Wiltshire Police is taking on 16 new police community support officers.

Applications opened on Monday and close on February 8. Successful candidates will join the force in July.

Chief Constable Pat Geenty said: “I am delighted that we are in a position to recruit additional PCSOs. PCSOs provide essential support to police officers and make a real difference to local communities.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson said: “PCSOs are an important part of the police family, being a proactive, visible link between the force and local neighbourhoods alongside their neighbourhood police officer colleagues.

“We are also particularly encouraging applications from minority ethnic communities, as they are presently under-represented within Wiltshire Police.”

PCSOs are regarded as being a crime deterrent, especially with regard to anti-social behaviour.

They do not have the same powers as a police officer and their duties do not include arrests, investigating serious crimes or carrying out covert operations.

The starting salary is £19,311, plus 14 per cent for shift work, and the police are hoping to build up a bank of applicants for future intakes.

For more information, visit www.wiltshire.police.uk, www.facebook.com/wiltshirepolice, email resourcing@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk or call the recruitment phone line on 01380 861121 Monday-Friday between 8am and 5pm.