Police Community Support Officer Review
at Northumbria Police
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Police Officer
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: May 2025
Overall Rating
3.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
My role as a Police Community Support Officer consists of engaging with local communities within the area, highlighting any concerns and providing support for the community and businesses within this. My role also includes supporting local Police Officers on my team with various tasks and incidents which we attend daily.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I thoroughly enjoyed the programme, as following the first initial training period the programme was more interactive and beneficial in exposing myself to several different types of incidents I may deal with when starting the on the job work. I found the initial training period which was classroom based fairly long, However I am aware this was crucial to understand all the legislation and tactics used within a policing aspect.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Within the apprenticeship and job role as a PCSO, I have developed many existing skills regarding communication and listening as I am constantly engaging with members of the community and using these skills to effectively deal with the incident at hand. Furthermore, I have learnt new skills within personal protection and safety of myself and colleagues which I use on a daily basis when attending several different types of incidents which may cause conflict.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme was highly structured with a set out timetable for each week within the classroom training phase, which was beneficial for us to follow and understand what is being covered each week. Furthermore, following the classroom phase the programme appeared slightly more relaxed as we worked towards Independent Patrol Status and Full Operational Competencies.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a lot of support from my Sergeant and team members whilst I was working through my portfolio, as well as assisting myself in understanding alternative ways to deal with incidents which assist in my completion of the portfolio.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
We received every few week meetings with the training officers to review progress and our thoughts/feelings/welfare within the course. Following finishing the classroom training phase, we received more support from the tutors whilst working out in our allocated areas, as well as support from the portfolio assessor regarding evidence submissions towards the portfolio.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Northumbria Police to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Northumbria Police is a great place to work, with the police force being highly inclusive to all members of the community as well as being supportive to all colleagues within the force.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Northumbria Police?
Be open and honest
