VPCSO role profile

Purpose

Lincolnshire Police is pioneering the role of Volunteer PCSO and is looking for people who would like the opportunity to do the PCSO role on a voluntary basis.  It is a uniformed volunteer policing position and VPCSOs will be expected to spend the majority of their voluntary hours on patrol in local communities, dealing with local issues.

What you will be doing

Tasks will include:

• Taking an active part in the community by building and maintaining positive community relations through engagement and consultation.
• Providing a visible presence in local communities by supporting policing operations and providing reassurance to members of the public.
• Working with police officers, PCSOs and other police staff on policing priorities and dealing with minor incidents, crime enquiries and anti-social behaviour
• Providing advice and reassurance to victims and witnesses of crime.
• Attending court and other hearings and providing evidence as required
• Maintaining and developing contacts within the community in order to gain information and intelligence

Skills, experience and qualities needed

To get the most out of the opportunity, you should be able to plan, prioritise, be able to think on your feet and make difficult decisions, and demonstrate an understanding of policing issues in the county. You must be well organised and willing to take a fresh approach to solve local issues.

You will need to be confident communicating with a wide range of people, on the telephone, by e-mail, and in person either one to one or to larger groups of people  You should be community focused and able to demonstrate knowledge of the needs of the diverse population of Lincolnshire.  You will need to have good IT skills as training will be given on a number of Police IT systems.

You will demonstrate the values and behaviours set out in the force Staff Charter and able to work flexibly as part of a team. Experience of dealing with people in a confrontational situation, always using tact and diplomacy would be useful.

You must be over 18 years of age and meet the eligibility criteria.

Full driving licence is preferred but not essential as outlined in the eligibility criteria.

Location and times

The role can be based at any of the larger police stations across the county. You must be able to commit to complete all the training and volunteer for a minimum of four hours per week on patrol for a period of at least 12 months. Patrol hours can be flexible by prior arrangement to fit around other commitments.

Training and support available

Uniform will be provided.  All training will be carried out at Lincolnshire Police Headquarters at Nettleham, Lincoln and will be over five alternate weekends.

You will be required to provide your fingerprints and a saliva sample for Biometric Vetting purposes, references, and pass a medical assessment to ensure that you are fit for the role.  The medical assessment includes a hearing and sight test. You will also be required to take a fitness test during training. All VPCSOs receive a Volunteer Handbook with all the information you will need to support you in your role. ‘On the job’ training will be provided by your mentor and members of your team, and there may be the opportunity to undertake further training relevant to your role. You will have a neighbourhood sergeant as your supervisor and the support of the Volunteer Team at police HQ.

Other information

Expenses will be paid for travelling between your home and Police Headquarters whilst training and between your home address and the police station where you are based.
This role will require a security check and for you to sign an agreement to maintain confidentiality, as you may have access to sensitive material.

What to do if you are interested

Contact  the Volunteer Team at: [email protected] or on Tel: (01522) 947063.

Additional information

As a Lincolnshire Police Volunteer Police Community Support Officer you will be expected to demonstrate the standards of professional behaviour in accordance with the Code of Ethics.

Equality and diversity

All volunteers are required to carry out their role in a way that supports the Force diversity objectives.

Health and safety

Volunteers will take will take all reasonable care of themselves and of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

Lincolnshire Police has a duty to promote the welfare of, and safeguard of children and vulnerable adults. Volunteers are required to comply with Force Policy and Standard Operating Procedures in respect of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

Competency-based recruitment procedures

This role profile outlines the requirements, skills and abilities of a Volunteer Police Community Support Officer (VPCSO) and applicants should refer to this document when completing the application form. Applications will be shortlisted, and interview questions based on this role profile.