General Policing Discussions

I often have the opportunity through work to travel overseas on business and have noticed that in many countries public buildings such as police stations and barracks all fly there national flag. In France it is rare to see a Gendarmerie without the French flag flying. Here in the UK it is rare to see a police station with a flag pole and the force flag or union jack flying outside. How many police stations in your force area fly the union jack or force flag ? Do you think that it would set a good example if the flag was flown at police stations ? Welcome any thoughts on this.

I think we can all agree there has been many changes of late and the role of SC is constantly changing/evolving across all forces however; is the role now perceived as "unpaid Police Officer" rather than a support function designed to work with the regulars as was it's original intention? I realise that being a SC is literally an "unpaid Police Officer" but what I mean is, due to financial constraints, cut backs and dwindling numbers of regulars, it's my opinion that the role of SC is very much more like a regular's due to increasing amount of training and responsibiity etc. Perhaps others have an opinion on this or can maybe share their experiences of it from their for…

Hi all, just wondered. When we come out of training we get a diploma in policing right? does that mean I can do 1 more year in policing in a uni to get a degree? If so, which uni and relevant course would you suggest? Thanks

Hi. I am currently making enquires about joining the London Metropolitan Police and I was just wondering if you could help me by answering some questions my partner and I have. I currently live in Rugby Warwickshire and moving isn't an option for us so most of the questions are based on travel and times. I appreciate that you may not have all the answer but I’m grateful for any help. Also if you can think of anything you feel would be helpful please throw it in. What are the shift patterns and the hours worked such as 4 on 4 off 12 hours shifts or is it early, late and then a night shift Is being late off a regular thing especially at the start of your career Do t…

I think SC and PCSOs are a valuable resource to the force, but I think with the way the force is going in the UK, we could do with a few more PCs around the blocks. In my mind, I think the force should scratch the role of PCSOs and give them all a conversion course to become PCs (please don't take it as offensively, it's just my opinion). That way, we will have more PCs with full powers to deal with incidents and the force as a whole would become more effective. (again, it may be controversial to some, no offence intended, just my two penny's worth). Also, I think SCs with enough experience should be given the opportunity to become a PC with a similar conversion course.…

I was wondering can someone get arrested for assaulting a off duty special? or does that only apply to regs and is there much difference in consequences for assaulting a off duty officer to a normal assault charge?

Did you know Cat B licence holders can drive LGVs if it is: "goods vehicle driven by a constable for the purpose of removing or avoiding obstruction to other road users or other members of the public, for the purpose of protecting life or property (including the vehicle and its load) or for other similar purposes" Source: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/driving-larger-goods-vehicles-lgv-on-a-car-driving-licence DYOR before you start shifting lorries around though.

I recently met with someone senior from the Home Office who is keen to learn more about our vision for the future of the Specials nationwide. For me as someone who has served in two forces I still love the job, the people, and the challenge. However, I'd like to ask a few questions to get a consensus on how we could improve things nationally. There's a lot of senior full-time Police officers who are looking at this. But are we on the frontline properly consulted? So here's a few questions. Please answer as best you can: (1): Would you prefer to be called 'Police reserve' or something similar rather than 'The Special'? (2): If they could incentivise getting more peo…

Just thought would start a topic to see how training is going for other specials. I have just over 2 months left now :-) would like to hear how other people are doing across the country, :-D

I hear we are all moving across to the new National Rank Structure next year. I personally think it's a great idea and long overdue. My only concern is insignia. Do we move across to the regular rank insignia or can we keep the current ones? (I.e. Bars)

Just been offered the role of Special Sergeant. Obviously acting for the first 3 months until I go through the procedures etc. Would you do it? Is there alot of extra admin to take on? And is it worth it? Currently in the MET

I can't vouch for the authenticity, but assuming it is genuine - it takes some incredible gall to incur the wrath of pretty much every police constable in England and Wales, but this is absurd!

I hope the officer in question isn't a member here!! http://www.kumb.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=149452 Anyone else experienced such a ridiculous instance of rudeness?

For those interested in ASU there was a program on last night broadcasting from the Met ASU base. It's currently on BBC iPlayer. It was part of the Steven Nolan show, I'm unable to post a link as I'm on my phone. For those interested in the Met Police ASU have a look on their Twitter of @MPSinthesky

I recently saw a video where one drunken fool had continued to wind up a doorman so much so that the doorman was the first one to attack the man, they continued to grapple with both men landing punches. The doorman was considerably bigger and eventually lifted the man, legs above head, and slammed him square on his head onto the concrete pavement, subsequently knocking the man unconscious. The doorman acted completely unprofessional and in my opinion should be prosecuted for their actions. What are everyone else's opinions on doormen being aggressive and violent? Has anyone been to any incidents where a similar thing has happened and the doorman has been arrested? Th…