General Policing Discussions

After the initial basic training and being able to go out doing the job and becoming competent at that, what options are there (if any?!) for extra training in other areas? such as driving for example?

Odd question, but does anyone know the situation with attending court during paternity leave? Obviously you'd have to attend court, but does it count as leave still or a normal working day?

Evening all, after a mammoth three year application process, I'm finally part of the Special Constabulary and enjoying every minute of it. However, my daytime beat has proved notoriously quiet on the 7 or so shifts I've been out, which has resulted in no stop and searches, despite this being pivotal to my day to day beat duties. I took the initiative and stop/searched on one occasion yet it wasn't carried out with the greatest finesse in the world despite the other party being totally compliant. I'd like some constructive advice on the legal indicators which would lead me to conduct a stop search and then any experiences you'd like to share about how best to deal with t…

I was wondering if there are any other forces (apart from northern constabulary) where specials still are not "allowed out" by themselves regardless of their experience?

Has there ever been a time where you thought this is too much after maybe receiving abuse/threats etc whilst on patrol? how did you go about dealing with it? (It can help us 'recruits' get to know what the jobs really like, behind the glamour that is being a Police Officer)

I have noticed that my town has gone from having two named PCs and one named Sergeant to having just one named PC. How much are the budget cuts going to effect policing in rural areas like mine( rural Cumbria)? Do you think the government cuts are much much too deep?

Whats your Best moment in the Specials?? anything interesting/funny etc?

I was in court recently as I/O when my defendant was successfully prosecuted for what in my opinion was a genuine mistake made while driving. He was heavily punished and quite dissappointed. I spoke with him after and he was gracious in defeat, shook my hand and told me to take care of myself (sincerely). I had been hoping that he would get away with a slap on the wrists, but he was fined and given points, and although a hard working man, he was over the retirement age and I'm sure the fine hurt. Basically I'm a bit disgusted by the whole thing, especially when I think of other recent times when I've successfully prosecuted people for intentional wrong doing and outright…

Hi Guys, Following my crash recently, in which the almighty tax disk holder was snapped... For the past week i completely for got to put my tax disk back on the bike when i got it back from the repair company. Luckily no police yet. Problem is, ive ordered a new holder but it will take a few days to come. And im getting worried ill get done for not displaying. Am i best to keep it safe at home rather then put it in my wallet/under my seat until the new holder comes then just tell an honest and true story to the police and see if they are lenient or should i just tape it on somehow and try not to rip it when i take it off? Also, what offence is it and penalty for no…

I'm sure we all know of Specials Management which are, shall we say, less than beneficial to the team. I'm not talking about conduct prejudicial to good order or a shady personal life/background, I'm talking about the ones that fail to support the troops on the ground, are nothing but 'Yes Men/Women' for the SMT, fail to communicate useful/vital information to specials on a regular basis, go out of their way to be obstructive and difficult, creating needless bureaucracy with which their empire thrives and are basically not suited to a management role and hold no confidence of the Specials below them. What channels do we have to force a member of specials management t…

Hi folks, Just to let you know the Civil Nuclear Constabulary are recruiting regular PCs for their Sellafield site til the end of Feb. Just thought some people might like to know. Dawg

I was thinking of posting this in the Parade Room, but decided against it as I know not all serving officers have applied for access... Basically, as some of you may or may not know Dyfed-Powys Police are currently revamping their special constabulary. This is quoted from the NPIA website: Basically, we are currently re-introducing the rank structure (Special Constables, sergeants, divisonal inspectors and commandant) and starting ESP etc, but we have been asked for any ideas that might improve or benefit the special constabulary. I have heard that some forces issue peronal radios to specials who have done a certain amount of hours etc. Is there anything that you th…

What would happen if somebody who you arrset dies in their cell? Are you / who ever is on duty in custody help responsible? Will anybody who has been in contact with the prisoner be examined?

I was just wandering what peoples opinion were on whether specials should have to do the A/C before becoming a regular. I am not saying there is a yes or no answer to this and i'm sure its more complicated then this but personally i believe if you have been serving as a special and have gained independent patrol then surely you are deemed ready to be a police officer. I do realise you wouldn't be as well trained as a regular and there has already been talk about how some forces are thinking of taking on specials and then just doing the extra training that is needed i just personally believe that surely if have gained independent patrol then surely you have proved that you…

Hi there, I recently passed the application sift with Lancashire Constabulary and awaiting the next stage. I've applied to be based in central division. My Question is out of curiosity, has anyone ever had any situations when they've encountered any individual they've had to 'deal' with on duty? I thought there may be some officers with some interesting stories!