Any serving coppers help me out?

[Yarders91]

Admin please move this to jobs and employment matters if deemed fit. Posting here as i think it will be more visible to the people id like advice from.

Im currently serving in the RAF (engineering side) and looking at the prospects of leaving to join the police (Police scotland)
I havent got anything against the millitary. Its just fast becoming a more unsuitable career since ive had a family and feel that its time to seriously consider leaving.

After doing some research on the police scotland website ive decided i really want to apply when my time in the mob comes to and end. (No two days the same, like being a people person etc)

Are there any coppers here (particularly scottish) who could give me a frank and honest view of their job? What their initial training and probationary period is like?

Happy to explain a bit more via PM if preferred.

Cheers in advance

Yarders

[Ki3r]

I made a similar post a few weeks ago, thread can be found here.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Yarders91]

Ki3r said:

I made a similar post a few weeks ago, thread can be found here.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Thanks very much

[Mk3Spitfire]

Do it. Best job in the world, and best decision I ever made. (Although the majority of cops on here and in the real world will tell you otherwise!)

[Zoobeef]

My Mrs is one and loves it. But hard work and life revolves around work.
My sister left the Army the Friday before last and started in the police last week. She liked her first week although actually cleaning the poo out of people's hoops with a spoon would be better than the last crap she was doing.

[Bigends]

The job is what is - join and see.
No point listening to any moans about 'the old days' -armed forces will have changed just the same over the past few years.
What will your housing situation be assuming you are in quarters now?
Free housing and allowances went out years ago certainly south of the border.

[Mk3Spitfire]

Bigends said:

The job is what is - join and see.
No point listening to any moans about 'the old days' -armed forces will have changed just the same over the past few years.
What will your housing situation be assuming you are in quarters now?
Free housing and allowances went out years ago certainly south of the border.

Long long gone. Some of the old sweats close to retirement are still getting a bit extra (not sure how that works) but all bonus payments have been stopped now. Beginning salary abysmally low, and not much better after. Still wouldn't change it for the world though.

[Yarders91]

Encouraging so far. Im very aware that alot of people will say dont bother, its not what ot used to be etc etc. its the same in my job but its what you make of it.

[Mk3Spitfire]

Yarders91 said:

Encouraging so far. Im very aware that alot of people will say dont bother, its not what ot used to be etc etc. its the same in my job but its what you make of it.

Very much what you make it. I've never looked back, and if I do I will move on to something else. It's still very much a vocation if you want it to be. If you see past all the bull, the job is still a fantastic, rewarding career.

[Yarders91]

Bigends said:

The job is what is - join and see.
No point listening to any moans about 'the old days' -armed forces will have changed just the same over the past few years.
What will your housing situation be assuming you are in quarters now?
Free housing and allowances went out years ago certainly south of the border.

Ill be in my own house before i leave the mob. Were not far off from
Having a decent chunk of money for a house deposit.
As for other allowances i get bugger all anyway.

Apart from subsidised housing. There arent many perks left anyway.

[Elroy Blue]

Yarders91 said:

Encouraging so far. Im very aware that alot of people will say dont bother, its not what ot used to be etc etc. its the same in my job but its what you make of it.

I hope you are ready to develop the gift of hindsight, extra sensory perception, physic ability, six arms, four legs and all other attributes that will prevent you from making a mistake in the split second you have to make a decision.

Also be aware that both English and Scottish Forces funding is being savaged. Cameron intends to get rid of another 40000 Officers. This will only be achieved through compulsory redundancies. The Scots have escaped some of the more extreme attacks on their funding, terms and conditions. This will change after the election. Be aware it's nothing like Road Wars. Morale is rock bottom and for a reason. It can be very rewarding, but the pressures and demands (particularly as numbers plummet) will continue to grow.

[smegmore]

Elroy Blue said:

I hope you are ready to develop the gift of hindsight, extra sensory perception, physic ability, six arms, four legs and all other attributes that will prevent you from making a mistake in the split second you have to make a decision.

Also be aware that both English and Scottish Forces funding is being savaged. Cameron intends to get rid of another 40000 Officers. This will only be achieved through compulsory redundancies. The Scots have escaped some of the more extreme attacks on their funding, terms and conditions. This will change after the election. Be aware it's nothing like Road Wars. Morale is rock bottom and for a reason. It can be very rewarding, but the pressures and demands (particularly as numbers plummet) will continue to grow.

Positive and upbeat summary there from EB.



Although you did forget to stick a few pins in your Cameron and May voodoo dolls (figuratively speaking of course)

[Greendubber]

smegmore said:

Positive and upbeat summary there from EB.



Although you did forget to stick a few pins in your Cameron and May voodoo dolls (figuratively speaking of course)

Its spot on though

[Baryonyx]

He's right though.

[smegmore]

Greendubber said:

smegmore said:

Positive and upbeat summary there from EB.



Although you did forget to stick a few pins in your Cameron and May voodoo dolls (figuratively speaking of course)

Its spot on though

I thought this was a bit more positive:

Mk3Spitfire said:

Do it. Best job in the world, and best decision I ever made. (Although the majority of cops on here and in the real world will tell you otherwise!)

[whoami]

Elroy Blue said:

I hope you are ready to develop the gift of hindsight, extra sensory perception, physic ability, six arms, four legs and all other attributes that will prevent you from making a mistake in the split second you have to make a decision.

Also be aware that both English and Scottish Forces funding is being savaged. Cameron intends to get rid of another 40000 Officers. This will only be achieved through compulsory redundancies. The Scots have escaped some of the more extreme attacks on their funding, terms and conditions. This will change after the election. Be aware it's nothing like Road Wars. Morale is rock bottom and for a reason. It can be very rewarding, but the pressures and demands (particularly as numbers plummet) will continue to grow.

Why don't you leave?

[Greendubber]

smegmore said:

Greendubber said:

smegmore said:

Positive and upbeat summary there from EB.



Although you did forget to stick a few pins in your Cameron and May voodoo dolls (figuratively speaking of course)

Its spot on though

I thought this was a bit more positive:

Mk3Spitfire said:

Do it. Best job in the world, and best decision I ever made. (Although the majority of cops on here and in the real world will tell you otherwise!)

It is more positive but everything Elroyblue has said is spot on.

My department had to give an insight into what we do to a few classes of new recruits not long ago..... they were blissfully unaware of what they were letting themselves in for but fair play for doing it for 19k.

I still enjoy what I do but EB is right on the money.

[anonymous-user]

whoami said:

Elroy Blue said:

I hope you are ready to develop the gift of hindsight, extra sensory perception, physic ability, six arms, four legs and all other attributes that will prevent you from making a mistake in the split second you have to make a decision.

Also be aware that both English and Scottish Forces funding is being savaged. Cameron intends to get rid of another 40000 Officers. This will only be achieved through compulsory redundancies. The Scots have escaped some of the more extreme attacks on their funding, terms and conditions. This will change after the election. Be aware it's nothing like Road Wars. Morale is rock bottom and for a reason. It can be very rewarding, but the pressures and demands (particularly as numbers plummet) will continue to grow.

Why don't you leave?

Because life's not that simple, is it?

There's an opportunity cost with a career. Whilst you're gaining experience, ascending the pay-scale and dedicating your work-life to the police, you're "not" really acquiring skills to do another. Changing careers takes time, often money and planning.

[Mk3Spitfire]

I'm not denying what EB is saying is true. Of course it is. BUT....I personally still think the benefits and positives of the job outweigh the negatives. I try and stay out of the politics as best I can. I crack on with what I can, and make the most of a bad situation I guess. Maybe I'm weird then, but I still very much enjoy what I do. When I stop enjoying, I'll find something else.

And yes, simply "finding another job" isn't as easy as it sounds, but I'd do my best.

[Zoobeef]

Everyone says £19k as though thats it, forever on £19k.

After a few years you can be earning much more and overtime is available. Football is always being played and the EDL like to go marching around. Also the pensions wont have "become st" for new recruits, for them its just "the pension".

If you join and it really isnt for you and you hate it then leave, you aren't at gun point to stay in forever.