Job for (soon to be?) ex cop
Discussion
LosingGrip said:
OP how are you getting on?
I'm having thoughts of finding something else. I love the job. Still job pissed. On traffic which was always my goal. Very lucky to have got there after three years in the job. I feel valued by the team/department/supervisors. Getting some good courses.
Why do I want to leave? The money. I knew what it was when I joined, but I was living with my parents and then partner. I'm now single (and back with parents) and in the process of getting my own place. Its going to be a real struggle for a couple of years until I'm top whack and just half looking at the moment. I'll most likely stay as I do love the job but its nice to see what there is out there.
So, what jobs for someone with a few GCSE's, a college diploma in media studies.
Funny how things change in less than a year. I'm now dreading work most days and don't enjoy it. I'm having thoughts of finding something else. I love the job. Still job pissed. On traffic which was always my goal. Very lucky to have got there after three years in the job. I feel valued by the team/department/supervisors. Getting some good courses.
Why do I want to leave? The money. I knew what it was when I joined, but I was living with my parents and then partner. I'm now single (and back with parents) and in the process of getting my own place. Its going to be a real struggle for a couple of years until I'm top whack and just half looking at the moment. I'll most likely stay as I do love the job but its nice to see what there is out there.
So, what jobs for someone with a few GCSE's, a college diploma in media studies.
Department is toxic at the moment. Staff numbers are stupidly low (I'm often the only PC plus a Sgt).
Now actively looking for a new job.
Genuine question here for the cops....
You say numbers are low but why is there a traffic car on literally every street corner in the country (in the day not the night when they are needed of course)
Traffic seems if anything to be over funded from the outside looking in.
Not a daft question I'm genuinely intrigued.
You say numbers are low but why is there a traffic car on literally every street corner in the country (in the day not the night when they are needed of course)
Traffic seems if anything to be over funded from the outside looking in.
Not a daft question I'm genuinely intrigued.
fridaypassion said:
Genuine question here for the cops....
You say numbers are low but why is there a traffic car on literally every street corner in the country (in the day not the night when they are needed of course)
Traffic seems if anything to be over funded from the outside looking in.
Not a daft question I'm genuinely intrigued.
I haven’t come across a traffic car that wasn’t on a shout for a long time. They’re rare as rocking horse poop down here. You say numbers are low but why is there a traffic car on literally every street corner in the country (in the day not the night when they are needed of course)
Traffic seems if anything to be over funded from the outside looking in.
Not a daft question I'm genuinely intrigued.
fridaypassion said:
Genuine question here for the cops....
You say numbers are low but why is there a traffic car on literally every street corner in the country (in the day not the night when they are needed of course)
Traffic seems if anything to be over funded from the outside looking in.
Not a daft question I'm genuinely intrigued.
If a traffic crew has any downtime then they'll generally plot up waiting for a call and will maybe target an area where there's been an issue. Traffic are sometimes (not in all forces) kept somewhat separate from the rest of district/core so they're not running off to every complaint via Facebook. That's not to say they've not got any workload as they'll generally have statements or evidence to gather as well. You say numbers are low but why is there a traffic car on literally every street corner in the country (in the day not the night when they are needed of course)
Traffic seems if anything to be over funded from the outside looking in.
Not a daft question I'm genuinely intrigued.
fridaypassion said:
Genuine question here for the cops....
You say numbers are low but why is there a traffic car on literally every street corner in the country (in the day not the night when they are needed of course)
Traffic seems if anything to be over funded from the outside looking in.
Not a daft question I'm genuinely intrigued.
Really? Here we're often lucky to put out half a dozen cars covering a total area of 800 sq miles. You say numbers are low but why is there a traffic car on literally every street corner in the country (in the day not the night when they are needed of course)
Traffic seems if anything to be over funded from the outside looking in.
Not a daft question I'm genuinely intrigued.
fridaypassion said:
Genuine question here for the cops....
You say numbers are low but why is there a traffic car on literally every street corner in the country (in the day not the night when they are needed of course)
Traffic seems if anything to be over funded from the outside looking in.
Not a daft question I'm genuinely intrigued.
From my point of view as a traffic cop...we are not over funded. You say numbers are low but why is there a traffic car on literally every street corner in the country (in the day not the night when they are needed of course)
Traffic seems if anything to be over funded from the outside looking in.
Not a daft question I'm genuinely intrigued.
My squad has three PCs currently. With leave and courses that leaves one or two normally.
Last week I was the only one in most of the set.
Work loads are massive. Workloads on my team are in the 30s.
No overtime is offered on a regular basis. And when it is, no one takes it up as it just means picking more work up. (Go to response for OT and you don't keep any jobs that you go to).
I rarely get the chance to be proactive at the moment.
LosingGrip said:
Funny how things change in less than a year. I'm now dreading work most days and don't enjoy it.
Department is toxic at the moment. Staff numbers are stupidly low (I'm often the only PC plus a Sgt).
Now actively looking for a new job.
I actually meant to try and keep this thread updated but lost my motivation after my job search stalled a bit.Department is toxic at the moment. Staff numbers are stupidly low (I'm often the only PC plus a Sgt).
Now actively looking for a new job.
After a year and a half out I've accepted a position as a trainee financial adviser. I've done various jobs along the way but I think this is one I'll stick with for a good while. It seems like once I've qualified (in a year) the money will be good but it's a job which interests me and its self employed so I'll have more control of my working week.
If you want to leave, my suggestion would be to try and organise it now before you hand your notice in. Whether that's doing some training for a new job or just sorting your CV and handing it out.
I don't know where you're based but I've definitely seen opportunities for advanced drivers if you want a driving job. Companies do value ex cops but don't make the mistake I did and think they'd come and find you! Put the work in and you'll find something better.
I know handing your ticket in isn't that easy, but even try another department or back to response. When I left, I was happy I didn't want any other jobs inside the police although my last roles did extend my time by a couple of years.
If your health is suffering remember to put yourself first. Take some time off or do something which will raise your mood a little. Going to work miserable is a sure fire way to burn you out.
Funnily enough my youngest brother starts his new job today.
When he left the Police at the end of 2022 he went agency driving a LGV on multi drops for a while.
He then got a job with a county council driving a skip hook wagon as a way of getting his foot in the door, did that for several months then saw another job advertised internally.
He's just spent the last fortnight back at school and passed a training course, so starts today as a driving instructor / tester doing assessments and check tests etc. for the same council.
When he left the Police at the end of 2022 he went agency driving a LGV on multi drops for a while.
He then got a job with a county council driving a skip hook wagon as a way of getting his foot in the door, did that for several months then saw another job advertised internally.
He's just spent the last fortnight back at school and passed a training course, so starts today as a driving instructor / tester doing assessments and check tests etc. for the same council.
It's not easy leaving especially if you've done it for several years and don't really know any different. Im now 2 years away from the job but I don't regret leaving for a single minute. I left without hating my position, so if you really want to get away then I'm sure you'll find even more satisfaction once you've made the leap. Aside from job security, unless you feel a real vocational calling to policing, there are a lot of roles out there which will value your non technical and transferable skills. It's never too late to learn or change career just don't spend your time wishing it away as time is the only thing none of us can buy.
I’ve said it before but if you can afford a pay cut for a couple of years and are fairly mobile when it reopens shortly ATC is path worth considering for a traffic copper or anyone who has done any high pressure role in the police. You guys are used to dealing with pressure and making risk based decisions quickly which is half the battle. First year is an apprenticeship now which is paid at high £20k’s, subsequent two years of training dependent on posting but down in the south high £30k’s. Pay after qualification varies but at the biggest unit is low £80k’s easily topped up to low 90’s with a few days overtime, progression from there is substantial. Great job, shift work still of course but not end to end work and stress.
Interesting, I keep thinking about routes out but living in the country makes matching salary very difficult and generally involving a lot of commuting.
I’ve just been promoted into a response PS role and whilst some days I bitterly regret moving from RPU, I’ve used my brain and had to think on the fly so much more than I have for years.
Definitely think that we can do anything after managing so much dynamic work!
I’ve just been promoted into a response PS role and whilst some days I bitterly regret moving from RPU, I’ve used my brain and had to think on the fly so much more than I have for years.
Definitely think that we can do anything after managing so much dynamic work!
carreauchompeur said:
Interesting, I keep thinking about routes out but living in the country makes matching salary very difficult and generally involving a lot of commuting.
I’ve just been promoted into a response PS role and whilst some days I bitterly regret moving from RPU, I’ve used my brain and had to think on the fly so much more than I have for years.
Definitely think that we can do anything after managing so much dynamic work!
When I was going through if we failed our training most of the time we’d be out on our arses but these days there are often great opportunities for predominantly office or simulator based roles so the jeopardy has been reduced significantly. Definitely worth a look and if anyone has any questions ask away. As the son of a retired copper I have tremendous respect for you guys and know how many transferable skills you have so wouldn’t be opposed to having a few more of you plugged in with me.I’ve just been promoted into a response PS role and whilst some days I bitterly regret moving from RPU, I’ve used my brain and had to think on the fly so much more than I have for years.
Definitely think that we can do anything after managing so much dynamic work!
For anyone who's looking for a decent paid desk job that requires little in the way of qualifications, project planners/project controllers may be the ticket. They seem to be hugely in demand and attract a good salary for what they do-50K plus starting. Some sort of certificate in P6 or MSP is probably handy but anyone IT minded could probably teach themselves.
Like anything else a good planner is worth having but most of the ones I come across just take the Project Managers lead and don't seem to have the understanding to interpret/interrogate data and present it. The senior planners earn about the same as I do with x2 Engineering degrees and 20 years experience. I'd find it a bit boring personally but easy to work remotely too.
Like anything else a good planner is worth having but most of the ones I come across just take the Project Managers lead and don't seem to have the understanding to interpret/interrogate data and present it. The senior planners earn about the same as I do with x2 Engineering degrees and 20 years experience. I'd find it a bit boring personally but easy to work remotely too.
Trendsetter said:
I actually meant to try and keep this thread updated but lost my motivation after my job search stalled a bit.
After a year and a half out I've accepted a position as a trainee financial adviser. I've done various jobs along the way but I think this is one I'll stick with for a good while. It seems like once I've qualified (in a year) the money will be good but it's a job which interests me and its self employed so I'll have more control of my working week.
If you want to leave, my suggestion would be to try and organise it now before you hand your notice in. Whether that's doing some training for a new job or just sorting your CV and handing it out.
I don't know where you're based but I've definitely seen opportunities for advanced drivers if you want a driving job. Companies do value ex cops but don't make the mistake I did and think they'd come and find you! Put the work in and you'll find something better.
I know handing your ticket in isn't that easy, but even try another department or back to response. When I left, I was happy I didn't want any other jobs inside the police although my last roles did extend my time by a couple of years.
If your health is suffering remember to put yourself first. Take some time off or do something which will raise your mood a little. Going to work miserable is a sure fire way to burn you out.
I haven't commented to date, but spotted this message and it peaked my interest. After a year and a half out I've accepted a position as a trainee financial adviser. I've done various jobs along the way but I think this is one I'll stick with for a good while. It seems like once I've qualified (in a year) the money will be good but it's a job which interests me and its self employed so I'll have more control of my working week.
If you want to leave, my suggestion would be to try and organise it now before you hand your notice in. Whether that's doing some training for a new job or just sorting your CV and handing it out.
I don't know where you're based but I've definitely seen opportunities for advanced drivers if you want a driving job. Companies do value ex cops but don't make the mistake I did and think they'd come and find you! Put the work in and you'll find something better.
I know handing your ticket in isn't that easy, but even try another department or back to response. When I left, I was happy I didn't want any other jobs inside the police although my last roles did extend my time by a couple of years.
If your health is suffering remember to put yourself first. Take some time off or do something which will raise your mood a little. Going to work miserable is a sure fire way to burn you out.
I joined the police at 26 and left at 29 due to an injury sustained on duty. I am now 47 and after trying a variety of different things including Aston Martin, BSI and some smaller organisations; I ended up joining SJP and going through their academy to get my professional qualification.
I wonder if that is what you are doing? I left them after 3 years and am in a small IFA now and have been for 3 years. I am earning twice what I did in the police, don't work shifts, don't risk getting assaulted at work and am generally far far happier.
I may be able to offer you some insight, so do feel free to get in touch if you like.
The Dictator said:
I haven't commented to date, but spotted this message and it peaked my interest.
I joined the police at 26 and left at 29 due to an injury sustained on duty. I am now 47 and after trying a variety of different things including Aston Martin, BSI and some smaller organisations; I ended up joining SJP and going through their academy to get my professional qualification.
I wonder if that is what you are doing? I left them after 3 years and am in a small IFA now and have been for 3 years. I am earning twice what I did in the police, don't work shifts, don't risk getting assaulted at work and am generally far far happier.
I may be able to offer you some insight, so do feel free to get in touch if you like.
Ive sent you a pm, cheersI joined the police at 26 and left at 29 due to an injury sustained on duty. I am now 47 and after trying a variety of different things including Aston Martin, BSI and some smaller organisations; I ended up joining SJP and going through their academy to get my professional qualification.
I wonder if that is what you are doing? I left them after 3 years and am in a small IFA now and have been for 3 years. I am earning twice what I did in the police, don't work shifts, don't risk getting assaulted at work and am generally far far happier.
I may be able to offer you some insight, so do feel free to get in touch if you like.
Trendsetter said:
I actually meant to try and keep this thread updated but lost my motivation after my job search stalled a bit.
After a year and a half out I've accepted a position as a trainee financial adviser. I've done various jobs along the way but I think this is one I'll stick with for a good while. It seems like once I've qualified (in a year) the money will be good but it's a job which interests me and its self employed so I'll have more control of my working week.
If you want to leave, my suggestion would be to try and organise it now before you hand your notice in. Whether that's doing some training for a new job or just sorting your CV and handing it out.
I don't know where you're based but I've definitely seen opportunities for advanced drivers if you want a driving job. Companies do value ex cops but don't make the mistake I did and think they'd come and find you! Put the work in and you'll find something better.
I know handing your ticket in isn't that easy, but even try another department or back to response. When I left, I was happy I didn't want any other jobs inside the police although my last roles did extend my time by a couple of years.
If your health is suffering remember to put yourself first. Take some time off or do something which will raise your mood a little. Going to work miserable is a sure fire way to burn you out.
Good luck! After a year and a half out I've accepted a position as a trainee financial adviser. I've done various jobs along the way but I think this is one I'll stick with for a good while. It seems like once I've qualified (in a year) the money will be good but it's a job which interests me and its self employed so I'll have more control of my working week.
If you want to leave, my suggestion would be to try and organise it now before you hand your notice in. Whether that's doing some training for a new job or just sorting your CV and handing it out.
I don't know where you're based but I've definitely seen opportunities for advanced drivers if you want a driving job. Companies do value ex cops but don't make the mistake I did and think they'd come and find you! Put the work in and you'll find something better.
I know handing your ticket in isn't that easy, but even try another department or back to response. When I left, I was happy I didn't want any other jobs inside the police although my last roles did extend my time by a couple of years.
If your health is suffering remember to put yourself first. Take some time off or do something which will raise your mood a little. Going to work miserable is a sure fire way to burn you out.
Out of interest, what type of jobs have you seen for advanced drivers? I'm really struggling to find anything other than HGV driving. Which to be fair, I'm tempted with.
Just made enquires to get my CV sorted out as well.
There's properly one job within the police I'd like to try and thats surveillance, however I can't see how it would fit in with family life. But I'll look into it.
LosingGrip said:
Good luck!
Out of interest, what type of jobs have you seen for advanced drivers? I'm really struggling to find anything other than HGV driving. Which to be fair, I'm tempted with.
Just made enquires to get my CV sorted out as well.
There's properly one job within the police I'd like to try and thats surveillance, however I can't see how it would fit in with family life. But I'll look into it.
Having worked at length supporting the Surveillance team in my former force I can say without doubt that it is a really interesting and engaging specialism, but is also by far the least family friendly role in the job, much worse than ARV's and Fatal Investigation. Not only can you be kept on for long hours, you often don't finish a follow in the same county / region you started in...... Out of interest, what type of jobs have you seen for advanced drivers? I'm really struggling to find anything other than HGV driving. Which to be fair, I'm tempted with.
Just made enquires to get my CV sorted out as well.
There's properly one job within the police I'd like to try and thats surveillance, however I can't see how it would fit in with family life. But I'll look into it.
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