PCSO Andrew Bruffell

What does your role as a PCSO involve?

We are a dynamic, approachable, accessible part of neighbourhood policing.

We gather intelligence for the wider police services and provide reassurance for victims of crime and vulnerable people, in our case things that are identified to be bus / travel related.

What made you apply for the role of PCSO at Merseyside Police?

I have been involved with the police in many different capacities. As a young gay man, when I was young, we still had Section 28 of the Local Government Act and I would cross over the road to avoid the police fearing that I could be locked up for being gay and not fitting in.

It was only after seeing the police section of Pride get bigger each year and the Chief Con walking by the side of us as that I thought maybe this is not just a token gesture that’s gone after the month of Pride. I was also involved in Project Triangle which included a visit to Poland with the Police LGBT+ network. At the time I was questioning who I was and what I was and where I was on the gender spectrum, but all of those outreach programs ended up leading me to my current role.  Thus, proving to me that the police force has changed to be an accepting viable employment option.

What’s the best thing about the job?

The best thing about my job is the job satisfaction, problem solving and engagement with members of the public, seeing how we can assist and help. I take pride in the difference I make every day. Whether it’s a small part of my day which in turn can be the big part of another person’s day.  I quite like the analogy of the pebble in a pond. One person can’t change the world, but we can try.

How do you like to unwind after work?

After work I enjoy noting more than putting on a Marvel film or Marvel series and eating sweets from my sweet shop - an old bookcase that’s now full of all sorts of sweets.