Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) - Bicester

Thames Valley Police; Bicester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift allowances

24 days annual leave

Flexible working options

Blue Light benefits

Wellbeing services

Job summary

Thames Valley Police in the UK is seeking a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) for Bicester. This permanent role offers a clear career pathway, a Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice, and structured training.

You’ll gain practical experience supporting vulnerable residents while serving your local neighbourhood. With a rate of £35,654 per annum including shift allowances, the role emphasizes collaboration with officers, partners, and communities, plus flexible benefits and

Qualifications

• GCSE English (or equivalent) is required.
• Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice is promised during training.
• Commitment to community safety and welfare.

Responsibilities

• Provide a visible presence in local neighbourhoods.
• Build strong relationships with residents, businesses and partners.
• Support vulnerable people and respond to community concerns.
• Help prevent crime and antisocial behaviour.
• Work closely with police officers and partner agencies.

Skills

Communication skills

Community policing

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

GCSE English (9–4 / A*-C) or equivalent

Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice

Job description

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) - Bicester

Department Neighbourhood Policing

Location Bicester

Rank/Grade TVP Broad Band 2E

Band 2E £35,654 per annum, inclusive of shift allowances, plus benefits

At Thames Valley Police, you’ll be part of a team that works every day to protect and support our communities. You’ll be valued, trained, and encouraged to reach your full potential and you’ll be doing work that genuinely matters.

Make a real difference in your community

If you’re looking for a role with purpose, variety, and the chance to help people every day, becoming a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) could be the perfect next step. This is a role where you’ll build trust, support vulnerable people, and help keep neighbourhoods safe all while earning a salary and completing a Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice.

PCSOs are the visible, approachable face of local policing. You’ll be out in the community, solving problems, building relationships, and helping people feel safe and supported.

What you’ll be doing

As a PCSO, you will:

• Provide a visible presence in local neighbourhoods
• Build strong relationships with residents, businesses, and partners
• Support vulnerable people and respond to community concerns
• Help prevent crime and antisocial behaviour
• Work closely with police officers and partner agencies
• Use your communication skills to defuse situations and offer reassurance

This is a role for someone who is confident, calm under pressure, and committed to helping others.

What you’ll gain

• A permanent role with a clear career pathway
• A Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice
• Ten weeks of structured classroom training
• Ten weeks of on‑the‑job tutoring
• Ongoing learning and development throughout your first year
• The chance to make a meaningful impact every day

Entry requirements

To apply, you must:

• Be a British, EC/EEA or Commonwealth citizen, with settled status or indefinite leave to remain.
• Have had a minimum three years’ residency in the UK.
• Be 17 or older at application (you must be 18 on appointment); there’s no upper age limit.
• Hold GCSE English (9–4 / A*–C) or equivalent (If you don’t yet have the required English qualification, you must obtain one through a college or training provider before applying).
• If you are under 19 and do not hold GCSE Maths (9-4 / A-C) or equivalent, Thames Valley Police will support you to achieve a Level 2 Functional Skills Maths qualification once employed. Applicants aged 19 or over are not required to hold a Maths qualification.
• Be in good physical and mental health and able to pass the job‑related fitness test.
  • BMI readings will be taken as part of your overall health assessment.
• Hold a full manual or automatic UK driving licence or be close to passing within 3 to 6 months (you cannot join an intake until you have passed).

Vetting

All roles require police vetting in line with the National Vetting Code of Practice. Residency requirements help ensure fair and consistent checks. Applications outside standard criteria may be considered with supporting evidence. Are reviewed on a case by case basis

Training and start dates

• Ten weeks at our Forces Training Centre in Sulhamstead (designed to give you a solid understanding in the essentials of a PCSO's role and powers).
• Ten weeks of local area tutoring
• One year of combined on‑ and off‑the‑job learning to complete your diploma

Successful applicants will join our recruitment pool for planned intakes during 2026/27, depending on location preferences and vacancies.

As part of Thames Valley Police, you’ll receive:

• 24 days annual leave (pro-rata for part time) + plus Bank Holidays
• Flexible working options
• Lifestyle discounts and Blue Light benefits
• Access to wellbeing services, staff networks, and support programmes
• Career development opportunities across the organisation

Every day as a PCSO brings new challenges, opportunities, and the chance to positively impact the lives of people in your community. If you're looking for a career where your actions matter and your contribution is valued, we'd love to hear from you.

Working Smart

You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day. In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce.

SupportingYou

Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do. Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we’ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives. We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with. We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference. We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card. Learn more about how we will be Supporting You.

Developing You

We promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential.

Vetting

All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

As part of our ongoing commitment to fair and transparent recruitment, we provide guidance on how AI may be used during the application and interview processes. Please familiarise yourself with our AI Guidance for Applicants - TVP Careers