Applying for the Police (UK)

a reply to: DeusInAbsentia

I think many of us feel the same about our jobs.

Good thing you have an option. Wish you the best.

a reply to: LABTECH767

That's a super response, thank you.

Your comments about corruption and becoming jaded, that's really something to consider. The idea you witness poor policing, it appears from the outside there's little that can be done about it as the force seems quite insular. I could be wrong, but it's not often you see police officers calling out bad policing, and there's a tendency for complicity which bothers me.

Again, appreciate the words of advice.

a reply to: mysterioustranger

You might be right sir. I'm trying to weigh the decision and needed some advice, preferably from someone with the experience (i.e. yourself) who might offer some sober words of wisdom.

It's a career path that really does appeals to me, at least what I understand of it. Your later comments about the cons of policing; I'm certain I haven't considered them all, but I understand it's no breeze, especially during these times of mass civil unrest and Covid - I imagine even seasoned officers are finding it tough.

I'm assuming the hiring process becomes arduous, and that they'll quickly weed out those who aren't fit for the job. Am I right? In your experience, do those not suitable for the role usually drop during the hiring process?

Appreciate your input.

a reply to: and14263

Look, I'm not going to defend poor policing. I've seen the videos - there're some ego driven narcissists in the role, for sure.

But you and I agree, good police officers make a difference, no? And so we should try to draw people into the force who sincerely wish to make a difference.

I think LABTECH767 made a good point. Overall, corruption and poor policing has decreased, and I'd hope this is an ever increasing trend. Ultimately, I think people are holding police to an ever higher standard and this can only improve the service delivery over time.

a reply to: DeusInAbsentia

An ex work colleague of mine left the company we both worked for - and were earning decent money - to join the police.

Three years later he had a nervous breakdown from which he still hasn't recovered fully.

I never thought he had the right mental make up and strengths to be a copper, unfortunately I was proven right.

I have another mate who joined the police relatively late in life.
He had been in The Marines - he just laughs when we ask him if he was in the SBS - and had a couple of jobs which he hated after he left The Marines before joining The Police.
He is based in a largely rural community but they do have the occassional incident with squaddies from Catterick Garrison which is nearby.
He loves it and swears its the best thing he's ever done.

Another friend of mine served with Specialist Firearm Command in The Metropolitan Police.
He loved it and was in it for quite a while.
When we aren't talking about music or taking the piss out of each other he's told me quite a few tales about his time there.

Most of my own personal experiences have been from the other side of the fence......

I guess it's up to you but you've got to be prepared to put in the hard work and be realistic as to what the role actually entails.
The harsh realities of it aren't for everyone.

Whatever you decide to do I wish you all the best for the future.

a reply to: DeusInAbsentia

All I can say is your correct on all counts. Including your desire to serve. God works in mysterious ways ..you'll get thru or not.

Whatever you decide: thank you in advance...for giving a damn

PS...at that age...just getting up is a bit..stiff! Best, my friend

a reply to: DeusInAbsentia

I'm in a similar-ish boat to you OP. I've got my heart set on the RAF to join as an aircraft tech, after a few years of office based BS that I just really can't take any more.

Yes, it'll be a financial hit initially, but a good portion of that can be clawed back fast after 6mo service.

You gotta do what you gotta do, and it looks like this is what we each gotta do.

Myself, i just need to nail the fitness requirements - getting so close too!

Go for it, and do your country, and yourself, proud.

a reply to: Freeborn

Thanks for sharing those experiences. That stark contrast between friends; one having a breakdown, the others loving it - it doesn't suprise me the ex-Marine took to it so well!

I'd hope, if it is something I get into, I'm able to notice if it's having a detrimental effect on my wellbeing; the idea of having a breakdown from which you never fully recover makes me uneasy. I guess sometimes you can't tell until it's too late.

Appreciate the input, cheers.

a reply to: RitualReality

Certainly the financials are more of a concern, especially during these times of such economic uncertainties. Giving up a job that pays well for a lower paying but more challenging role sounds insane on the face of it. Perhaps we're both crazy!

But maybe we'll both be kicking ourselves for never trying - I wish you the best of luck.

originally posted by: DeusInAbsentia
a reply to: and14263

Look, I'm not going to defend poor policing. I've seen the videos - there're some ego driven narcissists in the role, for sure.

But you and I agree, good police officers make a difference, no? And so we should try to draw people into the force who sincerely wish to make a difference.

I think LABTECH767 made a good point. Overall, corruption and poor policing has decreased, and I'd hope this is an ever increasing trend. Ultimately, I think people are holding police to an ever higher standard and this can only improve the service delivery over time.

No I do not agree.

You cannot be a good officer because the rules do not allow this.

a reply to: and14263

Closing rank's because once you are part of the club and have difficulty getting promoted without joining the boy's - and these day's lady's as well - club, you won't get on if you rat on other officers in your career unless they are also unpopular or what they are doing is something that will make them unpopular with other officers and then the whole problem of representing a broken system of laws whose sole purpose was not to keep the people safe but to keep the hierarchy in power.

I get your point and believe me I have seen both good and bad police and there is still a lot of entrenched corruption within the police forces of this nation as well as at the top of there hierarchy.

Now do remember there are good police, remember the chief constable of Manchester police whom was investigating corruption in his force whom then inexplicably supposedly committed suicide by driving all the way to north wales, walking up Mt. Snowdon in bad weather and finding a secluded spot (why not Scafell pike it was closer) and then stripping naked and drinking himself into a stupor, well probably he was tricked there to meet someone with information and it was a set up (other police waiting to get him), alcohol in the blood stream is also a good way to either hide or break down various chemical's that may have been administered to him to make him - compliant.