When Adrian Richards answered an advert for the newly created role of Police Community Support Officer in 2004, he was told his cohort would be employed on a one-year trial period.
“I had been in the RAF for 20 years and had taken the test to be a driving instructor but when this new role came up I thought I’d give it a chance even though I didn’t know anything about the police,” he said. “We were one of the first cohorts and came in brand new, willing to learn.”
Designed to support police constables, the civilian role allows PCSOs to get to the heart of their communities, dealing with everything from anti-social behaviour and low-level crime to visiting schools to deliver educational talks.
The 61-year-old has never looked back and now nearly two decades on, is one of the force’s longest-serving PCSOs – a role which celebrates its 20th anniversary today!
“When we first started there was only a few of us so we would try to cover the whole force area but now we’ve grown and you see dedicated PCSOs for each neighbourhood team,” he added. “I think a few cops didn’t know what to expect at first but we soon found a good way of working together and helping each other out.”
PCSO Richards has seen the role change over time and on his beat in Chester-le-Street, has also organised numerous community projects including a free family activity week in August for the last 15 years and delivering Christmas gifts to care homes for those spending it alone.
“It really does make an impact when you’re in the community especially seeing children grow up,” PCSO Richards added. “I remember one incident in the town centre where a kid tried to rob a jewellers and I caught him just before after noticing him stuff the ransom note down his trousers.
“I challenged him and got my one and only punch in the face but we managed to restrain him and he got sent down for it.
“He was on drugs trying to pay a drug debt and I remember when he got out, his mam pointing me out in the town on patrol and he actually came over and apologised – it’s rare but you do get to know people and see them come out the other side and hopefully change their ways.”
PCSO Richards has been responsible for training dozens more PCSOs over his time with key characteristics of any PCSO being confidence, problem-solving and people skills.
One ‘greener’ PCSO who is already building his own community links is Dean Regan, who joined last year.
The 33-year-old – who previously worked in banking and facilities management – is already a popular face within his Sacriston patch as many youngsters recognise him from his frequent community events and school visits.
He said: “In banking I was working a lot of hours so I wanted to do something that was totally different and could allow me to have more of a family life,” he said. “I actually submitted my application on the last day of the recruitment window and I’m so glad I did because it’s allowed me to do so many things.
“I really wanted to be involved in the community and I think the best part of my job is seeing some of the kids after only a year of meeting them, watching them change, getting to know them and making a positive impact across the community.”
PCSO Regan has also been on attachments to other departments spending time with the Intelligence and the Road and Armed Policing Units.
“This job is very much what you make it, and I would tell anyone thinking of applying to just go for it! It’s been a great first insight into the policing world, in a role that has allowed me the time to get know my community and working on solving some the problems they are having. Everyday is different, you never know what you’ll come across.”
Think you could be the next PCSO Richards and Regan?
PCSO Recruitment is open until 5pm on Monday, July 25.
Find out more and apply at: Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) (durham.police.uk)
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
