General Policing Discussions

Hey all, Just wanted to hear what you all think as life as a special constable?? Cheers, Becky xx

We were recommended 'The Beat Officer's Companion' during training. I already have a copy but it's the 2005 version. Is this one still relevant or should I buy myself the most recent edition?

The other day I saw Surrey PCSO's that are attatched to the RPU. This is something that I have never seen or even heard of before! They even have white flat caps! I am just wondering what their actual role is with the RPU.

Hey everyone, I'm currently in the recruitment process of becoming a SC, passed my interview and undergoing vetting and pre-employment checks. I have a question though, as in addition to my full time job I also volunteer with the Liverpool Youth Offending service as a Referral Order panel member. Would this be classed as a conflict of interest? Also, I have not listed this under employment with it being volunteer but I'm starting to think I needed to declare this, can anyone offer any advice? Thanks! IGNORE THIS I'VE MOVED IT TO THE RECRUITMENT FORUM - MY BAD! Sorry!

Will be putting in for my AFO ticket first part of next year, just wonder if there are any on here and if anyone else has gone through the assessment and can offer any advice, if not in public then by PM will be fine. Cheers

Well, a few months ago i requested my application for Special Constable and started to fill it in. However, i did leave it for awhile as i was busy with other work. Today i got back to filling it in, only this time....in BLUE INK! I just looked back at the sheet that helps you fill in the application and notices it states: "using black ink" - "Failure to complete the form accurately may result in your application being delayed or rejected". When i first started filling in the application a few months ago, i did do it in black ink. Now that i've continued, i never thought anything of it. Now half is in blue and half in black! What a complete idiot i am. Now i've just had…

Two years ago, before I applied to be a special, I had just turned 18 and was looking at my options in terms of joining the police force. To my delight I saw that Kent were after officers so I asked for an application form and it came in the post a few days later. After going through the form and seeing what it involved I made the difficult decision to not fill it in as I didn't believe I was able to answer the competency questions well enough. Although I am a special now I still think sometimes what if I had done the forms and applied, I could be a PC now. I now face the long wait for recruitment to open again so that I can apply. I still have that application form i…

Here's another one about Specials during WW2. Question: When did they do away with the crown above the sergeants stripes? And another about 'new' technology, such as faster cars, personal radios and earlt fax machines. Brilliant stuff! Enjoy:

can someone PLEASE find a link a video clip of the TAU officer talking to that girl about justifying use of force... once of the funniest clips ive ever seen from a police officer.

For serving specials/ regs, which do you prefer the equipment belt or the equipment harness?

Okay, I read this account on the Guardian website - yes, it's the Guardian, I know, bare with me - and I've been told by people who were actually at the demonstration that this was actually happening. Now, what I'm curious about: what power would you have to demand people's details in this case? I know S60 was in place, but as far as I know, that doesn't require you to give any details, simply be searched. Anyway, opinions?

At uniform fitting today I tried on a Custodian for the first time and had to whip it off because I looked like a complete plonker. Did anyone else think that when they tried theirs on? Or does it just suit certain people (and not me!)

Here is a short (3 minutes) but interesting film clip about woman police officers in the UK, with some dramatic footage included. To WPCs, fulltime and Specials everywhere, past and present, I salute you all! My apologise if this video has been posted before.

I've managed to wriggle on to the Police Law and Community course while at university doing my full time History degree. My PLC lecturer went for a meeting with the Met Police Authority recently, and he passed on the news to us that the Met will be recruiting in 2012. There is a however a backlog of regs in the system, as well as the prospect of giving PCSO's a chance before others if it turns out they lose their jobs as a result of cuts. But all in all good news I think, especially as some people are suggesting that they won't open their doors until 2014 or something ridiculous. Thought I'd spread the news

anyone had any snowball related calls yet, just out of intrest. For example; yesterday i built a 5ft snowman in front of next doors car so they could not remove it from the drive........