joining police - any advice?

Poppy9

Would you rather they didn't practice speeding and response of vehicles for use in an emergency? They are trained to drive at high speeds, they have to learn somewhere. The force was satisfied that they were acting appropriately for the situation. When this isn't the case they have to take the penalty.

My friend was a CID officer with 9 points on their licence. Unfortunately many colleagues had a similar number of points. Most, if not all, accumulated during work hours. However as they were not officially 'immediate response' they were not authorised to speed. As they were all in danger of losing their licences they used to try to get out of driving in work.

If Police and Ambulance drivers feel they are going to be at the mercy of the courts everytime they break the speed limit then they will think twice about speeding. It may be you waiting for their arrival.

Queenie

Poppy - in recent times, it's my understanding, that some Forces (oops, sorry, I think we're supposed to say "Services" these days) will only allow "standard" drivers to use B+T's ... and even then, they have to be in "the right vehicle" - they are really defining who can be deemed "immediate response" drivers and making it more stringent.

If Police and Ambulance drivers feel they are going to be at the mercy of the courts everytime they break the speed limit then they will think twice about speeding

But they already are and have always been! And, let's not forget the FB - all ERV are subject to the laws of the road.

Poppy9

Queenie wrote:

Poppy - in recent times, it's my understanding, that some Forces (oops, sorry, I think we're supposed to say "Services" these days) will only allow "standard" drivers to use B+T's ... and even then, they have to be in "the right vehicle" - they are really defining who can be deemed "immediate response" drivers and making it more stringent.
But they already are and have always been! And, let's not forget the FB - all ERV are subject to the laws of the road.

You are quite right it is Service now - they could do with a bit more Force though to sort out some toe rags

In S.Wales Police no officer can exceed speed limits or use B&T unless they have attended a Response driving course over a few weeks. They are only allowed to exceed speed limits if they have registered with Central Control that they are going to an immediate response.

Ps how could I forget Firemen (who cares about fire persons). One could race to my house any day (not for a fire I hasten to add)

jennynoo

My OH works as a community support officer and loves it. As he works for the transport police the hours are not too bad either.

My OH passed the fitness test no problem but on his application he had put asthma and after passing all the tests they told him he wouldn't get in due to his asthma. So we got his doctor to write a letter to them saying that his asthma is mild and that he hasn't had an attack since he was a child. They then let him in. Just though others might like to know in case they are in the same situation.

James

Good on your BIL and good luck to him.

I've met quite a lot of coppers and did some role play as a villian for trainees final assessments. I was very impressed with all of them.

They deserve the publics full support. Of course they make mistakes we all do, but where would we be without them

pol76

I joined in 2003 with 37 other Constables in my class now we are down to 6 left working the other 31 saw the light and left for more civil jobs
It is a hard job to do and puts pressure on family who suffer the most
Shift work and not being able to go home at the end of a shift due to some smackhead being arrested and needs to be dealt with because some goverment dept wants figures to play with.
I enjoy being a cop but it is a hard thing to do not like the Bill but real and dirty at times
If they join all the best and wear your body armour

Beamish

Queenie wrote:

They do an absolutely fantastic job under exceedingly and increasingly difficult circumstances!
I don't believe the retired ones are at all bitter but then, not met any myself and I believe they would be too professional in attitude to take it out on anyone!

Totally agree Queenie, I am married to a retired Police Officer and yes they continue to be professional, honest and certainly do not have an attitude, dont forget the Officers retiring now joined the force in the 70's, they walked the streets for 8 hours, had an Inspector and a Sergeant and 10 to 12 men per shift, I'm afraid things have changed now

As a Police Officers wife for 30 plus years it was difficult at times, money wasn't very good, shifts were awful and if there was a murder etc I didn't see him for days but on the plus side they were good days, we made some great friends, the boys worked as a team and us wives supported them/ourselves.

Had some fantastic shift parties:D

Off to a Police Race Night do on Friday and cant wait to see everyone:beer:

Beem

Beamish

Paul_Varjak wrote:

Yes, Policeman do have a very difficult job to do and when you feel a great sense of injustice it can often be the poor Policeman that gets the worst end of a fiery tongue (or even worse).

In the main they do a good job, but there appear to be a few bitter ones who, once retired, take it out on others!

Who are the ones you called/would call if your child went missing, had your house broken into, been assaulted::mad:

I expect it was Police Officers who have now retired or Police Officers still in the job.

Beem

changkra

Police Officers cant win either way, they are never in the wrong and never in the right They do a hard job, a stressful job but they get no thanks in fact people spit in their faces for fun. It's time they were cut some slack, after all we do need them even in Northern Ireland where the majority absolutely detest them and attack them for fun.

computerwoman

I know this might sound a bit gruesome but would he be able to deal with a dead body, be it an RTA (road traffic accident) a murder, or a sudden death, as this is one of the things that the police force do have to deal with, and its not easy, would he be able to cope with this.
cw