PCSO [police]

I was looking at joining the police but would prefer PCSO as its more of a community engagement role where you get to go out and talk to people which i would prefer then maybe look at moving up to a PC later on possibly but has anyone here applied or currently a PCSO?


And overall would people recommend it? my family say its a dangerous job for PCs even with tasers and batons and PCSO get none of that but at the same time PCSO isn't really given the same tasks as police, i have always liked helping people and find the idea of being in uniform and being apart of the police is something i want to do and have always wanted to do but have never built up the courage to apply as its not really like applying for a normal job.

I did ask my local force via email but it seems with everything going on its expected the replies are super slow.

I work in recruitment for my local police force.

PCSOs are very much similar to Police Officers (PC) as you say. However you won't share all of the same powers as them which includes Blue Light training.
Eligibility criteria is different in some forces, however generally you must be able to speak and write fluent and clear English.
They don't generally judge you on your facial appearance, however this also depends if you have any tattoos (although you must not have any on your face, hands, neck and above the collar bone). There is generally no height requirement. You're not applying to be a Cabin Crew here.
As I have said, each force's recruitment may be different - so please refer to their careers website for more information regarding their eligibility requirements.
Police Now entry are only for graduates who can fast track to become a Police Officers - not PCSOs and they are more widely different in general. However the recruitment process is very much the same.

Due to the current situation we are in with COVID-19, most of the teams may be working from home such as myself which is why communication is really slow as most teams are finding ways to adapt quickly to the situation.

Thanks for the response just to confirm, PCSO don't need any formal qualifications especially degrees etc? just wanting to make sure.