PCSO getting his steps in after taking on the role

From taking calls to meeting residents, one PCSO has spoken about how being out and about in the community is keeping him busier than ever.

Chris Parker has been a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) with Derbyshire Constabulary since February and already is throwing himself into the role – taking part in a number of community events, campaigns such as Operation Sceptre, and speaking to people out and about in the Sinfin and Osmaston area.

He said: “Getting out and about, keeping moving, and meeting people are the main things I love about this job.

“It’s a wide variety of work we cover, we go to the schools, deliver inputs and educate the kids. We also assist police officer colleagues where we can, standing guard at any scenes for example.

“I also recently got to help out with Operation Sceptre, the national knife crime week of intensification, doing quizzes in schools, raising awareness in the community and I also was around to help with some of the amnesty bin locations, so there’s plenty to get involved with.”

PCSO Parker was looking for a different challenge after having a largely office-based career, including time with the NHS, Ministry of Justice and a total of nine years working in police control rooms.

When he discovered the force was recruiting PCSOs, he decided it was time to take the opportunity, make the change, and try something different.

He added: “I was ready for a change and wanted a bit more of an active lifestyle, which meant trying something new. The PCSO role just seemed perfect.

“Because you’re out and about all the time, you’re constantly meeting new people, working with partners and forming those working relationships, so it’s really fulfilling in that regard.

“You’re also keeping moving and getting lots of steps in as well, which I have found has made a huge difference to me, how I feel generally and my lifestyle. I am really glad I took the leap and made the change.

“I’m even looking to get involved with a few more areas of our work now, including the mini police, and really make the most of this opportunity. I’m in it for the long haul.”

Derbyshire Constabulary is again recruiting PCSOs, and Chris is encouraging anyone who is thinking about applying to ‘go for it’.

“I’ve enjoyed the role so much since I started and would just say to anyone thinking about this or looking into the role to absolutely do it.

“The application process really reflected what the job is like, with a mixture of interviews, scenarios and presentations which is great for when you do get into the role.

“It’s a great role. You can also make so much out of it as well in the long term by meeting and helping countless people, getting to know your community and working with partners in the area.”

To read more about the role and apply to become a PCSO, visit our careers website.