General Policing Discussions

I don't know if this is the board to post this, but i'm going to do it anyway as its thoroughly Police related. Watched it this morning on Jeremy Kyle a full interview with PC David Rathband of Northumbria Police. He was the police officer who was shot and left blind for life by crazed gunman Raoul Moat back in Newcastle whilst on duty. If anybody's interested here's the link below. What an inspiration this guy is, his determined attitude after what's happened is phenomenal. And how proud he was being a policeman. If only every person out there shown the dignity and courage this man has. He's the interview, he's on first: http://www.itv.com/i.../?Filter=207260

The HA website states that you cannot become a HATO whilst still an SC, but does not state a reason other than conflict of interests. Does anybody have any ideas as to why?

Does anyone else find that the support network offered to regular officers that the police are so proud of, isn't really afforded to specials? We are supposed to be part of the team, after all we put in so many hours of our own free time. But and I give you an example, someone, a special is off ill for several months and received no emails or phone calls from regular supervision. Does the 'one team' not count for specials?

Did anyone see the chaos that was caused on Twitter today by a Woman who sent around an email claiming gunmen had shot people in Oxford Circus and were on the move across town. A colleague sent it out to all users and we had people crying and panicking not to leave the office. Surprisingly we are half a mile from Oxford Circus and strangely heard no sirens or any sort of panic. Twitter, social networks, and email are really going to cause mass hysteria if people don't use their common sense in this regard....

Has anyone experienced that they do not get any help with their PDP? Or are they finding it okay?

Just wondering really. The OH and I have 24 years service between us and fortunately apart from the odd assault police which are part and parcel of the job anyway, we have only been victims of the odd few criminal damages to our walls/fences (our house backs on to a park) The fact is, that we have never bothered to report these. I suppose it is that we realise that a) it creates a huge amount of work for some poor blighter and b) the chances of it being detected are virtually nil. I suppose that anything more serious such as an assault etc we would report, but even if we were burgled, I really don't think we'd bother reporting it. - other than for insurance purposes of…

Just wondered how people set their belts up and in what order/sides etc? I am right handed so obviously have my ASP on my left side for ease to cross draw, but just wondered what is the best/easiest way is in peoples opinion and experience?

I'd be interested to hear peoples thoughts on the below videos. They were taken at Westfield shopping centre in Shepherds Bush of a LPA protest. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGhUwzIRfAc Was he breaching the peace? What powers do we have to remove someone in these circumstances? Would you have done anything differently?

hi i see some really dangerous driving at times that makes me want to stop and give these drivers some advice and arrest if bad,but i know that the job of a traffic cop is not easy and some things would not suit everybody,as is the doc on bbc tv which does open your eyes to what you guys out there do and also to mention the poor beat cops that have to deal with the drunks at night and problably day as well i hold my hat up to you.

Apologies if this has been discussed here before. What it the deciding factor on whether a force is described as a constabulary or not? For example Hampshire is listed/described as Hampshire Constabulary but Essex on the other hand is Essex Police. Weird question I know . Steve

As the title might suggest, what actually is a "lawful order" in terms of within a police service, who can give them and what are the possible consequences of not following them?

Hi I have finalised my decision on definately applying to the specials at the end of march when i reach 18 even if it means having to leave my territorial army RMP unit in order to do so. My question was, if im applying does anyone think i might have started training by the new year? I have heard various forces take differing amounts of time to complete application processes. I will be applying to Northumbria Police so if anyone here is a special or reg with them i wouldnt mind some comments on what its like being a special or reg in that force. Cheers

I work in Comet, which sell electrical goods. If someone tries to steal something (Which happens very often) can a off duty staff use their powers against the thief or do they have to follow the companies rules? (The staff is also a SC but off duty, just to make it clearer)

Has anyone bought from POLIMIL (www.polimil.co.uk) before? I usually buy from Patrol Store but couldn't get it to work all last weekend, tried Friday, Saturday AND Sunday but no luck. So I went to POLIMIL website and bought a few items but they still have not arrived and they haven't responded to my emails! Will try to call them tomorrow but I wondered if anyone has had any experience with them?

What do people think will happen come the annual Sept pay review? Am I right in thinking the 3 year deal is expired now? If so, I reckon it will just be a simple 'leave things as they are' approach with no rise / deduction Has anyone heard anything more concerete on the matter yet? MN.