Neighbourhood policing career pathway

Neighbourhood policing describes the teams of police officers, police staff and police community support officers (PCSOs) that police or support policing within the local community.

The defining features are: 

• police officers, staff and volunteers accessible to, responsible for and accountable to communities
• community engagement that builds trust and develops a sophisticated understanding of community needs
• collaborative problem-solving with communities supported by integrated working with private, public and voluntary sectors

The combination of these features distinguishes neighbourhood policing from other broader policing functions. 

It is an essential part of the UK policing approach that aims to connect our communities directly and seamlessly to specialist policing services at a local, regional and national level.

Response constables usually enter neighbourhood policing roles.

The role

Each police force will often work slightly differently, as each community is different. 

Neighbourhood policing teams are generally made up of PCSOs and constables who are supervised by a neighbourhood sergeant. An inspector oversees a neighbourhood policing area, although in some larger cities this may be a higher-ranking officer. 

Their focus will be linked to force and local priorities. Having the skills to engage and work with communities to problem-solve local issues is equally as important as issues like serious youth violence and county lines drug dealing.

PCSOs

PCSOs provide a visible, accessible, and approachable presence in communities. They are engagement specialists. For example, in the aftermath of a critical incident, the role of a PCSO in engaging with the community and providing a two-way flow of information is critical to the investigation and management of community tension.

PCSOs are often intelligence gatherers in the local community. With these skills, PCSOs may want to progress into roles within intelligence. 

Problem solving is also an important skill, and other staff roles in crime prevention may also be a possible progression route. They may also develop their skills and knowledge in anti-social behaviour and become an anti-social behaviour specialist. In some forces there is progression for PCSOs into a PCSO supervisor role. 

Police constables

Police constables have policing powers and investigation skills that they can use in a proactive, fair and just way to address issues in their neighbourhood. There are many lateral progression opportunities.

Constables will often develop pro-active skills such as:

• search warrants
• stop and search
• problem solving
• partnership working
• prevention
• offender management

Constables may be able to undertake in-role training to allow them to take on additional duties around the force. 

Sergeants and inspectors

Sergeants and inspectors may follow an in-force promotions process that will see them posted into other roles across policing. 

Their exposure within the neighbourhood policing environment provides solid building blocks to further progression. It is a great opportunity to work with a variety of partners, including:

• community safety partnerships
• criminal justice partners
• fire and rescue services
• schools
• social services
• local authorities
• voluntary sector partners

Role profiles

Find out more about the roles available within neighbourhood policing including the role purpose, main responsibilities and the skills required. 

• Neighbourhood police constable
• Neighbourhood police sergeant
• Neighbourhood police inspector

Case studies

• PC Matt Eld on his role as a neighbourhood police officer in the community
• Inspector Barry Gosling on working in neighbourhood policing