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Havana_UK · 21 May 2007 at 00:21

Kol said:
...but I just keep being attracted to the Police Force :/

Then do it!

First job coming out of Uni with no commitments - there couldn't be a better time.

If you don't you'll probably always wish you did, but by then you'll have a house and family to look after an won't be able to jack your job in a take a pay cut to go train to be a PC.

Carpe diem...

...you can be a Neuroscientist (or whatever) later on.

Hav

sniffy · 21 May 2007 at 00:37

glissando said:
If you want to join the police for the 'power' then please, please don't.

West · 21 May 2007 at 00:40

I've got various applications as Johnny said.

For Staffs police I have my initial recruitment test for the Special Constabulary on the 29th, as well as control room staff in Stafford or Hanley. Just waiting to hear back from the control room job.

For West MIdlands I have to Applications in for a Control Room operator for 2 areas, just waiting to hear back from them.

Im really hoping to get into the specials.. really sounds interesting, and I want to get an insight really as to decide if I wanna join the regulars or not when I get a bit older.

Nicos Rex · 21 May 2007 at 00:45

Jonny said:
I used to call handle in the control room (999 calls and non-emergency) and now I'm a dispatcher, although when we are short on staff I sometimes take calls as well. I believe West is currently awaiting to here whether he has got this job for another force - fingers crossed.
I have passed all the necessary tests and am simply waiting for a date to start as a PC - should hopefully be before the end of the year. Although I am glad I have had nearly a couple of years in the control room and have also had various attachments throughout the job as I am by no means going in with the attitude that I can change the world and at least I know how much work goes in to something so simple as dealing with a petty shoplifter.
At present I enjoy my job despite it being stressful at times - it's as close to the front line as you can get without being a uniformed officer and would recommend it to anyone thinking of joining as a PC and also to those who for whatever reason can not join as a bobby.

From what I can make out, the job is only what you make of it so if you think you'd enjoy it I wish you all the luck in the world and if you need any help with assessment centres etc I'll try my best.

I also work in a police control room - many of my colleagues use the call taker/despatcher job as a stepping stone to joining up.

The job (both in the control room and on the street) can be very stressful and frustrating at times, but I certainly enjoy it and there are moments when it is really great fun.

Anybody who has any interest in becoming a police officer needs to read The Policeman's Blog which whilst perhaps a bit cynical really does "tell it like it is".

TheVoice · 21 May 2007 at 10:08

Gaygle said:
Also, i don't think having a degree gives you an edge for promotion either.

If it's a relevant degree (such as mine) it can. Obviously it's not the only factor involved in being considered for promotion etc. but it is recognised. TVP are very enthusiastic about people with these sorts of degrees because they tend to have a lot more background knowledge and better understanding of not just the police, but the people they're dealing with. Same sort of thing applies for a number of other agencies.