General Policing Discussions

Hi all, I am a recently recruited PC (reg); I know that it's very early days to be worrying about promotion and I am aware that I cannot apply for promotion until I have passed my probationary period. However I am just looking ahead and I have an ambition to seek promotion. Two persons on my intake are part of the College of Policing advanced appointment scheme; however I am not one of them (sadly). This question is regarding the promotion process from Constable to Sergeant, so here goes - I understand that police forces are now phasing out the old national promotion process and are adopting the NPPF; as part of this process I understand that there is still an OSPRE t…

I'm not one for creating "discussion type" threads but i find this forum helpful so thought i'd create one to sort of start some light hearted chit chat First of all, what has been you strangest ever arrest or incident. I once had some wanted man literally who ran to jump in the back of the car to be arrested but apart from that it has all been straight forward. secondly, there was sad news last week and morale seems pretty low. What does the uk Police have to look forward to? (awaits joke answers). Maybe something that will make the job easier? Maybe some good events where you police?

A question for those who have been in a few years. How do your reasons for continuing to serve as a special compare to your motivation for joining the specials in the first place?

Hi all, Just a quick plug-ola for the National Police Autism Association (NPAA), a new national support group for UK police officers and staff (including SCs and PCSOs) affected by autism spectrum condition, Asperger syndrome and related "hidden disabilities" such as dyslexia - either personally or as carers for family members. Our website is www.npaa.org.uk and Twitter account is "Police Autism UK" @npaa_uk Officers, staff and support professionals can meet and offer mutual support on our private web forum - details on how to register on our website. The NPAA also promotes best practices for police officers working with members of public affected by autism, and champ…

The "Thin Blue Line" velcro patches. What is your take on them? * Do you wear one? * Does your force stop you wearing them? * Does your force allow them? The reason I ask is I've seen officers on TV, in pictures wearing them but a friend who works in the met was told she wasn't allowed to wear hers. Is it a political statement?

Hi All, I've just joined this forum to ask one question. Yesterday a friend had a bad argument at home and threatened to harm himself to me. A a lot of his friends were very concerned for him. We had no contact from him since yesterday, so I was elected to call the police. I rang the 101 number and spoke to a controller and expressed my concerns. She located a report filed yesterday by his spouse. She obviously couldn't tell me anything about what was going on, apart from that my friend had been located and that he was being dealt with. She took my name and number, and said they'd let him know I'd rang up concerned. So, my question is - does this mean that my friend…

I'm going to be attested on 1st November and was wondering how being a special will affect my life/critical illness insurance? Obviously I'll give them a ring and they'll properly try and sell me some extra cover but do I need anything specific? I asked my Specials co-ordinator and she said that as a special I'm insured but for what and how much she couldn't say. It seems rather vague. I don't think they'll be paying my mortgage should I snuff it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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 tha…

Dear everyone, Why am I choosing to write to you now? Well I am a police officer. I have served you for 26 years, 2 of those as a volunteer. I love my job, I enjoy going to work, and I am at my absolute happiest when I know I have helped one of you. I have been with you when your baby has died. Nothing affected me more than carrying your baby into the white coffin in the ambulance. I wasn't even a mum myself then. I have sat with you and revisited you when a burglar came and pretended to be one of us, and made you feel safe again. I have fought with you when you were drunk, or just angry. Generally, in the past, you would later apologise, but sadly no longer. I have …

Hi everyone. Hope it's okay for me to post here? I wanted to show you the NPAA, the National Police Autism Association, which has only just been set up. They are aiming to help forces tackle disability hate crime committed against anyone targeted due to an association with, or because of traits of, autism. Stories like these show that there is scope for improvement. Man with autism receives police pay-out after arrest Policemen 'chased autistic man Faruk Ali for fun' They are also aiming to help police officers, staff and volunteers affected by autism, either themselves or who are caring for someone who is. Looking for your thoughts, ideas, anecdotes of times you ha…

I've just passed the medical stage of the specials recruitment process and this might seem like a silly question but asides from working on my fitness is there any preparation I can do or any books or anything that would help whilst waiting for the next step? Thanks. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi, I have an assessment centre coming up and the written reports seem to have changed to an 'incident report form', one from which you watch a DVD. Any insight or advice to this would be much appreciated as I was not expecting this aspect of the assessment centre to change. Thank you.

A number forces have now adopted the National Standard Recruitment Process which recruits Special Constables to a national standard. The process requires candidates to be measured against specific core competencies relating to the role of a Special Constable. As the process is relevant to a number of forces, I have detailed the competencies and their indicators below to assist new candidates with the application form competency assessment, to give an idea of what behaviour is expected during a situational judgement test and to assist in preparing for competency based interviews. The competencies you will be assessed on are: Team Working – Level C Community & Custo…

Obviously you cannot know the ins and outs of every bit of legislation so how do you prepare yourself with the knowledge you need for your next job? Is it acceptable to sit there as a passenger on pocket sergeant or whatever looking up the law on the job you're about to attend? Are you able to radio in and get advice if your partner isn't too sure either? What do you do if you stumble upon a job with no time to refresh your memory on the legislation related to it?