Underage PCSOs
In 2007 it was revealed that some forces recruited a large number of PCSOs under the legal recruitment age for police constables, which is 18 years and 6 months. The criterion seems to be that such recruits must be at least 16 and their appointment must be authorised by the chief constable of the force being applied to. One such officer of the Thames Valley Police Force, 17 year-old PCSO Nadia Naeem made news. The decision to appoint her and other 16 and 17 year-olds has been the subject of much debate.
On 26 November 2007 the then Home Secretary Jacqui Smith made the decision that from December 2007, all PCSOs must be 18 before they can be appointed. PCSOs under 18 years who were already appointed, or had applied prior to this ruling were allowed to hold their positions.
A few police forces including West Midlands Police, Cumbria Constabulary and the British Transport Police are accepting applications from candidates below 18 years due to the lengthy recruitment process. Candidates will therefore be able to begin training upon reaching the required age.
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