Community Support Officer (Police Community Support Officer)

Job overview

British Transport Police is recruiting Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to help make a positive difference in local communities across the rail network. This role supports the safety of passengers and staff while helping reduce disorder, crime, and the fear of crime.

The PCSO position is a key part of the force’s wider mission. In contrast to Home Office police forces, BTP PCSOs are trained and equipped with handcuffs.

What the role involves

You will carry out a varied mix of duties, so each day can be different. The post focuses on enforcing BTP bylaws within the rail environment and supporting the public through visible, community-focused policing.

Typical work includes station patrols, victim care, managing safety threats, investigating low-level offending, building relationships with the community, and assisting police officers.

Locations

This opportunity is for Area C, covering Cardiff, Newport, Pontypridd, and Swansea.

What the role offers

• Starting pay of £28,486.92, rising to £31,895.68, plus a shift allowance of up to 20%.
• A minimum shift allowance of 15% after completing 8 weeks of training. The allowance can increase each year until it reaches the top rate of 20%.
• 28 days of holiday, increasing to 30 days.
• Travel benefits and access to internal development opportunities.
• Ongoing learning and development support, including progression routes to become a Police Officer.

Shift pattern

The role requires shift work, including weekends and bank holidays.

Who is not eligible to apply

You cannot apply if any of the following apply to you:

• You were unsuccessful within the last 6 months for a BTP PCSO role.
• You have failed either an online ability test or an application for Police Officer, Special Constable, or PCSO within the last 6 months.
• You have failed BTP vetting in the last 12 months.
• You have ever received a prison sentence, including a suspended sentence.
• You were dismissed from another police force or have an open investigation.
• You have been declared bankrupt, or you have an unmanaged CCJ or IVA.
• You have tattoos considered offensive; tattoos on the face or neck are reviewed individually.
• You do not have a permanent right to live and work in the UK.
• You have not lived continuously in the UK for the past 3 years.

Pension

The BTP Police Staff Pension Scheme is administered by Royal London. It is a defined contribution scheme, and staff may contribute between 4.4% and 12% of salary. Existing members of the RPS police staff scheme will not be affected.

How to apply

The closing date is midnight on 31 August 2026. As part of the process, candidates must complete a Situational Judgement Test (SJT). If you do not pass this test, your application will not proceed at this stage, though you may apply again in the future.

Interviews will be held locally. Applicants are encouraged to attend a Q&A session with the recruitment team before applying.

This is an ongoing opportunity, so immediate placement cannot be guaranteed; successful candidates may be considered for up to 12 months after receiving a conditional offer of employment.

Contact and support

If you have questions of any kind, including concerns about personal circumstances, you can contact the friendly recruitment team at RecruitmentTeam@btp.police.uk. All enquiries will be handled confidentially and will not form part of your application.

AI guidance

AI may be useful for brainstorming or organising your thoughts, but the application should reflect your own voice. Genuine stories, personal experience, and authentic insight are strongly encouraged.

Closing statement

British Transport Police is committed to protecting the public and supporting communities. Join the force and help make a difference.