General Policing Discussions

So I’ve been thinking about the role of Specials a lot lately. Hampshire, like most forces at the moment, are going through a very acute period of change and I think the role of Special Constable needs to radically change to stay relevant. In previous years having Specials who would rock up on a Saturday and just walk around in a uniform was the done thing. Whilst some still do this to some extent, there has been a big push towards professionalising the SC, integrating with regular teams and enhancing their skills. There are some specials who are regarded by their regular peers and their regular supervision as just as competent as any PC. Whilst they are a minority…

As someone going through recruitment, I am eager to learn more about how serving as a police officer has influenced the domestic and social aspects of everyone's lifestyles. It goes without saying that becoming warranted means that you'll be held to a higher standard and level of scrutiny for your actions than normal, and that your hours will be erratic and likely longer than planned, but how else does it change your way of living? I ask because I think it would be useful for those interested in applying to hear back directly from serving, ex-, officers.

Hello everyone I was after some advise please I had my day 1+2 assessment yesterday, I passed everything apart from hearing test which came as a shock as I did not realise my hearing was that bad it was also very disappointing as I worked hard to prepare for the assessment. I have one ear the left one which is fine but i have some hearing loss in my right ear they said this put me at a level 4 for for hearing and that I would only be able to do certain duties so my question is what will I actually be allowed to do still they have told me to go to my GP and ask for a referral to an ENT specialist and email them his report once I have been seen but on the NHS this could be…

I have private healthcare with my day job and have damaged my shoulder with OST training as a Special. Does anyone know if damaging myself as a Special is or is not covered by the private healthcare or if they are likely to have some small print that excepts it? I plan to ask them Monday but I'm curious today while I am cringing. Plan B is the my normal GP and Occupational Health for 3rd stop Thanks.

Hello all just a quick question I am going to be starting my 4 weeks training the middle of january hopefully medical permitting and wondered if travel expenses are covered di you get your warrant card at the start of training so you can use it for free travel ? Thanks Regards Wayne Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

Just after a quick bit of information for those au fait with reveal body worn cameras (i'm not in for a while and don't want to do a few shifts waiting for a reply via email from a relevant person to contact) Why do some flash red despite the fact they are not a record mode? Goes against what is stared in the manual, it's confusing and off putting!

Hi, So I've been offered a new job selling home security equipment and I'm not involved in the installation, maintenance or monitoring of such and would be classed as self employed as there'd be no basic pay. Would this come under the excluded occupations list as I'm not sure whether a conflict of interest would be there. I'm in the met if it helps Cheers!

Hello, I'm aware that there is something called the Home Office Legal Fees Insurance Scheme which provides some level of cover for ALL serving Special Constables in England & Wales but other than outdated posts on google I'm unable to find any official & current information. Does anybody know where I can find this, including details of exactly what is covered? Preferably from the HO if they are the ones that either fund/or provide this scheme? I did email an address from the College of Policing site (specialconstabularyenquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk) which stated answers queries in regards to above said scheme, however I got an auto e-mail back stating the addr…

I've been nagged a bit by my other half about buying the farm whilst on duty. Joking aside, and yes, it is a bit morbid, but she does have a point. There is danger in this role and I don't have a will. So if I did come a cropper, I could be leaving her and my daughter in a spot of bother. Does anyone know if there are any reputable services provided or discounts for wills for serving Police Officers?

(Firstly I apologise if this has already been answered in another thread) Anyway…. I light of the recent incident in Paris, and the increasing state of uneasiness within the U.K relating to ‘imminent’ acts of terror.I was just wondering if anyone has red between the lines in our contracts/agreements as to whether it states we can be compulsorily directed to ‘go on duty’ in a time of crisis/anarchy? The recent events have just got me thinking, as I know for instance in the Army I am pretty certain Cadets are there absolute last line of defence ( doubt it would ever happen ). And as we are much higher up in the pecking order than Army cadets for instance, in terms of pre…

Just heard of a former colleague seizing a horse under local authorities legislation Offered for sale in the market without permit or permission so taken off him with a view to prosecution and disposal (rehomimg) What's yours

So unlike regulars we don't have a paycheck each month to keep us coming in. For most officers there is intrinsic pleasure in doing a worthwhile job, but do you feel valued? Perhaps more specifically do you feel valued by you regular and/or special line management and your force in general? Do you feel that you are thanked enough for the time and efforts you put in? I've been a Police Cadet leader since April 2014 and it's really interesting to be in a team where regs, staff and specials all volunteer time and because everyone is equal there has been a very good response from the force lead etc in making everyone feel thanked and valued. To be honest, I feel that in …

Does anyone remember the days of Court Warrant Officers who were based primarily in the magistrates court, up until around the late 80's/early 90's, I think? They used to have a variety of roles, both at the court and also outside where they executed warrants. I worked in one of the warrant offices in my younger days and it was a real eye-opener in terms of seeing a whole range of work - and also seeing how the courts operated, from a policing perspective. Anyone else old enough to remember?

I would like to know who organises an investigation- Det Sgt., Insp., or Supt? How involved is a Superintendent in the actual investigation? Is he/she primarily the 'face' of it, as in, dealing with the media and press and reporting to their own senior officers? How regularly are they updated on the progress of an investigation? Would a Super drive their own vehicle to and from a crime scene? What sort of car would they have? Are they pretty flash?! Would they always visit the soc? Would they mainly be stuck behind a desk and going to meetings? If so, what is the highest rank that would still be actively working on a case? Phew! Sorry for the onslaught- plenty m…

So just had to write my first MG11 Statement up and I've realized that I'm terrible at them so I thought well could be a good idea to create some template ones however why only make them/request them for me. So my question is could anyone help me create some generic or even crime specific MG11 templates that we could all share and edit for our own use to try and make all our lives easier? Probably looking towards some of the more experienced officers here as they will more than likely have the most experience with MG11s.