West Midlands Police are keen to hear from ‘mature’ members of the public who are interested in joining the force as community support officers

Bosses have joined forces with Job Centre Plus to help recruit the first intake of a total 150 police PCSOs and are keen to hear from all sections of society who have the skills to become a support officer, playing a crucial link between local neighbourhoods and the police.They are particularly keen to hear from ‘more mature’ candidates who may have decided to return to work or change roles later in life. 

They have set up a new ‘helping hand’ course which covers topics such as completing successful application forms and interview skills, and are currently recruiting to the first course, which begins in February at the newly built Bournville College site. Jayne McCracken, from the West Midlands Police recruitment team, said:

"PCSOs provide an increased visible police presence within local communities by conducting patrols to help prevent crime, to keep people safe from harm and to increase community trust and confidence in West Midlands Police. 

"The new qualification scheme and the entry assisted course are two examples of how we are supporting colleagues and helping them progress and grow as team members."

A spokesperson for Job Centre Plus added:

“We are delighted to be able to offer a pre recruitment course which will provide a stepping stone to people who would like to apply to become a PCSO but feel they need some support."

The full job advertisement, along with the role and person specification and application form, is available on the force’s website at: jobs.west-midlands.police.uk. The closing date is 13 February 2017.

Or, if animals are more your thing, the force's dog handling team are on the hunt for puppy walkers to take on a new litter of German Shepherd puppies who are ready to leave their mothers and start socialising. 

The seven week old pups need temporary homes as part of their early life socialisation programme. Fully vetted puppy walkers are responsible for homing their puppy, caring for their needs and crucially, helping them to socialise with people and other dogs.

Anybody over 18 can apply to be a puppy walker, if they live in the West Midlands and have the time to look after the puppy and provide plenty of play time to allow it to develop within a happy, carefree environment.

For more information, email breedscheme@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk to register your interest.