Learn more about Police Community Support Officers

Meet Diane Clough. She is one of five Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who work in the Broughton Action Team alongside four police officers and a sergeant. Read on to find out about her job and her role in reducing crime.

What’s your role in tackling crime in Broughton?
I’d say our high visibility patrols are the main deterrent and we combine this with our work in providing support and advice on crime reduction to the local community.

We also actively undertake ‘stop and accounts’ on local known offenders, perform checks on vehicles, issue fixed penalty notices for crimes such as public order and dropping litter and confiscate alcohol from under age individuals.

What’s the most common issueyou find yourself dealing with?
Criminal damage, though it’s satisfying to know we’re helping reduce it in Broughton. Between 1 May and 31 October 2007 we saw 62 fewer incidents of criminal damage than for the same period in 2006, a drop of 8.4 per cent.

We research crimes by assessing the damage and visiting those affected. To back up witness or victim statements we often review CCTV too.

So what does a typical day involve?
We start our shift by seeing what has been happening in the area and checking who we need to visit as part of any investigations.

We spend a lot of time in the community on foot patrol and often get stopped by members of the public. This could simply be to ask directions or, more seriously, report a crime.

We may also be called to help divert traffic or assist police officers with drug warrants or gathering intelligence.

At the end of a shift we complete any unfinished paper work and follow up on any issues that we have dealt with during the day.

What inspired you to become a PCSO?
Before I became a PCSO I worked for 11 years as a senior support worker for Salford, Bolton and Trafford Mental Health Trust.  I loved working with local people, but I felt I needed a career change. As a PCSO I still get to work with the community and the idea is to use the insight I’ve gained to train as a police officer. I’m confident my life skills, past experience and passion for a challenge will serve me well in the post.

This page was last updated on 4 October 2009