Twelve months on, what's my new job like?
Discussion
I've been in my "new" job in the Police for twelve months now (51 weeks, actually, but there you go...), so some of you may be wondering what it’s like. Here goes.
I’d done nine years in uniform, working full shifts (and five years as a Special before that, often clocking up to thirty hours per week, on top of a fulltime “real” job). Traffic hadn’t worked out the way I thought it might, so I was looking for a change, and an opportunity presented itself.
I applied for the “Trainee Investigator” process (also known as the Initial Crime Investigators’ Development Programme). I passed the paper sift, but failed the interview. I waited six months, and more vacancies were advertised, so I reapplied. Again, I passed the paper sift, and this time, with more preparation, I passed the interview. I was accepted onto the programme, and a few months later, had to sit an exam, covering all aspects of criminal law and things like PACE. You get two goes at the exam, and if you don’t pass in the two goes, you’re off the TI/ICIDP programme altogether. Fortunately, I passed first time, and was appointed onto the Custody Reception Team.
The CRT are responsible for dealing with prisoners that have been arrested overnight, and are either unfit to be dealt with at the time, or where more in-depth investigation is required. This covered everything from dishing out £80.00 Penalty Notices for Disorder to those arrested for drunk and disorderly, through the domestic assaults, and up to and including some fairly serious assaults, and multi prisoner jobs. There is also everything in between… Having come from a fairly “non-crime” background, it was a very steep learning curve for me, and completely different from anything I’d done before. On top of all that, I was on occasion responsible for mentoring less experienced uniform colleagues who were attached to the CR as part of their two year probation, providing guidance and feedback.
After five months on the CRT, I moved “upstairs” to the main CID office, which is where I still am. For the first time in ten years, I have my own desk, but we have to share five computers and one printer between the whole office. We deal with the more serious crimes, and the attention to detail required, was, to me, quite staggering. However, cases that get to Court can often hinge on what at the time seemed a minor point, so these details are important. I generally work “normal” office hours, but have to provide Divisional night cover three or four times a year, as well as working some late shifts. This also means that if our team is on duty, with no other shifts coming on after us, if a job needs finishing, we’re there until the end. This can mean some very long days.
Since arriving in the office, I’ve dealt with manslaughter, several woundings, a fraud, arson endangering life, several post mortems, including children, and a number of other offences (Burglaries and robberies tend to get dealt with by a separate dedicated team). Liaison with other forces and a multitude of external agencies is also a lot more common. I’ve also recently been involved in a murder enquiry, which included a trip out of force – another new experience.
And in addition to all this, I have a six week training course to go on, covering all aspects of criminal investigations, with a number of “guest speakers”. Everyone I’ve spoken to whose already done the course says it’s hard work, but very interesting. I also have a “Personal Development Portfolio” to complete, where I have to be able to evidence my competence in a whole range of skills linked to criminal investigations – this is similar to Probationer PDPs that they complete during their first two years’ service.
The whole process takes about eighteen months, and on completion, if I have achieved all the required National Occupational Standards, I’ll be formally accredited as a Detective Constable – this is a nationally recognized grading, so if I wished to transfer, it should mean I could do so “in post” if there was a suitable vacancy available.
It’s hard work, but on the whole, it’s been an enjoyable twelve months. There are times when I feel out of my depth, but fortunately, I have a tutor, and there are a number of very experienced colleagues in the office I can seek guidance from as well. On the plus side, I get more weekends off, and see Mrs Dibble a lot more than when I worked full shifts.
What do I miss about uniform work? Like pretty much any job, the people. I don’t tend to get into the same sort of dangerous situations as I used to, so there isn’t really that same bond of a shared danger. I also sometimes miss the adrenalin rush that you often get from “response” policing.
As always, the views posted here by me are my own personal views, and not those of my organisation.
I’d done nine years in uniform, working full shifts (and five years as a Special before that, often clocking up to thirty hours per week, on top of a fulltime “real” job). Traffic hadn’t worked out the way I thought it might, so I was looking for a change, and an opportunity presented itself.
I applied for the “Trainee Investigator” process (also known as the Initial Crime Investigators’ Development Programme). I passed the paper sift, but failed the interview. I waited six months, and more vacancies were advertised, so I reapplied. Again, I passed the paper sift, and this time, with more preparation, I passed the interview. I was accepted onto the programme, and a few months later, had to sit an exam, covering all aspects of criminal law and things like PACE. You get two goes at the exam, and if you don’t pass in the two goes, you’re off the TI/ICIDP programme altogether. Fortunately, I passed first time, and was appointed onto the Custody Reception Team.
The CRT are responsible for dealing with prisoners that have been arrested overnight, and are either unfit to be dealt with at the time, or where more in-depth investigation is required. This covered everything from dishing out £80.00 Penalty Notices for Disorder to those arrested for drunk and disorderly, through the domestic assaults, and up to and including some fairly serious assaults, and multi prisoner jobs. There is also everything in between… Having come from a fairly “non-crime” background, it was a very steep learning curve for me, and completely different from anything I’d done before. On top of all that, I was on occasion responsible for mentoring less experienced uniform colleagues who were attached to the CR as part of their two year probation, providing guidance and feedback.
After five months on the CRT, I moved “upstairs” to the main CID office, which is where I still am. For the first time in ten years, I have my own desk, but we have to share five computers and one printer between the whole office. We deal with the more serious crimes, and the attention to detail required, was, to me, quite staggering. However, cases that get to Court can often hinge on what at the time seemed a minor point, so these details are important. I generally work “normal” office hours, but have to provide Divisional night cover three or four times a year, as well as working some late shifts. This also means that if our team is on duty, with no other shifts coming on after us, if a job needs finishing, we’re there until the end. This can mean some very long days.
Since arriving in the office, I’ve dealt with manslaughter, several woundings, a fraud, arson endangering life, several post mortems, including children, and a number of other offences (Burglaries and robberies tend to get dealt with by a separate dedicated team). Liaison with other forces and a multitude of external agencies is also a lot more common. I’ve also recently been involved in a murder enquiry, which included a trip out of force – another new experience.
And in addition to all this, I have a six week training course to go on, covering all aspects of criminal investigations, with a number of “guest speakers”. Everyone I’ve spoken to whose already done the course says it’s hard work, but very interesting. I also have a “Personal Development Portfolio” to complete, where I have to be able to evidence my competence in a whole range of skills linked to criminal investigations – this is similar to Probationer PDPs that they complete during their first two years’ service.
The whole process takes about eighteen months, and on completion, if I have achieved all the required National Occupational Standards, I’ll be formally accredited as a Detective Constable – this is a nationally recognized grading, so if I wished to transfer, it should mean I could do so “in post” if there was a suitable vacancy available.
It’s hard work, but on the whole, it’s been an enjoyable twelve months. There are times when I feel out of my depth, but fortunately, I have a tutor, and there are a number of very experienced colleagues in the office I can seek guidance from as well. On the plus side, I get more weekends off, and see Mrs Dibble a lot more than when I worked full shifts.
What do I miss about uniform work? Like pretty much any job, the people. I don’t tend to get into the same sort of dangerous situations as I used to, so there isn’t really that same bond of a shared danger. I also sometimes miss the adrenalin rush that you often get from “response” policing.
As always, the views posted here by me are my own personal views, and not those of my organisation.
Very interesting post dibble 
Some years ago, as a civilian 'technical expert' I had the opportunity of working with CID for a few weeks.
It was great going to work at a police station instead of normal office
I found it very interesting, and was sorry to have to go back to normal work.
It was Hammersmith area if I remember rightly, and even got a trip to Ireland thrown in
Some years ago, as a civilian 'technical expert' I had the opportunity of working with CID for a few weeks.
It was great going to work at a police station instead of normal office
I found it very interesting, and was sorry to have to go back to normal work.
It was Hammersmith area if I remember rightly, and even got a trip to Ireland thrown in
Liebchen - Am delighted ist working out for you.. 
Ist a change...but does this mean I will not see you when we bring kittens to Blackpoo!
No matter .. let us know when you come to Lakes for hols...
Ach.. so that is why you get tied up with paperwork... und printers are so cheap these days too...
But then .. they spend so much on other kind of printers in LanCASH£££££re - nicht? 
But seriously - ist not good that that you do not have a lap top each at least. Perhaps Tesco should change its voucher focus....after all - I want you to lock up und cop these nastier people quickly
Ist always the tiniest thing which set on right track..
Ist also case in my field of work..
Ist always happening .. to everyone.. - stay till job ist done.. und can be a right ...
But it sound very interesting work ... und varied - even if tragic at times.
Und glad you at least get some weekend to chill too.
Ist a change...but does this mean I will not see you when we bring kittens to Blackpoo! No matter .. let us know when you come to Lakes for hols...
Dibble said:
After five months on the CRT, I moved “upstairs” to the main CID office, which is where I still am. For the first time in ten years, I have my own desk, but we have to share five computers and one printer between the whole office.
Ach.. so that is why you get tied up with paperwork... und printers are so cheap these days too...
But then .. they spend so much on other kind of printers in LanCASH£££££re - nicht? But seriously - ist not good that that you do not have a lap top each at least. Perhaps Tesco should change its voucher focus....after all - I want you to lock up und cop these nastier people quickly
Dibble said:
We deal with the more serious crimes, and the attention to detail required, was, to me, quite staggering. However, cases that get to Court can often hinge on what at the time seemed a minor point, so these details are important.
Ist always the tiniest thing which set on right track..
Ist also case in my field of work.. Dibble said:
I generally work “normal” office hours, but have to provide Divisional night cover three or four times a year, as well as working some late shifts. This also means that if our team is on duty, with no other shifts coming on after us, if a job needs finishing, we’re there until the end. This can mean some very long days.
Ist always happening .. to everyone..
- stay till job ist done.. und can be a right ... But it sound very interesting work ... und varied - even if tragic at times.
Und glad you at least get some weekend to chill too.
Dibble said:
What do I miss about uniform work? Like pretty much any job, the people. I don’t tend to get into the same sort of dangerous situations as I used to, so there isn’t really that same bond of a shared danger. I also sometimes miss the adrenalin rush that you often get from “response” policing.
With you on that one Dibs. Glad to hear it's all going well....
HW
Nice to hear from you Dibs!....and glad that it seems to be going well..
You're one of the few genuine "Plods" on here who realise the position of the ordinary guy!...motorist..or whatever!
Moving to a new job is always a challenge.....but you seem to have suceeded! Good on yer!
You get my best wishes Dibs! ......8Pack
You're one of the few genuine "Plods" on here who realise the position of the ordinary guy!...motorist..or whatever!
Moving to a new job is always a challenge.....but you seem to have suceeded! Good on yer!
You get my best wishes Dibs! ......8Pack
I`m pleased that life is going well...I sometomes whine about the Police crucifying citizens about minor/stupid misdemeanors..e.g chasing motocrossers across wasteland etc but at the other end is a dedicated team of diamonds who tackle some of the more serious side of crime and I bet it`s hard sometimes...Best wishes....
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Dibble. Very interesting.
Very brave taking on a career change like that.
Hard work getting that "Detective" bit in front of Constable. I'll bet its even harder getting the Sergeant and Inspector bits after it, mind. Lets hope we get another post on the subject in a few years!
Best of luck.
Very brave taking on a career change like that.
Hard work getting that "Detective" bit in front of Constable. I'll bet its even harder getting the Sergeant and Inspector bits after it, mind. Lets hope we get another post on the subject in a few years!
Best of luck.
Good post, interesting.
When you hear about how much money is allocated, this is crazy. A printer can be bought for £30. A decent admin PC can be bought (bulk, VAT back) under £300. How much police opportunity cost is wasted by waiting for resources when it would be cheaper to provide them...
Badge them as 'road safety' computers, and five flashes later, you've got one. It's getting harder to launder the proceeds of cameras, so this could be a good opportunity.
Dibble said:
For the first time in ten years, I have my own desk, but we have to share five computers and one printer between the whole office.
When you hear about how much money is allocated, this is crazy. A printer can be bought for £30. A decent admin PC can be bought (bulk, VAT back) under £300. How much police opportunity cost is wasted by waiting for resources when it would be cheaper to provide them...
Badge them as 'road safety' computers, and five flashes later, you've got one. It's getting harder to launder the proceeds of cameras, so this could be a good opportunity.I'll second, third, fourth or whatever it's up to now the thanks to Dibble for his post.
Pretty standard behaviour in all types of business, it seems. If it comes down to a choice between spending money on equipment now to improve your profits/results in the future, or not spending money and making your profits/results look better now, the beancounters appear to be universally short-sighted. Frustrating enough when you're working in industry and forced to sit twiddling your thumbs whilst your under-specced system grinds through a bit of work, I can only imagine how frustrating it must be for the likes of Dibble who have some genuinely important work to get done...
Size Nine Elm said:
When you hear about how much money is allocated, this is crazy. A printer can be bought for £30. A decent admin PC can be bought (bulk, VAT back) under £300. How much police opportunity cost is wasted by waiting for resources when it would be cheaper to provide them...
Pretty standard behaviour in all types of business, it seems. If it comes down to a choice between spending money on equipment now to improve your profits/results in the future, or not spending money and making your profits/results look better now, the beancounters appear to be universally short-sighted. Frustrating enough when you're working in industry and forced to sit twiddling your thumbs whilst your under-specced system grinds through a bit of work, I can only imagine how frustrating it must be for the likes of Dibble who have some genuinely important work to get done...
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