General Policing Discussions

Hi guys Reoccurring topic. What's the position on rank/ grade insignia in the specials. I ask this due to a move in recent years towards bringing the specials inline with the regulars. Section/ Area Officers to Sergeant/Ins/Sup. And now talk of S/Sgt holding responsibility over regular officers. Which forces, if any now use regular insignia for their specials? Any forces trialling regular insignia? Any recent talk about bars to stripes/ stars? ----------------------------------------------------------- It seems the main argument against the same insignia is so that people know the difference between regular and special. Simple solution to this, just place a S at th…

How many UK forces out there still issue the white shirt and tie to the majority of their officers to be used for your everyday shift, A&S seems to be one of the last. Interesting to know, mixed opinions amongst staff on weather or not an upgrade is due.

Does anyone know of any decent online OST videos? I have done a search on youtube and there is a load of stuff, but the majority tends to be American and I am doubtful whether the methods they use are approved for UK law enforcement. (Im guessing we are all aware of the american cop 'hogtie' incident!!! ) Ideally im looking for stuff that incorporates cuffing to the front / rear, unarmed defensive tactics etc. I'm guessing this kind of stuff is open source and not restricted?! During my training it was literally a whistle stop tour of the difference techniques so I could just do with having some kind of reference material to refresh my memory. Any recommended sites /…

Please would you let us have your opinions/answers to these questions: _____________________________________________________________________ Q1. Were you aware of the UK self-defined ethnicity codes? (Yes or No) Q2. Were you aware of the British Police's race codes? (Yes or No) Q3. Which ethnicity code describes you? (code) Q4. Which race code describes you? (code) Q5. Do you think that racial and ethnic classifications are offensive? (Yes or No) Q6. Do you think racial and ethnic categorisation is morally correct? (Yes or No) Q7. Do you believe racial classification is a necessary tool for effective policing? (Yes or No) ________________________ RACE CODES IC1…

Reading another thread reminded me, I vaguely recall once reading of an experiment (attempt to cut costs) in and around a UK prison. Outside security was done by a private security firm in Marked Vauxhall Fronteras with Stiletto Tartan and blue lights, the staff wore white shirts and carried Baton cuffs spray etc, plus stab vests and were sworn by the local HO force as Specials Anyone else recall reading the article or seeing the firms website (including photos of the vehicles) if so can you confirm I've not gone senile and imagined it thanks

I know as a special you can drive but if you don't have a full licence can you get your licence from the force or do you have to do it off your own back

I've just watched a YouTube video on "the hidden side of UK police forces" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOlnhjDX30E There were some clips which raised concern where officers have ignored calls over the radio or failed to respond to a 999. Examples include: - A domestic disturbance had been reported but the officer driving said "there are plenty of people on B shift to handle this" yet the incident was just around the corner - In another clip an officer admits to driving past a victim bleeding out to get home for a football game - A 999 call comes in, all other officers are on other calls. One officer refuses to respond as he is "mealing" and his colleague has has …