General Policing Discussions

Just been catching up on TV on BBC IPlayer and came across 'Death Unexplained'. Its a very interesting look at the work of HM Coroner and an experience we as cops (unless in the system) rarely get to see. I would recommend watching it.

Hi This being my first post it may be in the wrong place or already have been asked 100 times. I am currently in the process of joining the specials (up to vetting) policing had been my dream all my life, all 22 years of it anyway, and I would love to do it full time. But unfortunately as everyone knows the police aren't requesting regulars right now and don't think they will be doing for quite a while. So joining the specials seems like a great way to get on board and take it from there. My question is, If I successfully get into the specials is there any posiblilty of hearing of job opportunities within the regulars and will the application be a lot easier seeing…

I should note that I'm writing this post on the presumption, without sounding presumptuous , of me getting through the process. I work freelance in a self employed capacity. Most of my jobs are very short notice and I'm normally only on them for a day or two. Is there any specific time of notice where you can ask to be on shift or cancel a shift? Also, can you talk to your superiors about putting you on some "on-call" list? The upside to my job and it's relation to the police, is that I can be available on short notice not just unavailable. What I mean is, in order for causing trouble by cancelling at short notice you can call me at short notice when someone else cance…

Sgt.Susanne Barnett talks about the various things that Police Officers go through and also her personal experience with mental health. From the Recovery Festival 2011: http://vzaar.com/videos/861604 Well worth a watch, really inspiring. *Edit: Also, thanks to call-sign kid: http://mentalhealthcop.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/who-is-protecting-the-protectors/ The article.

Hi All, I'm not new to Police Specials (waits to be shot down for re-registering…I can't remember my old username!!!) but have been away from the police/policing for a lot of years. I'm now in a position that I want (need) to go back to being a Special- but by the looks of things LOTS of things have changed. For a start when I was last in GD coppers wore white shirts and ties, and custodians- that does not look like it happens much nowadays! Also when I was last a Special I had a fair amount of autonomy when on duty, but it now seems that a lot of specials are far more heavily managed; I would be interested to hear people's thoughts on that. I looked into joining th…

I know we are expected to do at least 4 hours a week, but at our information evening I met a guy who was doing 30+ hours in a traffic unit. So I am assuming the more hours = better promotions. So how many hours do you do? And what unit are you in?

I saw this top whilst at work today when a female came riding in wearing it. Obviously it is designed to look like a police vest and therefore make motorists act as though it was a police officer. Just wondering what peoples opinions were on it.

Anyone know how London Allowance/weighting is calculated or who sets it...I'm assuming it'll be getting frozen for Met Reg, but you never know

This might be a bit dark for the Locker Room, but it has an element of humour to it. There's been a few videos floating about showing racist (all women??) people mouthing off on trains. This one has some humour thrown into the mix though. The way the lad on the left of the woman handles the whole thing is absolutely brilliant, all credit to him. Skip to 0:48 to avoid the usual rubbish.

So, thanks to sleeping till 3.30pm on Saturday afternoon because of a hangover, I am now wide awake having a gander round this forum! Anyway, I'm bored, so thought I'd post a topic! Anyone who is currently serving as a regular/special or in the process/want to join the police, ever had a friend/friends who are unsupportive of your job/dream job?? One of my friends who I have known for around 15 years absolutely hates police! She knows that I have applied as a special and she hasn't said much about it apart from "as long as you don't harass me when I'm out and drunk" to which I thought, is she saying police harass people...lol. And on facebook she has actually gone as…

I am interviewing him tomorrow for the Police National Specials Conference. What would you like to ask him. 'Don't have nightmares sleep well'!

Hi As far as I can see (from a search) this has not been done since 2008. I would be interested to know if since 2008 the time to gain independant Patrol Status is taking more or less time or remaining about the same. I managed to complete mine in just short of 6 months and am averaging 10 hours per week on duty. Regards D

Just been sent a pdf for a company called Police Insure (http://www.policeinsure.co.uk/). Apparently they now offer discounts to Specials and partners; Generic advert A4 (Specials).pdf Anyone used them before?

Hey guys, I've been spending hours on these competency questions and there's only three of them. So far I've answered two. I'm feeling confident with it so far. Though I should warn you. If I don't get the job... One of you might be arresting me for tearing down the nearest city

Has anyone bought or heard of Beat Buddy for the iPhone? A regular I was out with last night said that although basic, it was still very useful. It's a fiver so I was wondering if anyone on here could recommend it and if it was regularly updated or not?