A day in the life of a Community Support Officer

The Welsh Government made a commitment in its ‘Programme for Government’, to make our communities safer by funding an extra 500 Community Support Officers (CSOs) across the country.

The work of a CSO is varied. The main focus is to be highly visible in the community, prevent crime, offer reassurance to residents and businesses and deal with anti-social behaviour.

CSO Jan Woodward says:

“I really love my job and I feel like I’ve made a big difference already.

“I think that getting to know people on a personal level is essential if you want to help them and their community.  I’ve used this principle with all my community work.”

“We’ve run an art competition at the local primary school in conjunction with OWL, the Online Watch Link, which works at preventing and detecting crime.  It’s important to engage with children and get them on board as they can often influence their parents.”

“I regularly attend over sixties groups for a general chat and to explain how OWL works.  Elderly people can sometimes feel isolated and unsafe, even in their own homes, and I want to be someone they can trust and turn to for any help and advice they may need.”

Town centre Store Manager Brian Stone says Jan’s visible presence was important in helping cut shoplifting incidents. 

“We are a high risk store and have been hit big time since we opened a year ago.  Jan pops in quite often for a chat and I’ve actually seen people who I know as shoplifters turn around and walk out when they see she’s in here.”

Abertillery resident Caroline Boden said that anti-social behaviour was a problem in the town, especially on Friday nights. 

“Many of the young people don’t have much respect and it’s reassuring to know that if we do have problems with them there’s always someone we can go to for help. The CSOs do a good job and really make a difference,” she said.

As a CSO, Jan’s work hasn’t been confined to just community issues.  She’s taken part in searches and seizures of alcohol and tobacco, house to house inquiries for crime investigations and issued her fair share of fixed penalties. 

“If people are illegally parked they get a ticket – it’s as simple as that!”

Jan believes she’s finally found her true vocation. 

“I really love working in Abertillery. Yes, the town has its problems, but the people here are great and the response I’ve had from them is fantastic – even from those you would least expect!”