Meet Dan

How long have you been a PCSO for?

I have been a PCSO for almost twenty years. During that time I have witnessed a lot of changes in policing, in the role of PCSOs and in the communities we serve. Despite those changes, the one thing that has remained constant is the importance of building relationships with local people and being a trusted point of contact within the community.

What motivated you to become a PCSO?

Upon starting my working life I quickly realised I am not suited to working in a closed environment, such as an office with repetitive tasks. I wanted a career that allowed me to be “hands-on”, where no two days are the same, and to make positive improvements that really mean something.

This is why I was particularly attracted to neighbourhood policing. It allows you to build relationships with people, understand the key issues affecting an area and work with partners and residents to find long-term solutions rather than simply dealing with problems when they occur, making a genuine difference to people and to the community.  

Previously to my employment with Northamptonshire Police as a PCSO, I was a builder’s merchant!

What is your day-to-day like?

Every day is different, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the job. It can involve things like: responding to community concerns, dealing with anti-social behaviour, visiting vulnerable residents, conducting patrols, speaking to schools and community groups, gathering information and intelligence, crime prevention work and working with partner agencies.

A big part of my role is also being visible and approachable. Sometimes simply being there, listening to someone and giving them the confidence to report an issue can make a huge difference.

What are the different types of jobs you've had to deal with?

Over the years I've dealt with a huge variety of issues, such as anti-social behaviour, vehicle crime, neighbourhood disputes, vulnerable people, missing people, road and parking concerns, off-road bikes, suspicious activity and crime prevention. I particularly enjoy gathering and developing intelligence from the community.

I also regularly attend and support local events, community meetings, police surgeries and engagement activities such as careers day at the local primary school, youth clubs, summer fetes and charity events.

What achievement are you most proud of?

It’s not possible for me to think of one specific achievement, but I have two that immediately spring to mind.

First would be the relationships I've built with the communities I serve for nearly two decades. There are people I've known for many years and being able to see the difference that consistent neighbourhood policing can make is incredibly rewarding.

The second, is in 2024, I was the proud recipient of the Excellence in Policing award for my role in crime prevention initiatives within the community. The initiative led to a significant reduction in crime within the community.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

I know this sounds clichéd, but the most rewarding aspect of being a PCSO is knowing that I can make a genuine difference to the community and the people I serve. After almost 20 years in the role, I have built strong relationships with residents, businesses, schools and local organisations, and it is incredibly rewarding when people recognise me, approach me for advice or simply know that they can rely on me.

Whether it is helping someone through a difficult situation, preventing crime, supporting vulnerable people, resolving community issues or simply being a friendly and approachable face, knowing that my work has had a positive impact on someone's life makes the job worthwhile. For me, it is the trust and relationships I have built within the community over the years that make being a PCSO so rewarding.

What has been/is the most difficult thing/barrier you've faced in your career so far and how have you overcome it?

The most difficult thing I faced in my career was wearing a white shirt and tie every day. But luckily for me the force changed uniform requirements in 2007, and a white shirt and tie were made way for light weight, non-iron, zip up shirts. This was incredible for me! I no longer needed to iron my uniform. Ironing is not forte!

Joking aside, the most difficult barrier I’ve faced is adapting to the changing diversity and make up of my community. As communities evolve so do the needs, expectations and challenges faced by local residents. This means I have learnt that building trust takes time, and that people are much more likely to engage with you when you are seen regularly and are known to care about their concerns. It is important to me to ensure everyone feels heard, respected and able to approach me with confidence.  

How do you balance your career and your family commitments?

It's about planning, communication and recognising that both are important.
Policing can be demanding, so I make the most of my down time with my family and switch off from “work mode” to make sure that it does not take over. At the same time, my family understand how important my job is to me. I've learned that you need to be able to switch between work and home life. It's not always easy, but having a supportive family makes a huge difference.

What would you say to someone who is considering joining Northamptonshire Police?

Go for it. Neighbourhood policing is incredibly rewarding, but you need to understand that it isn't just about patrolling an area. It's about people, relationships and problem solving.

You need patience, resilience, communication skills and the ability to deal with situations where there isn't always an immediate answer. But if you genuinely want to make a difference to people's lives and your local community, it's a fantastic role.

The relationships you build can last for years, and there is a real sense of satisfaction when you see a problem you've been working on improve.

Are you a member of any police staff support networks and, if so, why did you join? How has it supported you?

I’m a member of Unison and I’ve recently been elected as chair. I became involved because I wanted to make sure police staff had someone who would listen to them and support them. Over the years I've seen how important support can be, particularly when colleagues are dealing with difficult situations, workplace issues or personal challenges. Sometimes people don't need someone to solve the problem for them — they simply need somebody to listen, understand and help them work out what to do next.

I’m also a PCSO tutor which means I train and mentor new recruits as they join Northamptonshire Police, and if you apply you may become my next trainee!

Interested?