General Policing Discussions

I've been given this book to read for a few weeks, after which I'll be giving feedback to the trainer on what I thought of it, and how much it complimented my learning. Has anyone else got this, or read it? What are your thoughts on it, and how did it help you during your training?

I wondered if you can train to become a PC, and then work part-time? Do they allow that? I have set my sights on becoming a Special, as i cannot commit to a full time post at this time, but my real dream would be to become a PC. Does anyone have any info on this then? Thanks.

Howdy colleagues. Before I can twist the arm of Lord Vada to pin me a nice web banner at the top of every page, I wanted to throw out the news of the Specials Recognition Stone project. The proposal is for a granite stone to be placed at the National Arboretum and dedicated to Special Constables in recognition of exactly what we do. If any of you have been to the Arboretum you will know there is a massive living monument called The Beat. But there is nothing specific for the Special Constabulary. And it’s not about separating the Specials from the regulars - we are Police Officers as equal. But it is more about a little something that says - we recognise what we do, for …

Hi all I am a recently attested SC and have only been out a couple of shifts so far. One thing that I feel that was not explained particularly well during training was the correct procedure to be carried out when issuing a person with a FPN or PND. We had a quick half an hour session on them but we did not have any feedback on how we did when doing role plays. I have searched the forum on FPN's but I did not come up with anything directly related to my query, however my apologies if I didn't search hard enough. Can somebody please explain the correct procedure for issuing an FPN/PND? I have a rough idea but I do not know if it is correct. This is how I would do it at th…

I know were drifting off topic but if its a force shift pattern then my area will be opted out of it as were changing over to a new shift pattern in Sept and they cant legally change it again with in 12mths Ok have started this thread as an Olmpic shifts rumour / gossip thread... all sorts, at the moment 12 hours with less than 5... just seen some Olympic shifts for next year think i'll ask for a reduction in council tax, as i won't be home that much for 3 months...

Hi there, I was just wondering how many of you are younger specials, and if this has caused problems. I have found that being only 18, people try to undermine my authority and don't always listen to me despite being in full uniform! Another problem I have encountered is my fairly low weight and rather low height (9st and 5'9") puts me at a slight disadvantage against larger and taller people I have to deal with, and combined with my age can cause problems. However, being a young special (and because I work with young people in another voluntary role) means that I am more successful in talking with young people as they can relate to me and feel more confident having a …

Hi , Although I have been a SC for over 9 years and always had good working relationships, I'm quite curious about what the regular officers thoughts are with the mass intake of Specials and the cut-backs on regs?, We have been asked to do more hours due to staff shortage and I am a little concerned about it all. Is there any ill feeling out there?

The Home Secretary (plus many more MP's) have made speeches thanking Police Officers and Staff for their hard work and professionalism through the riots. I personally think she should have also thanked the Special Constabulary seperately for their hard work and committment during and after the riots, as I know many SC's have put in a lot of hours to help back fill regular officers on riot duties. What do you think? Obviously I appreciate that some will say that when she says 'Police Officers' she also means us - but.........

Hi Firstly apologies if this is in the wrong area. I'm coming to the end of my Specials Training and will be sworn in in several weeks. My trainer has asked me if my Dad who is a Magistrate in a different city will be willing to swear us all in. Although my trainer and my Dad are looking into whether he would be allowed to swear me in, I thought I'd ask on here for a quicker answer if anyone knows. Thanks

We have just got new neighbours this year. Yesterday a few kids decided to throw a water balloon in their garden, so guess what? She called the police! Now the local Safer Neighbourhoods Team is investigating the "incident", and are interviewing neighbours. What a waste of police time!

Hi, sorry to barge in on you forum but I need a bit of advice please. To cut a long story short my dad lives alone is 80 and we, thats my brothers and sisters have found out either a woman of 57 working alone or with her husband is taking advantage of my dad. for some time my dad has been walking a dog with this woman and sometimes with her husband. a while back my dad noticed that the TV in what was my mums bedroom had been swapped for a smaller one that didn't work. i did suggest that maybe these friends of his had done it but he wouldn't have it. we have noticed that more recently our dad has been seeing a lot of these people especially the woman. we thought that wh…

My cars decided to die.. Not happy as I start a new job tomorrow and SC training next month. So carrying all the stuff for spar Isla will be a mission on my bike. Most worrying part will be the stab vest, the only way is to wear it under my leathers or textiles. Has anyone here or does any one do that?

Today at Midday the application window for the London Met's top job has closed, with 4 main applicants : Tim Godwin, Bernard Hogan-Howe, Sir Hugh Orde and Stephen House. article can be read here Who's your favourite to win the top job?

I may be a little confused here, but I understood that when Sir Hugh Orde left the police service of Northern Ireland he gave up being Chief Constable of the PSNI. At the weekend on the BBC there was an interview with Sir Hugh in Chief Constables uniform, as president of ACPO, what surprises me is that as head of ACPO Sir Hugh wears a uniform of Chief Constable but is not a territorial Chief Constable for any UK police force but head of an association ACPO which is a limited company. Sir Hugh Orde in Uniform Should the head of ACPO despite no longer being a chief constable be allowed to appear in public in police uniform, any officer who is a member of any other poli…

Hi all, I am looking to apply to the Regulars but have concerns/questions regarding the medical. Quite a few years ago I was told I had "sport induced asthma" and was given an inhaler (salbutamol??). I think I got 1 refill but after that I didn't get any more. I used to be quite fit and healthy and did regular exercise. Even though it was meant to be sport induced it seemed to only affect me if I hadn't done any sport for a while but then after a while after doing more sports any problems seemed to disappear. Recently I have not been that physically active but am just starting to get my fitness back up and hopefully by the time I come to doing a medical I will …