WILTSHIRE Police are now recruiting for Police Community Support Officers for the first time since 2011.

Applications are now being taken and people can apply at any time up until the closing date for applications on Tuesday, 25 February at 5pm.

Chief Constable Pat Geenty said: “I am delighted that we are in a position to recruit additional Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).

“PCSOs provide essential support to police officers and make a real difference to local communities.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said: “PCSOs are an important part of the police family, being a proactive, visible link between the force and local neighbourhoods alongside their neighbourhood police officer colleagues.

“We are also particularly encouraging applications from minority ethnic communities, as they are presently under-represented within the Wiltshire police force.”

Applications are welcomed from both current Wiltshire Police staff and from members of the public.

PCSOs provide a visible patrolling presence, acting as an effective crime deterrent, especially with regard to antisocial behaviour.

PCSOs do not have the same powers as a police officer therefore duties would not include arrests, investigating serious crimes and carrying out covert operations.

For more information, please visit either the Wiltshire Police website wiltshire.police.uk, facebook.com/wiltshire police or twitter.com/ wiltshirepolice.

If you have any further questions, please email resourcing@wiltshire.

pnn.police.uk or call the dedicated recruitment phone line on 01380 734132 (Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm).

Please do not call the 101 number for information about the recruitment process.