One World Many Voices recently welcomed PCSO Andrew Bigland of Greater Manchester Police for an insightful conversation about his career, his passion for community engagement and the projects that have helped make a positive difference across Greater Manchester.
Having joined Greater Manchester Police in 2006, Andrew has built an impressive career centred around one key principle: working closely with communities and being accessible to the people he serves.
Originally from the Manchester area, Andrew began his working life in engineering before pursuing a career that would allow him to work directly with people. His interest in policing had always been there, but family responsibilities initially put those ambitions on hold. When the opportunity to become a Police Community Support Officer arose, the role immediately stood out to him.
The opportunity to support communities, work with vulnerable people, gather intelligence and build strong relationships with local residents proved to be the perfect fit.
Building Strong Communities
Andrew’s first major policing role was in Bury, where he spent 11 years working closely with residents, schools, community groups and faith organisations.
During this time, he became heavily involved in primary schools, delivering presentations on anti-social behaviour, safety and positive choices. His work also extended beyond the classroom, with Andrew becoming involved in community groups, youth clubs and local initiatives.
A significant part of his work involved building relationships with different communities, including local mosques. He organised police surgeries, supported multicultural events and worked to create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to come together.
One of the multicultural events Andrew helped establish continues to bring communities together today, demonstrating the long-term impact that community-led projects can have.
Andrew also helped establish youth initiatives and became involved in the Volunteer Police Cadets, helping young people develop confidence, discipline and a greater understanding of policing.
Taking on a New Challenge with TravelSafe
After 11 successful years in Bury, Andrew took on a new challenge when he joined the TravelSafe unit.
The role gave him the opportunity to become a team leader and help support and mentor new PCSOs joining the network. Working across Greater Manchester’s public transport system, including buses and trams, Andrew was able to bring his experience in community engagement and policing into a completely different environment.
Although the role was initially a secondment, it provided another important stage in his development and allowed him to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation of PCSOs.
Returning to Neighbourhood Policing in Oldham
Andrew later returned to neighbourhood policing and has been heavily involved in the St Mary’s area of Oldham.
His work includes regular engagement with schools, community groups, faith organisations and local residents. Police surgeries provide opportunities for members of the public to raise concerns directly, while school visits allow Andrew and his colleagues to speak with young people about issues such as personal safety and anti-social behaviour.
His approach is built around visibility, communication and building trust.
Whether working with residents, supporting vulnerable people, tackling anti-social behaviour or collaborating with partner organisations, Andrew’s focus remains on ensuring that the police are actively connected with the communities they serve.
Bringing Communities Into the Loop
One of the key tools Andrew is passionate about promoting is Bee in the Loop, Greater Manchester Police’s community messaging service.
The platform allows residents to receive information relevant to their local area, including updates about crime, community meetings, events and important issues that may affect their neighbourhood.
Unlike a general social media post, the service also provides an opportunity for more direct communication between residents and local policing teams.
Andrew explained how the platform can help communities share information, raise concerns and support problem-solving around local issues.
Whether the concern involves vehicle crime, suspicious activity, anti-social behaviour or another issue affecting the neighbourhood, having a direct line of communication can help local teams respond more effectively.
Partnership and Community Meetings
Another important part of Andrew’s work is the development of partnership meetings, bringing together the police, residents, local authorities, housing providers, environmental services and other organisations.
These meetings give residents the opportunity to hear about local issues, crime trends and policing priorities, while also allowing them to raise concerns directly with the organisations responsible.
Importantly, they help ensure that issues are directed to the right organisation.
Not every community concern is solely a policing matter. Issues such as fly-tipping, housing concerns or environmental problems may require action from other agencies.
By bringing partners together in one room, residents can better understand who is responsible and how issues can be addressed collaboratively.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Mini Police
One of the projects Andrew spoke most passionately about was the Mini Police initiative.
The project works with children in Years 5 and 6, giving them an opportunity to learn about policing, personal responsibility, safety and positive decision-making.
The programme was initially introduced in two primary schools located in areas experiencing significant anti-social behaviour. Young people were invited to apply and take part in a selection process, helping them understand the importance of commitment and responsibility.
Those selected received uniforms, identification and the opportunity to take part in a range of activities and learning sessions.
Topics have included crime scene investigation, knife crime, hate crime, road safety and the importance of making positive choices.
The young participants then share what they have learned with the rest of their schools, becoming role models for other pupils.
The initiative has also encouraged young people to become involved in their wider communities, including supporting vulnerable residents and participating in community events.
The success of the programme has led to further schools expressing an interest in becoming involved, with the initiative continuing to grow.
For Andrew, the programme provides an opportunity to engage with young people at an important stage in their lives, before they transition from primary school into secondary education.
A Career Recognised Through Awards
Over the course of his career, Andrew’s work has received significant recognition.
In 2007, shortly after beginning his career with Greater Manchester Police, he was named PCSO of the Year in Bury. He went on to receive the award again in 2009 and 2013, recognising his work in community engagement, youth projects and the development of the Volunteer Police Cadets.
In 2022, Andrew was recognised as PCSO of the Year in Oldham for his continued commitment to community-focused policing. This was followed by an even greater honour when he was named Greater Manchester Police PCSO of the Year.
His work in prevention and problem-solving has also received recognition. Andrew was involved in developing initiatives focused on care homes and children’s homes, including a project known as Stop the Cycle, aimed at reducing demand and helping to prevent young people from repeatedly going missing from home.
The project received further recognition and was put forward for national problem-solving awards, where Andrew reached the finals.
In 2026, Andrew was once again named PCSO of the Year in Oldham and has been shortlisted for the Greater Manchester Police PCSO of the Year award.
He has also been nominated for a national Neighbourhood Watch policing award, following a nomination from a local resident.
A Passion That Has Never Changed
Looking back over two decades in policing, Andrew admitted that he could never have imagined the level of recognition and the number of opportunities that would come from his career.
However, the awards tell only part of the story.
From schools and youth clubs to mosques, community centres, neighbourhood meetings and policing projects, Andrew’s career has been built around one consistent commitment: making a positive difference to the communities around him.
Communities may change. The challenges facing neighbourhoods may change. The demands on policing may change.
But Andrew’s passion for working with people has remained the same.
His journey is a powerful example of how community policing is not simply about responding to problems. It is about building relationships, earning trust, listening to residents and working together to create safer and stronger communities.
One World Many Voices would like to thank PCSO Andrew Bigland for taking the time to share his story, his experiences and his passion for community policing.
