Overview
The Community Safety Officer plays a key role in promoting a safe, welcoming, and resilient environment across the Swindon Borough Council area. Working as part of a frontline team, the officer conducts high‑visibility patrols, engages with residents and businesses, and supports efforts to reduce anti‑social behaviour, environmental crime, and community concerns. The role combines enforcement, problem solving, and community engagement to improve quality of life for local people.
Key Responsibilities
Patrolling & Visibility
- Conduct regular foot and vehicle patrols across neighbourhoods, parks, town centres, and priority locations.
- Provide a visible and reassuring presence to deter anti‑social behaviour, crime, and nuisance activity.
- Monitor hotspots and report emerging issues to supervisors and partner agencies.
Community Engagement
- Build positive relationships with residents, businesses, schools, and community groups.
- Offer advice on safety, crime prevention, and local services.
Enforcement & Compliance
- Enforce relevant local authority powers such as Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), littering and dog control regulations, and other environmental legislation.
- Issue fixed penalty notices where appropriate and in line with policy.
- Support investigations into anti‑social behaviour, environmental offences, and community complaints.
Problem Solving & Partnership Working
- Work closely with police, housing providers, youth services, and other partners to address community safety concerns.
- Contribute to multi‑agency operations targeting crime, disorder, and vulnerability.
- Assist in identifying repeat issues and developing long‑term solutions.
Incident Response & Reporting
- Respond to reports of anti‑social behaviour, environmental hazards, and other community safety issues.
- Record incidents accurately using council systems and provide clear written reports and statements as required.
- Escalate safeguarding concerns in line with statutory procedures.
Working Pattern & Deployment
The role requires flexibility, including evening and weekend work, to ensure coverage of key community safety hotspots and night‑time economy areas. The standard working week is 40 hours, with two rest days.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm, confident, and professional in challenging situations.
- Understanding of community safety, anti‑social behaviour legislation, and local authority powers (training provided).
- Problem‑solving mindset with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Physically able to undertake regular patrols.
- Basic IT skills for reporting and record keeping.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Enhanced DBS check.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Experience in community safety, enforcement, security, or public‑facing roles.