General Policing Discussions

Has anyone heard of anything that may replace HPDS? Or is it just likely that in the future direct entry will just take precedence?

Do any forces still have canteens (that serve food) and/or bars in their stations ?

Going back a few years [10 now and don't I feel old] Tactical was confined to people like Firearms and Specialist Public order teams (AEP rounds, Prison Clearance techniques etc.) and in some circles shorthand for knuckle dragger Now it seems like more and more teams are being branded Tactical, when in reality there is no Tactical element to what they do, I've heard of teams who are re-branded Tactical ******** Unit without access to specialist vehicles, kit,TASER or anything that might warrant the Tactical marque. So when did it start? and is it just an attempt to make members of the unit feel more elite? fool the public? This isn't an attempt to upset anyone or start…

Hello, Recently I've been looking for an apprenticeship as I left college, I came across one advertised by the Police for Operational Support Officer, I've always wanted to be in the Police from a young age and I thought this would be a perfect oppurtunity to get in to the police, however the description was not entirely clear on the duties you would perform in this role, that's why I came here to ask for a little help, if anyone knows the roles I would appreciate it a lot! Thanks Rob

In the USA Multi-faith Chaplaincy in policing, and indeed all the emergency services there, is very high profile. Given the nature of the job, often having to deal with people in distress, death, suicide, bereavement, abuse etc., which can all impact on officers welfare, should chaplaincy be more evident and promoted within the police service? I don't think that one has to be religious to appreciate or benefit from chaplaincy, though I think that most people would admit to a certain spirituality to a greater or lesser degree. The USA seem to have got this right - just recall all the pastoral care and support there post 9/11 for those involved in the rescues. I know t…

Someone sent me a link to a series called '999 What's Your Emergency?' We don't get Channel 4 in Canada, but the programme was put on YouTube. I was, quite frankly, staggered by the crushing workload that all three emergency services have to cope with, particularly in Blackpool. I just hope this isn't typical for all large towns and cities in the UK, or is Blackpool a sort of magnet for people with certain social & personal problems? Given the high rate of unemployment, a record number of people living off government benefits, a huge spike in drunk & disorderly people on the streets almost every night (depending on where the Job is for you), cultural clashes (one…

I am just trying to figure out - how did public opinion of the police service became so low in recent times. Can anyone shed some light with some important events and approx dates so I can form a sort of a time line in my mind? has the public opinion about USA police spilled over here? what are the reasons?

Evening all, felt compelled to sign up here and 2 or 3 other prominent police forums which I know are populated by serving officers. Me? I am from the other side, I have a horrendous history. Reads along the lines as follows: Between ages of 15-19 offences of dwelling, commercial, robbery, agg TWOC (TDA in some parts) armed robbery (post offces - what a fool) a number of custodials ensued. age 19-25 when released minor offences of football violence and drugs but not as bad as a juve. I am now 37 odd and been arrested several times for minor offences since the age of 25. But I have seen it all. I recorded tonight panorama programme and think it is ######.m I app…

As time moves on, technology is becoming better and better. Initially police forces bought a load of HTC PDAs and Blackberrys which were good at the time but next to useless now. What I am interested to know is what mobile handsets are used by your front line officers?(if at all). I know Northants, Lincs are using little old Blackberrys and Cleveland are using HTC PDA things.

I am fully aware of the boards legal disclaimer. Not sure if this should be in scenario city but I saw this happen and was looking for opinions. Mr A Has an open bottle of vodka within the 'controlled drinking zone' set in place by the local council in-which the police can enforce, however Mr A is in a railway station which is private property inside the controlled drinking zone. Police were called by member of public because Mr A was singing loudly on route to the train station (even tho, I assume, the caller did not know Mr A's intended destination at the time) After a quick look around the police enter the railway station, find and question Mr A who clearly has …

So, following on from the discussion regarding recruitment of 150 Specials in North Yorkshire Police http://www.policespecials.com/forum/index.php/topic/143347-bbc;north-yorkshire-police-launches-campaign-for-special-constable-volunteers/ it was questioned whether large numbers of volunteers are being recruited to plug gaps caused by cuts. What I would like to do is get an idea from each force when the PCCs issue their crime pledges (Some January, and some April as far as I can see) as to how many Specials are pledged to be recruited. Some big numbers so far, with the PCC of West Yorkshire wanting 1,000. http://www.policespecials.com/forum/index.php/topic/143242-wakefie…

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-25795259 Is it really Mr Winsor's place to make such seemingly ill-found assertions?

Quick question across the UK for serving SC's. Have you or any of your colleagues received a tax code change from HM Government due to the expences paid for meal allowances or mileage allowances? A number of my officers have received a letter stating their expences will now attract TAX contributions and have been set a personall allowance. This may or may not impact their full time TAX code? Does this happen to you already or is this something you have seen recently? Appreciate your responses.

Over the last few years we have seen an increase in crime related to the internet in various types. Some of the more unusual issues have included: 1. Jurors researching cases online in contempt of court. 2. Details of protected victims and witnesses named on twitter and facebook in breach of court orders. 3. Photographs and information connected to Venables & Thompson in breach of order protecting both. 4. Numerous online frauds The above is example of some on the issues. Is it time that there is a specialist police force to deal with internet offences only ? as all too often MoP's report online crimes for them to be simply crimed due to web sites being unable …

Found this list of police bids for a multimillion innovation fund from HO - funded by the swinging budget cuts. Some interesting bids - some greedy forces! https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/271733/List_of_forces_and_projects_which_will_benefit_from_funding.pdf Also note the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners have made a bid?!?