To be eligble to apply to apply for the role of Police Community Support Officer within West Midlands Police there are no formal academic qualifications however we require you to have a good standard of english and be able to write in a clear and accurate manner.

You need to be 18yrs or older in order to apply to be a Police Community Support Officer.

You will need to have been resident in the UK for a continuous period of 3 years to be eligible to apply and gain security clearance.

If you're from outside the EEA, it's essential that you have leave to enter or to remain in the UK for an indefinite period.

Ideally, you shouldn't have a criminal conviction or cautions record. If you do have one, acceptance will depend on the age and nature of the offence. We are unable to state whether your convictions record will affect your application before you apply. This will be determined from the full and confidential information provided during the recruitment and selection process.

If you don't tell us about any cautions, investigations or criminal convictions that may be linked to you at an early stage, your application could be refused simply because you weren't being open and up front. It might have been accepted if you were. So if in doubt, disclose. To assist we have produced a short guide about cautions, convictions and vetting which you will be sent with your forms.

It's important that you are not under pressure from un-discharged debts or liabilities and that you can manage loans and debts sensibly.

Health and fitness

Applicants must be in good health, of sound constitution and able to both physically and mentally perform the duties of a PCSO once appointed. All medical criteria will be checked – including hearing and Body Mass Index (BMI must be at least 18 and no more than 30). This part of the process will be managed by the force’s occupational health team.

The fitness test, also known as the chester step test will test your fitness levels by requiriing your step on and off a heightened platform. This will continue to a level to check your fitness will enable you to carry out patrols for prolonged periods in all weathers. 

Anyone who has a tattoo which could be offensive to any religion or belief, or is in any way discriminatory, violent or intimidating, will not be accepted.

Tattoos on the face, visible above a collar line or on the hands are not acceptable.

You will be required to provide photographs of any tattoos on the face, neck or forearms with your application. 

If you are currently using any illegal drugs, this will rule you out of the recruitment process automatically.