RESIDENTS across North Wales are being encouraged to consider becoming a Police Community Support Officer.

North Wales MS Sam Rowlands is urging people to sign up to make a difference in the community.

Mr Rowlands, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Local Government, said: “North Wales Police are currently accepting applications for Police Community Support Officers and I am calling on anyone who is interested in this role to apply.

“The job is well worth considering if you have a genuine interest in where you live and thrive on variety and challenge.

“As a PCSO you will be a visible and uniformed presence in the community with a focus on crime prevention. 

"It is a rewarding and exciting role and with full and part-time positions available, starting next January, it is a great way to learn new skills, gain confidence and of course, help to reduce crime.

“If you want to make a difference in your community then it is definitely worth applying.”

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Mr Rowlands added that as a PCSO, those recruited will 'patrol the streets, break up fights, investigate crimes, maybe even chase people from time to time'.

But many people do not realise how much time is spent pro-actively problem solving. 

Community-oriented policing focuses on helping people stay out of the criminal justice system, rather than on putting them into it.

The role is vital and unique, designed to tackle anti-social behaviour and local issues affecting the quality of life and their focus is on crime prevention.

New PCSOs receive nine weeks of initial training, involving role plays and practical sessions to really make sure they understand everything fully. 

They will also have either three or five days of Welsh training, depending on their current language level.

For the next six weeks they will be mentored by a PCSO who is trained as a tutor and they will be able to put their new skills into practice, under the observation of their experienced colleague. 

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After this, their tutor will assess them and if they are ready, they will be assigned to their new rota.

The role will entail post holders working on a shift and weekend rota and successful applicants will be required to provide a two year commitment to this role.

For more information and to apply go to:- https://policejobswales.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-7/brand-3/xf-7fbd6e1e312d/candidate/so/pm/6/pl/18/opp/3680-Police-Community-Support-Officer/en-GB