan. We need to attract, train and retain talented individuals who put people first and continue to give the public an excellent policing service, keeping people safe and working with local communities to reduce harm and the risk of crime.”
Wiltshire Police has a strong ethos of equality and inclusion, not only in the services it provides, but also within the organisation, to ensure the Force effectively engages with the public.
Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon said: “I want Wiltshire Police to represent and reflect the community it serves; a diverse county with people of different life experiences, genders, ethnic backgrounds, religions and sexual orientation. I particularly encourage people in minority communities to apply for roles in Wiltshire Police.
“We need people who are dedicated to serving the public to help people, sometimes the most vulnerable in our society, often in times of great personal crisis.”
Police Officers carry out a range of roles including:
• Working with partners and the public to improve the safety of the local community
• Responding to calls for assistance from the public, recording and investigating crime and helping the community to resolve local issues.
• Carrying out mobile and foot patrols, seeking to reassure the public and proactively working towards preventing and detecting offences
• Attending and investigating traffic accidents, working with other agencies to improve road safety
• Interviewing suspects, witnesses and victims, establishing facts and compiling case files for prosecution and other further action
• Arresting and detaining suspects and gathering evidence to enable the fair and just prosecution of offenders.
Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) do not arrest people or investigate serious crimes, but they play a vital role providing reassurance and a visible presence as an effective crime deterrent, especially for minor crimes and anti-social behaviour. PCSOs also work with partner agencies including local authorities and housing associations to solve local problems.
