Six new Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have joined Herts police - and the Constabulary is looking for more.

The latest Hertfordshire recruits include a former retail assistant, estate agent photographer, TfL enforcement officer, and hospitality worker.

They were formally designated into their roles at a special ceremony held at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City, having successfully completed an initial training programme to prepare them for their varied role.

PCSOs make a direct contribution to local communities by offering a reassuring presence to the public, helping to reduce anti-social behaviour and fight crime.

They work to forge stronger relationships within Hertfordshire communities working in Safer Neighbourhood Teams to improve the quality of life for residents.

Assistant Chief Constable Genna Telfer attended the ceremony on Monday, October 9 and gave a congratulatory speech, presented certificates marking the completion of their initial training, and wished them luck in their new policing careers.

She said: “It’s a real pleasure to be here, celebrating the achievements of our new Police Community Support Officers, congratulations on achieving this milestone.

Policing is about service and people, putting the public first by offering a local, personalised and friendly approach to all those in the community and working together to prevent crime and harm.

“Your ongoing development will include further training and learning and there won’t be a day when you don’t have an opportunity to make a difference to someone else’s life, whether it’s providing reassurance to some of the most vulnerable members of society or restoring order in the communities we serve.

"Highly visible policing is a key part of our ethos and we are keen to see more PCSOs and officers than ever before engaging face to face with the public we serve.”

 

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For more information on becoming a PCSO visit www.herts.police.uk/careers

The six new PCSOs will now start their first postings in Hertfordshire, with two based in Cheshunt, one in Dacorum, one in Hertsmere, one in Letchworth, and one in Rickmansworth.

On this occasion, three additional Bedfordshire PCSO recruits attended the ceremony as Hertfordshire Constabulary - which works collaboratively with Bedfordshire Police - has assisted with their training.

PCSOs form a vital link between the public and the police and more are being recruited in Hertfordshire.

The role offers full or part time opportunities with a starting salary of £26,958 for individuals working full time (37 hours per week) increasing to a maximum of £32,409 based on length of service and performance related pay.