Career Change to Police Officer - Bad idea?
Discussion
Been thinking about this for a while but when doing my research there has a been a lot of negativity from current serving officers.
I actually applied to be a Police Officer last year but decided to withdraw after being offered an internal promotion. Fast forward 12 months and I'm still bored 90% of the time in my office based job. Can't really complain about the job itself since it's easy Civil Service work (recession proof, easy progression, flexible working etc etc).
But I keep weighing up the potential for a more interesting and rewarding career in the Police and as a result sacrificing salary and cushy benefits.
So my question is if the sacrifice would be worth it given the complaints I see from a lot of officers saying it's not the job it used to be, lack of specialisation opportunities etc. It would be Police Scotland in a large town area as opposed to a City so I'm not sure if that makes much of a difference.
Anyone here who knows someone or has themselves changed career to become a police officer and not ended up regretting it?
I actually applied to be a Police Officer last year but decided to withdraw after being offered an internal promotion. Fast forward 12 months and I'm still bored 90% of the time in my office based job. Can't really complain about the job itself since it's easy Civil Service work (recession proof, easy progression, flexible working etc etc).
But I keep weighing up the potential for a more interesting and rewarding career in the Police and as a result sacrificing salary and cushy benefits.
So my question is if the sacrifice would be worth it given the complaints I see from a lot of officers saying it's not the job it used to be, lack of specialisation opportunities etc. It would be Police Scotland in a large town area as opposed to a City so I'm not sure if that makes much of a difference.
Anyone here who knows someone or has themselves changed career to become a police officer and not ended up regretting it?
I feel sorry for the poor buggers on shift the Friday or Payday following the end of lockdown. It'll be carnage.
I personally wouldn't want to become a copper, too little pay for too little risk, and seems like the job doesn't have your back anymore from what I've read. YMMV depending on force.
I personally wouldn't want to become a copper, too little pay for too little risk, and seems like the job doesn't have your back anymore from what I've read. YMMV depending on force.
Don’t necessarily need to leave the civil service:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ministry...
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/civil-...
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/britis...
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ministry...
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/civil-...
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/britis...
Have considered becoming a "special"? Try before you buy sort of thing?
A colleague of mine, her husband left a job as a land agent around 10 yrs ago aged 30 ish. Joined Strathclyde Police (took a pay cut I imagine) and is still there. I think he still enjoys it. I also have several colleagues who are ex police retired in their early 50's one early 40's retired after an injury. Now working full time in the civil service. They have good prospects upon leaving the police and skills are in demand.
A colleague of mine, her husband left a job as a land agent around 10 yrs ago aged 30 ish. Joined Strathclyde Police (took a pay cut I imagine) and is still there. I think he still enjoys it. I also have several colleagues who are ex police retired in their early 50's one early 40's retired after an injury. Now working full time in the civil service. They have good prospects upon leaving the police and skills are in demand.
Never actually considered the police roles within the Civil Service which could be a shout. However the initial pay drop would be more significant (20k starting compared to 26k for Police Scotland).
Don't think Police Scotland require a degree either but I have one anyway.
And that's a good point about people remembering the "glory days" and that any change is for the worse.
Don't think Police Scotland require a degree either but I have one anyway.
And that's a good point about people remembering the "glory days" and that any change is for the worse.
Edited by G_Morto on Monday 30th March 09:59
I’ve been a first response officer for 11 years. You’ll have to put up with it for at least two years on entry before you can specialise, it’s a varied role, if you need to know anything just ask.
In fact, I’m self isolating at the moment and return to work in a few days so if anyone wants an impromptu I’m a response cop, ask me anything then go for it. I’ll answer anything honestly. You can even call me names and abuse me so I feel at home.
In fact, I’m self isolating at the moment and return to work in a few days so if anyone wants an impromptu I’m a response cop, ask me anything then go for it. I’ll answer anything honestly. You can even call me names and abuse me so I feel at home.
Fatball said:
I’ve been a first response officer for 11 years. You’ll have to put up with it for at least two years on entry before you can specialise, it’s a varied role, if you need to know anything just ask.
In fact, I’m self isolating at the moment and return to work in a few days so if anyone wants an impromptu I’m a response cop, ask me anything then go for it. I’ll answer anything honestly. You can even call me names and abuse me so I feel at home.
Oi FATBALL!In fact, I’m self isolating at the moment and return to work in a few days so if anyone wants an impromptu I’m a response cop, ask me anything then go for it. I’ll answer anything honestly. You can even call me names and abuse me so I feel at home.
Okay, enough name calling (well, you started it!)
Have you ever felt in a dangerously threatened scenario on the role?
& have you ever backed off form something and called for backup?
Hope the isolation gives you a breather!
sparks_190e said:
You need a degree nowadays.
You don't need a degree but if you don't have one you start on an apprenticeship type scheme which includes being funded to get a degree as pat of the training. I think starting pay for those without a degree is circa £18500 where as with a degree its £21500 but there will be a London weighting added for those joining the Met. mikeiow said:
Oi FATBALL!
Okay, enough name calling (well, you started it!)
Have you ever felt in a dangerously threatened scenario on the role?
& have you ever backed off form something and called for backup?
Hope the isolation gives you a breather!
I’ve been called worse!Okay, enough name calling (well, you started it!)
Have you ever felt in a dangerously threatened scenario on the role?
& have you ever backed off form something and called for backup?
Hope the isolation gives you a breather!
A few times I’ve felt threatened, some that stick out are a man with a sword, I responded on my own. Another was a person suffering a mental health episode and had to wrestle a large kitchen knife away from them. I’ve been driven at a fair few times, that can be concerning.
Visited a guy who was reported as having some mental health problems, no real history for him and other than being hyper he seemed fine. Until I discovered his drug stash and he pointed a firearm at me. I walked out and waited for firearms officers to sort it.
CaptainSlow said:
Looking at the British Transport Police recruitment info it seems you don't need any qualifications...except for not having any tats on your face.
I'm not sure if it's still true, but the railways pension that BTP received was better than the one provided to Home Office forces. Fatball said:
Apologies G Morto, I don’t want to hijack your thread, I’ll give it some thought and start my own.
No apologies necessary! Enjoy your isolation while you can haha.I decided just to apply and see what happens. Expecting lengthy delays for the entire recruitment process anyway.
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