Police Special Constables

[TheRuffellator]

Afternoon all, I was wondering if any members of the org are special constables or regular police officers that would be willing to have a chat and answer a few questions/give me some advice on becoming a special as I've noticed my local constabulary are just about to start recruiting again.

Cheers :D


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[Mr Speirs]

Hobby bobbies.

[Teejayexc]

Waste of space!

[Red Herring]

Waste of space!

Sounds like you know a thing or two. Care to share why with us?

[TheRuffellator]

Indeed do share...


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[Amadeus]

Sounds like you know a thing or two. Care to share why with us?

Indeed do share...

What very measured replies! :-)

[andrewsmith]

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/popcorn.gif

If it was anything like the ones that used to regularly patrol around here, they used to call in the whole 9 yards most times.
We have beat cops and armed response around here

[Fallout]

I was under the impression these days specials got their hands dirty and were respected members of the force. I also believe since it's nigh on impossible to get into the police directly (recruitment cuts and all) you pretty much have to be a special to get a chance to join. By extrapolation, a lot of special are serious about the job and aiming to become full time bobbies.

Now, let's hope one of the board rozzers backs up my conjecture with fact and makes me look clever. [-o<

[Beetrootkiller]

I was a special until around a year ago or so when work commitments took over.

Specials are just unpaid regular officers. They have full powers of arrest and all the regular duties.

After training is completed you then go through some time with a tutor where you shadow either a regular officer or an experienced special constable. Once you have been signed off by your tutor you can patrol on your own and can go forward for your driver training to be able to drive a police car as part of your patrol.

It was really good fun and very rewarding for me and a fantastic thing to have on your CV even if your not going to be going for the main constabulary.

If you want to know anything else let me know,

Regards,

George :)

[Beetrootkiller]

I would hazard a guess that the people above stating they are a waste of space are confusing special constables with 'police community support officers' who have limited powers (I.e. Cannot arrest).

These guys are supposed to enrich the community - police relationship and to deter crime not much more.

[andrewsmith]

I would hazard a guess that the people above stating they are a waste of space are confusing special constables why 'police community support officers' who have limited powers (I.e. Cannot arrest).

These guys are supposed to enrich the community - police relationship and to deter crime not much more.

I was referring to PCSO's

[Teejayexc]

I would hazard a guess that the people above stating they are a waste of space are confusing special constables why 'police community support officers' who have limited powers (I.e. Cannot arrest).

These guys are supposed to enrich the community - police relationship and to deter crime not much more.


You are quite right, my comment was aimed at pcso's, my apologies for any specials I have offended.

I will not elaborate on my experiences with two pcso's but 'waste of space' is being kind.

[Bibio]

excuse my ignorance but what's the difference between pcso's and specials?

[Beetrootkiller]

excuse my ignorance but what's the difference between pcso's and specials?

Specials are volunteers who use their spare time to train with and work along side regular officers. They have all the same powers and rights as a regular paid police officer.

As I said above PCSO's are PAID police officers however they have limited rights and powers, they cannot make arrests for example. Their main aim is to improve relationships between the local police force and the village, town or city it's in and to deter crime.

Hope that helps :)

[Beetrootkiller]

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/policecommunitysupportofficer.aspx - PCSO's

http://www.policespecials.com/about.html - Special Constables

[Bibio]

well no wonder they are cutting officers numbers if people are willing to work for nowt.

dump the PCSO's and employ more officers. what's the use of 'limited powers'.

[Red Herring]

I was under the impression these days specials got their hands dirty and were respected members of the force. I also believe since it's nigh on impossible to get into the police directly (recruitment cuts and all) you pretty much have to be a special to get a chance to join. By extrapolation, a lot of special are serious about the job and aiming to become full time bobbies.

Now, let's hope one of the board rozzers backs up my conjecture with fact and makes me look clever. [-o<

You are spot on. Incidentally most forces also only recruit from their PCSO pool as well. I could go into a lengthy discussion around the failings of PCSOs, most of which are not their individual fault, but that isn't the topic.

[Specialone]

I didn't know until a couple of days ago that specials and PCSO's had different 'powers', I assumed they were the same.

Having PCSO's on the street, unless accompanied by a proper pc serves no purpose does it? General scumbags will know they have no power of arrest so won't take much notice of them.

[TheRuffellator]

Having PCSO's on the street, unless accompanied by a proper pc serves no purpose does it? General scumbags will know they have no power of arrest so won't take much notice of them.

Pretty much!



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[Red Herring]

90% of what police officers do does not require a warrant card or specific powers, although like many things in life you cannot always predict when you are going to need that extra 10%..... Policing generally just requires good communication and "people" skills, which is unfortunately why so many officers don't measure up as they should. Well motivated and well supported PCSOs can be very effective, but that's generally where they get let down.

[L3nny]

When I lived in Warwick there were always PCSOs between the station and the castle to direct tourists. A worthwhile service and something you don't need a warrant card for. Along the way there are a few areas where youvs like to hang out and drink. While the PCSOs couldn't arrest them, having a grown up keeping an eye on them probably prevented many crimes.

I think they are a great idea because they free up proper police to do much more worthwhile things like pulling people over for doing 2mph over the speed limit on clear straight roads ;)

[Red Herring]

I think they are a great idea because they free up proper police to do much more worthwhile things like pulling people over for doing 2mph over the speed limit on clear straight roads ;)

I just wish we were allowed to go out and be that productive.....:D

[Spank86]

Having PCSO's on the street, unless accompanied by a proper pc serves no purpose does it? General scumbags will know they have no power of arrest so won't take much notice of them.
think they're more or less useful for walking round villages chatting to old ladies and looking suspiciously at youths playing at BMX parks.

[Dave20046]

Afternoon all, I was wondering if any members of the org are special constables or regular police officers that would be willing to have a chat and answer a few questions/give me some advice on becoming a special as I've noticed my local constabulary are just about to start recruiting again.

Cheers :D


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It's great but don't expect a job at the end, I know numerous people who have been doing it for years - some seriously letting it affect their lives (effectively a second unpaid job) all in the name of the 'regular' carrot that's repeatedly dangled.

[Dave20046]

I didn't know until a couple of days ago that specials and PCSO's had different 'powers', I assumed they were the same.

Having PCSO's on the street, unless accompanied by a proper pc serves no purpose does it? General scumbags will know they have no power of arrest so won't take much notice of them.

Yeah , ironically the ones with the power don't get paid and the ones that need escorting round get paid!

[TheRuffellator]

It's great but don't expect a job at the end, I know numerous people who have been doing it for years - some seriously letting it affect their lives (effectively a second unpaid job) all in the name of the 'regular' carrot that's repeatedly dangled.

I meant that my local force is just about to start recruiting specials not regular officers :) but I do understand what you mean, surely you've got a better chance of joining as a regular officer if you're a special though right?


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[Red Herring]

It also gives you a chance to check it out as a career before you jack in whatever you do at the moment.

[TheRuffellator]

It also gives you a chance to check it out as a career before you jack in whatever you do at the moment.

That's a good point actually. Also does anyone know how easy it is to get out of and do you have to commit to a certain amount of time serving? (Not just the 16hrs a week)


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[Red Herring]

It's easy to get out of, just commit some minor crime, or tell the Chief Inspector what you really think of him..... Seriously, there is no "minimum contract" so to speak, but they do expect you to commit to a certain number of hours per month, I think typically around about twenty.

[Scythe92]

I meant that my local force is just about to start recruiting specials not regular officers :) but I do understand what you mean, surely you've got a better chance of joining as a regular officer if you're a special though right?


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My dad has been in the force for about 15 years now. He applied 3 times to get in as an police officer whilst a special and was rejected. Fed up, he quit the specials and applied when the next recruitment intake came round a few months later and was accepted.

So you may not have a better chance at first but the experience will help. After all, why should they accept you when you're doing it voluntarily. By all means, build your experience up, it can't hurt!

[Milky Bar Kid]

Bib, we don't have PCSO's up here. Well, not like the Englandshire forces. Some places I. Scotland call their civilian custody officers and front desk support staff PCSO's but it's the same letters, different meaning.

We have regular cops and specials. We also don't have specials ranks up here. You are a special constable and that's it.

[andrewsmith]

What Special Patrol Group MBK ;)

http://youtu.be/RvrJT3-VIJ4

RvrJT3-VIJ4

[Bibio]

Bib, we don't have PCSO's up here. Well, not like the Englandshire forces. Some places I. Scotland call their civilian custody officers and front desk support staff PCSO's but it's the same letters, different meaning.

We have regular cops and specials. We also don't have specials ranks up here. You are a special constable and that's it.
so what are those community wardens i see (not seen one in a while mind you) walking about?

[Milky Bar Kid]

Those are council run things. They normally cover things like littering, minor anti social behaviour, dog fouling, council parking offences etc. They are a separate entity to the police

[Dave20046]

I meant that my local force is just about to start recruiting specials not regular officers :) but I do understand what you mean, surely you've got a better chance of joining as a regular officer if you're a special though right?


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Definitely, if you're proven it's logical . A real cynic would say ... Or they might like the free (well, cheaper) labour. But most people wouldn't be able to say, I'd like to believe not though. I've heard some stupid rejection (for regulars) reasons from a chap who I reckons a pretty good officer, attends some very serious crimes and has been selected for unique training that no one else in his dept. was- that said , that could be pub talk though.

Either way what've you got to lose? And as red herring says checking it out as a career option alongside another and just the experience would be my motive.
You won't know how you'll deal with that rape victim, or unfeasibly never ending stream of drunks, or community's attitude to you if you don't.

Let us know how you get on!

[TheRuffellator]

Cheers for all the advice/comments people have given and to those who PM'ed me :) for me it will be a chance to do something I've wanted to do since I knew what it was, and also as a few people have said to see if it's something I'd like/want to do as a career if the opportunity arises. I'll keep people posted as to how it goes :D


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