The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is to recruit 2,500 extra Police Community Support Officers by April 2007 to complete the roll out of Safer Neighbourhoods Teams across the capital.

Safer Neighbourhoods is a Met initiative whereby every single neighbourhood in London has its own dedicated policing team. The purpose of the teams is to provide local style policing whereby the officers work with the community to solve locally identified crime and disorder problems, usually quality of life concerns or visible anti-social behaviour.

The MPS is hosting two large scale PCSO recruitment events later this month:

o Saturday 9th September at Simpson House, Peel Centre, Aerodrome Road, Hendon with sessions taking place at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00.

o Saturday 16th September at Islington Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, N1 with sessions taking place at 09:30, 11:00, 12:30 and 14:00.

PCSOs play an integral role in the MPS providing an increased visible presence and a range of vital services on the front line. PCSOs patrol, interact with the local community and gather intelligence in a non-confrontational role. Where possible, they attend to matters and deal with problems not requiring police powers.

Being a PCSO carries a number of benefits such as generous basic pay package and annual leave entitlement, free travel on London's buses and the option of flexible working hours. PCSOs receive a salary of up to £25,000 depending on location and shift disturbance allowance.

The Met's Director of Recruitment, Simon Marshall said: "The current PCSO recruitment target represents a considerable challenge for the MPS and is, in effect, the equivalent of four years worth of recruitment in one. While the recruitment target is challenging, the increase in suitably qualified PCSOs will mean the organisation is more visible and accessible to the people of London."

For further information go to www.metcareers.co.uk/pcso. Anyone wishing to attend either of the events should confirm their attendance by calling 0870 067 3684.