General Policing Discussions

Hello all! Occasionally, there are times when a good turnout from the Special Constabulary would be much appreciated (New Year, Halloween, Bonfire night, or even just a Friday/Saturday night shift). However, as volunteers, I'm of the opinion that provided officers are putting in the necessary hours, if they can't/won't volunteer for certain duties they shouldn't be made to feel like they're doing something wrong. I also don't feel that there should be any requirement for those who aren't volunteering for these specific duties to have to explain themselves or provide reasons why they can't make the duty. I understand that everyone's situation is different and liable…

Any handy tips for recognising cannabis vs tobacco by smell & look? I genuinely struggle to tell! Any tell tale signs? DJ

Hello, Two years ago, I was an idiot. On a one off, I decided to take the wrong decision and smoke a joint in London. I did not posses any cannabis on me personally nor have I ever possessed any. A couple of plain clothes policemen stopped me and the other person smoking it. I had the joint in my hand. I did not have any other stuff on me. I was cautioned (I signed a form) and the other person was cautioned with possession (who also signed a form). This was a one off, stupid, idiotic mistake that I would never, ever do again. I am now kicking myself. In a couple of months, I have to sign up to the Solicitor's Regulation Authority (SRA) in order to enrol on the Legal Prac…

Hi All, I have my 1st Ride Along this coming friday and I was just wondering what I should wear clothing wise, feel a bit stupid asking, but obviously I dont want to get it wrong as I passed my specials app on the condition that I attend a Ride along. Any suggestions? Henry

Interesting to see this Chief Constable getting involved with the night time economy. Suppose it's a coincidence that he's out on shift at the same time as the cameras... He seemed slightly out of place, and didn't seem to know what the guy had been nicked for in custody! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsLqs30iUrE&feature=related

If you were involved in a assistance, which say included a hands on situation while OFF duty, what would you do in regard to writting up afterwards? SOME information can be added, if wanted J

Hello everyone, hope we all have recovered from the halloween period! Dont know weather this or similar has been posted before! But I was browsing through blackstones operational handbook the other day and out popped an offence which Ive seen often but didnt realise was an offence: s24 Road Traffic Act 1988: Carry more than one person on pedal cycle I think the most Ive seen on 1 bike is 4! Haha! Just wondered if anyone else has come across something that you didnt realise was an offence!

Police Review magazine close on 25th November after being published since 1893. They've only just announced this closure today.

I have served a number of years as a special and worked with many excellent regular officers, unfortunately though I still come across a few that feel it’s still acceptable to ‘offer’ their views towards specials. During my time I have been told everything from “you’re just playing at trying to be a policeofficer†to “sit there, you’re no use to me†and “you’re just extra weight inthe car†I’ve even had the silent treatment for an entire 8 hour shift! In these times when most forces are stretched and from what I read rely more and more on their specials should this not be stamped out once and for all? I wonder if the officers I have come across w…

I do not have a car and have to use public transport. How is best in terms of transporting my stabbie and other kit. Any bag that is big enough (like the bag that comes with the vest) will look ridiculous to take on trains and such. Someone said to wear it to and from the station with just a coat over the top especially now it's winter so I can hide my uniform still. What do you think?

Hello all, Im sure this has proberablly been asked before and Im sure its one that winds a few people up in a time of huge budget cuts and a decrease in police officers, But WHY is there a need for fully warrented police officers on police officer pay to be working in a civillian role such as Call Taking or Admin? Surely it would be far more beneficial for the service for these officers to be out on the street? And have a civillian do there job? It would be cheaper that way surely? Thanks in advance for your replys Also if this is answered elswhere on the forum please direct me

Had an interesting conversation the other day in which the words "on the beat" surfaced several times. For some reason I cringed at every mention. The same thing happens whenever I catch someone using corporate buzzwords such as "customer focus" or "service delivery". Does anyone else suffer with resentment for any policing terminology? Discuss.

Hello and good evening. Ive posted a topic previously regarding Hampshire Constabulary's "pre employment modules". After a few very helpful answers i managed to get them completed and sent off. I did not hear anything back, so i left it. I then received an email from recruitment, last week, asking if i wanted to attend an induction on the 4th of December. "This is it!"... or so i thought. Invites would be handed out for the 15 places on condition that the modules are returned on a first come- first served basis. I emailed straight away and explained id already sent my modules, many times. They said it could be an issue with my hotmail account not being friendly with the a…

Didn't really understand this guy's question, as my understanding is that statute is a type of law that is written by Parliament and the other type is common law which is defined by the actions and judgements of the judiciary. Part one Part two

I, as I'm sure do the majority of people on here, fully support freedom of speech and an individuals right to protest. But recently it seems every man and his dog wants to decend on London to make a protest about the latest issue of the day. Footage of the recent Greek riots Illustrates the point well. The country is bankrupt, yet the streets are full of protesters costing millions in policing and the subsequent clean up after some take it too far. Its madness! Cost aside, do we run the risk of protests becoming like the boy who cried wolf? Are there simply too many protests these days? And if so, can anything be done to limit the number?