General Policing Discussions

Hi all, So I've only been 'operational' a short while, however I am already finding myself going "Oh what would arrest for" and "What was that power again?" It's stuff that you are taught in training, but when you need it you can't remember it. I was wondering how all of you keep yourself fresh in terms of your laws, offences and powers? Are there any books you reccomend? Obviously I know it, it's just a case of keeping it fresh in my mind so I can feel more confident on the street when somebody quizzes me. Before anybody even tries to imply anything as well, no it does not affect my ability as an officer, it's simply sometimes I have to think something through a bit m…

Just been having a think after we came close in another thread. What is the necessity to resign from the SC and cease to be a Police Officer, to then have to retake the oath to become a PC just one week later? As far as I'm aware the oath is purely that to rise to the Office of Constable and is therefore the same regardless of whether you are an SC or a PC. So why do we have to retake it? And as a secondary point, how does the resignation process work officially? After having to swear in, is it really as simple as just handing back a warrant card to cease to be a Constable? Does that release you from your oath?

Hello, just a few hours ago (Around 1.25am) I was driving to Asda with my girlfriend when I noticed a silver Vuaxhall Zafira speed past me at around 85 - 90mph. As we approached the roundabout he went from one lane into the other lane then back into the previous lane whilst in front of me and then stopped about 10 metres behind the stop line when we were waiting for the lights to change (presumably running my plate.) I took the exit at the round-about and he was behind me then all of a suddenly his dashboard lights up with red and blue lights and he is flashing his head lamps to indicate for me to pull over so I did even though I was very suspicious. Out comes a young gu…

Good morning, I have my Senior officer interview this Thursday and was hoping for some guidance. I've prepared for my competency based questions, with a few back up answers in case. I have done some research into the Kent police crime plan, taking figures and goals into account. I have thought about my motivations for wanting to join. I was just wondering if there is any other topics you feel I should brush up on? Is it wise to prepare for scenario questions or any other little suprises? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

I have the books that get updated but wondered if anyone used the online or offline versions and if they are any easier to use. I have an iPad and thought this would be a better way to carry reference stuff about.

Was just watching crime watch and noticed how many crimes take place on our transport systems. I read somewhere that 999 centres can track calls using the mobile's gps system. If a person calls in but don't know where they are if they are on a bus etc, can centres really track them and send officers to the relevant location?

I had a situation the other evening, just before a S23 Misuse of Drugs Act search where I went through GOWISELY, indentifying myself and the PC who was assisting me. When I did I said something along the lines of "This is PC [Name] and I am Special Constable [surname]". Immediately I saw the subject's eyebrow twitch and he goes "Special Constable? What's that mean?". In fairness it caught me off-guard a bit as my current focus was going through GOWISELY and watching the other lad that seemed to be getting a bit shifty. The PC to his credit immediately stated, "It's means he exactly the same as us [referring to the two PCs I was with], but he volunteers instead, so good …

Hi all, new user here. I attested on Sunday, and I'm going to have my first shift this coming Saturday. Should I carry my warrant card with me at all times regardless? I wouldn't feel confident pulling it out, yet is it a good idea to carry it anyway? This may be a stupid question, but I'm not sure what the best thing to do is. Cheers in advance.

HI GUYS ... Does anyone know if special constables are exempt from jury service ? iv had a letter today saying iv been picked for jury service , regards from ian ,, :new_hmmm:

Hello all I am new to this forum and wish to say hello to you all. "Hello, pleased to meet you all !" After doing my current job for 17 years I have decided that at my early 30's it is time for a change. I have applied for the CNC Police as that job role is a role that I know I will enjoy, and that it is something that I have aspirations for. Without getting ahead of myself... If I manage to be successful one day I am based in an area where I would need to relocate, and my choices are pretty much one extreme to the other. Sizewell B & Hunterston. Reasons are that one choice would mean not moving that far, choice two would be an extreme, but my Mrs could get a…

This might be the wrong forum, but since it's going to generate a discussion about crime then I'll leave it here. I was linked to it by a friend, I'm interested in people's thoughts.

Be kind to me, I'm posting for the first time. We live, unfortunately, right in the midst of the flooding problems in Surrey and today the road between Staines and Chertsey was closed whilst some recovery work took place. Near my house there were around six police officers pretty much all day standing all round the roundabout stopping traffic going through and re-directing them. I felt so sorry for them. They all looked to be young officers and it must haven been so tedious. Cars weren't that frequent and they looked thoroughly bored. They were there for hours and I would have been tempted to take some hot drinks out but they seemed to have a flask of some sort because …

Hi, I was wondering if anyone felt the same way about the amount of variety between the forces uniforms throughout England and Wales. As a friend pointed out to be, it could be a secuirty hazard, as for one due ro the amount of different clothes, joe bloggs wouldnt know his local forces outfit. Whereas if it was standardished then, it maybe easier to spot a secuirty breach. To add to the arguement it would definatley save money! However some individuals may feel as if the force is losing there individuality?

Reading up a bit today. Members of the NPPS (post 2006) scheme will have an accrual rate of 1/55.3ths career average earnings with an average employee contribution rate of 13.7%. Now we keep getting told our pension is still gold platfs and considerably better than the rest. Fire Brigade pensions will have an accrual rate of 1/58.7ths career average earnings and an average employee contribution rate of 13.2%. Now I find out: Local Government Pension Scheme will have an accrual rate if 1/49ths career average earnings with an average employee contribution rate of 6.5%. Civil Service pensions will have an accrual rate of 2.32% (also career average) with an average empl…

Hey all, Just wondering what the latest off the grapevine is in terms of travel for Met officers. Simply remaining as TFL and Bus's or has there been any discussions about other types of discounted/subsidized travel on other services? One thought I had was just implement a system where officers can use travel within 'Oyster Zones'... I appreciate a deal would still have to be struck with the rail operators but would keep inline with 'recruiting from London' and allows people to use slightly faster transport. Just a thought.