ANYONE interested in becoming a Police Community Support Officer can find out more about the role at two special surgeries in Ely on Wednesday. Cambridgeshire police have organised the event as part of a recruitment drive, and they hope to recruit 15 new

ANYONE interested in becoming a Police Community Support Officer can find out more about the role at two special surgeries in Ely on Wednesday.

Cambridgeshire police have organised the event as part of a recruitment drive, and they hope to recruit 15 new officers in East Cambs as part of a countywide commitment to step up the number of PCSOs.

The surgeries will take place on the Market Square between 10am-2pm and at the Tesco store in Angel Drove from 4pm to 8pm.

Ely sector inspector Adam Gallop said: "The job is diverse - officers will be involved in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, through patrolling and working with regular officers, but also delivering a slightly softer approach to policing through engagement with a variety of different people."

Officers will be on-hand at the surgeries to answer questions about becoming a PCSO and the recruitment process. No appointment is necessary.

Insp Gallop said the role was ideal for anyone who had ambitions to become a regular police officer.

"If you are interested in joining the police force as a regular officer, the job will give you a great insight and grounding in police work," he said.

"It would also be a great job for someone wanting to work part-time and for the community.

"We would also love to see some more mature candidates, perhaps looking for a second career, who want a fresh challenge."

He said that anyone interested in the role should attend one of the Ely surgeries to see if the job is for them.

"Since the launch of neighbourhood policing in April, crime has fallen and more crimes are being detected - the priority now is to make sure we maintain this trend while continuing to fight the fear of crime and offer the services that residents want from us," he added.