15 replies to this topic

[damo_np]

I thought about joining the police when I was at school. That was the late 80's.
Since then I have had various jobs, but that desire has never really gone away.

In 2008 I applied to Beds Police for a full time position as a police officer. After 2 unsuccessful applications with Beds Police - and much heartache - I applied to join as a special constable, to gain the necessary experience in my own time. The most daunting part of the application was certainly the interview & written assessment. Unsuccessful in the written assessment I decided to apply to the Herts Constabulary, driven by a force I could not resist at this point.

Long story short, Herts couldn't progress my application due to my tattoos (a separate thread within the Police Specials forum). Beds Police gave me the opportunity to re-sit my written assesment - which I passed - and this week I am due to attend my uniform fitting.

You understand that it is not simply the uniform that interests me, but I am now so close to the beginning of something I have wanted for a long time.

If anybody is reading this who is considering joining the police service - or who has recently applied - do not give up.

Edited by damo_np, 22 August 2010 - 08:03 PM.

[hertsguy1989]

Well done on getting in eventually! I'm sure the fact that you tried so hard shows you have better intentions than just wanting the uniform I've been told my interview date will be coming through the post soon - nerve racking!

[Merlin820]

Good news!

What's your start date?

[damo_np]

Training to start on Tues 31 August.

[Merlin820]

You must be really excited.

Shame I won't be there that day, am going on holiday. Will be back and forth though and attestation 9 September, have passed my final weekend which was yesterday and today.

All I will say is Simon is excellent. You couldn't be in better hands. There's a couple of others from my intake sometimes frequent the boards so they may pop in.

Good luck and will see you around



Edited because I am beyond tired. Cannot...............................function. Typing with one finger from each hand.

Edited by Merlin820, 22 August 2010 - 09:31 PM.

[Shaz26]

There's a couple of others from my intake sometimes frequent the boards so they may pop in.


[size="1"]Edited because I am beyond tired. Cannot...............................function. Typing with one finger from each hand.[/size]
[/quote]

Hi there,

Well done - very impressed by your determination! I’ll definitely pop in and say hi. It is hard work but so worth it and Simon is a brilliant trainer. My top tip is learn the Sections and points of law as you are taught them, mnemonics really help and always do your pre-read because it makes everything much clearer. You really don't want to be the person who has to re-sit your knowledge check because you didn't learn it properly! It really is one of those things where the more you put into it, the more you will personally get out of it. The sense of achievement after the OST weekend and the knowledge checks is amazing.



Enjoy yourself!



Shaz

[Merlin820]

Hello young Shaz!!!

Have you started the NCALT stuff yet?

I'm looking forward to tomorrow's training. In a weird way I don't want training to end, feel like I've really bonded with a few of the group.

[Shaz26]

Hello young Shaz!!!

Have you started the NCALT stuff yet?

I'm looking forward to tomorrow's training. In a weird way I don't want training to end, feel like I've really bonded with a few of the group.

Hiya my skinny friend,

Nope, haven't started yet. Thought I had better do some proper paid work today as I have neglected it somewhat!

Yes, I know what you mean, it’s been a laugh and I have really enjoyed meeting new people - that’s why I’m glad we are going out on with the ASB team for a while. I think because there have been times when we have all found something difficult and we've all helped eachother along it has really pulled us together in a way that doesn't normally happen.

See you tomorrow x

[Mighty-Quattro]

Just had my fitting - are the sizes strange or is it just my size that is strange?

Shirt was big, but tight around the neck - corresponding size t-shirt made me look like Dafydd from Llandewi-brefi. Hopefully it is all sorted now. Trousers were sized a good 2" more than I normally wear... and the body armour... Stores were looking at me as if I had grown a new head. First time I've ever worn that stuff, it certainly bulks you out doesn't it?

Quite liked the jacket / fleecy thing though.

Roll on next Tuesday! Ran into a couple of my intake today - how did yours go?

[Bedfordshire-2010]

white shirt is huuuuuuuuge, they say it's fitted by the collar, but it's down to my knees and I'm 6ft, I hope I remember to put my trousers on: as the shirt is long enough to double as a dress/kilt.... one might forget

on another note: gloves! fit fine, but feel a wee bit short for index finger, feel slight pull on leather and tight between the fingers when hand is flat..... they say it's normal and they will loosen due to being leather.............. didn't let me try on another pair

I hope we can change things that don't resolve themselves and are uncomfortable way into training?

[damo_np]

Well that's the uniform sorted. Was good to see you Mighty Quattro.

I found the lady in stores to be real pleasant. She reminded me of an aunt of mine. The young fella in there - he reminded me of a guy at work (my day job) who works in QC.

Anyway.. don't they give us a lot! I'm really liking the black shirts. Mine was a perfect fit. Except the sleeves were a bit short. I was told that size shirt - with a slightly longer sleeve - could be made to order. Lovely. Trousers - nice & soft. I took my boots & a belt with me to be sure of the fit. I didn't try a white shirt on. Not a problem. They have my size.

Felt great as my holdall was filled on the floor.
My vest. Well.. I don't have a big frame. I tried a size 6 on at first. Not a good enough fit. After they considered a 6 back with a 5 front I ended up in a size 2!! Lovely fit though.

So as all the clothing was packed away for me I thanked them & left a happy man. Now I'm looking forward to the hard work ahead. I'm especially looking forward to the rewards (personal rewards).

Edited by damo_np, 24 August 2010 - 07:07 PM.

[Merlin820]

Well, obviously I can't comment on male uniform however some of the lads on my intake commented the shirts were very long in the body. As for who the fit is for, for females, it's this:



So I'm assuming the same for a man. Oh, and the trousers are really itchy but wash well, dry quickly and are fairly easy to iron.

Word of warning. On your first day in uniform, ensure it is ironed thoroughly. This is just a general word of advice as obviously I don't know whether you would have done this or not but they are sticklers. You also need to have your boots polished military style. Cherry Guard Gloss is the best: Hot water, cotton wool, stick a bit of gloss on the wet cotton wool and small circular movements. Do not dry with a cloth. Keep doing this, a couple of layers each night and you'll see the shine build. Just the front, toe bit. Turn up with your boots already on their way and they'll be well impressed. Pair of clean dry socks over the front to transport.

[Mighty-Quattro]

You also need to have your boots polished military style. Cherry Guard Gloss is the best: Hot water, cotton wool, stick a bit of gloss on the wet cotton wool and small circular movements. Do not dry with a cloth. Keep doing this, a couple of layers each night and you'll see the shine build. Just the front, toe bit. Turn up with your boots already on their way and they'll be well impressed. Pair of clean dry socks over the front to transport.

All Hail GoreTex!

It is accepted that this type of boot is not intended to be polished, but they should be kept clean

A quick wipe over with a cloth and I am away! But this is probably more for the boots, boots, boots thread.

Was good to see you Mighty Quattro.

Good to see you too!

[Merlin820]

*turns round and leaves*

[msf]

I'm in the intake just about to Attest with Merlin & Shaz so thought I'd butt in just to let you know of my experiences

The White Shirts seem to be a stupid size - They fit around the neck fine but are about 2 foot too long and you end up with the bottom trailing around your thighs - not just below the waist where it should be - Never mind though! I also prefer the Black Shirts although they go get a bit smelly sometimes - this becomes apparent after wearing a stabby for 8 hours!

Like Merlin said, the trousers are very itchy to start off with but it seems to stop after a couple of washes - Your really criticised if you get tram lines so try and keep them as pressed as possible!

They like your boots ridiculously shiny - or Military as it has been put - so be prepared to put alot into them!

Oh, and guys, get used to wearing your Custodian Hat (The massive one) as you have to wear it everytime your outside of the classroom or building - Even if your running to the canteen which is abuout 15 meters away!

Enjoy your training, It will go really quick and theres alot to take in but it all comes together on your final assessment weekend and it does seem worth while!

Edited by msf, 25 August 2010 - 11:55 AM.

[damo_np]

Thanks for the little insight people

I guess with the white shirts being so long there's no problem with them coming untucked when one is moving about a lot.
MSF mentioned the black shirts getting a bit sweaty/smelly.. I have looked more into undergarments. The 5.11 compression shirts & Under Armour mocks. This has been discussed in a separate thread which I started. Though adding another layer may sound odd I am seeing sense in it. I ride a motorcycle - almost every day, in all weathers - & I have an EDZ wicking, windproof 'inner shell' which I now wear under the bike gear. Blazing sunshine or cold blowing winds I wouldn't ride the bike without it now. With this in mind I may be investing in a base layer for my police uniform in the near future.

I do take pride in nicely ironed clothes so I like to think that my shirt & trousers will meet their standards. I am currently building up the shine on my new boots, as the days pass. I've not used the cotton wool yet. I have some nice brushes from my brother - the type he uses on his footwear in the fire service. But I'll certainly try the cotton wool tip

It sounds like everybody is enjoying the training. Very positive.