20 replies to this topic

[Phillips24]

Evening all!

I was going to add this in general discussion however, I thought as I'm joining staff's police it would be better on here.

So my question is- As a special constable in Staff's police, how many arrests have you made? And are you encouraged to get 'stuck in' and make arrests?

The reason I ask is because I have a few friends in other constabulary's, they are all serving regulars and have told me that they don't see many specials make arrests.

Of course there are alot of things to take in to account before making arrests, and our role as a special is to support the regulars in their duty. I am just curious to see how staff's constabulary compares to others, I've read that staff's has one of the best attitudes towards it's specials.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Chris

[Kilo Sierra]

And are you encouraged to get 'stuck in' and make arrests?

Hi, as im only going through training, i can't comment on the first area however, having just come back from OPST (weekend 3) a couple of hours ago, i can say the impression i have is that 'getting stuck in' is both expected and valued.

Failure to do so will only serve to degrade your levels of respect in the eyes of collegues at your assigned station as well as degrade possibly the impression they have on specials,
though most people are switched on enough to understand one persons actions are not indicative of an entire type.

This goes the same for training, make the most of all oppunities is advice i was given.

John

[andrew1979]

It depends really on the duties you do, who you work with and your interpersonal skills. If you're paired up with a regular or another special and need (or want) an arrest, just say - they're normally more than happy for you to do so if the opportunity arises (unless there's a reason in which case they'll explain why). Just make sure you know your powers under the law and necessity for arrest reasons and you can't go wrong really.

I need to see how many I've arrested, but I think it's around the 15 mark now, and I've been in for 19 months. The arrests have sometimes come up in the most unexpected duties. As a special your "bread and butter" will be arrests for things like common assault, affray, drunk and disorderly, public order. So yes, Staffs are more than happy for you to make arrests!

Evening all!

I was going to add this in general discussion however, I thought as I'm joining staff's police it would be better on here.

So my question is- As a special constable in Staff's police, how many arrests have you made? And are you encouraged to get 'stuck in' and make arrests?

The reason I ask is because I have a few friends in other constabulary's, they are all serving regulars and have told me that they don't see many specials make arrests.

Of course there are alot of things to take in to account before making arrests, and our role as a special is to support the regulars in their duty. I am just curious to see how staff's constabulary compares to others, I've read that staff's has one of the best attitudes towards it's specials.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Chris

[Divisional Officer]

[quote name='Phillips24' timestamp='1300646784' post='2007751']
Evening all!

I was going to add this in general discussion however, I thought as I'm joining staff's police it would be better on here.

So my question is- As a special constable in Staff's police, how many arrests have you made? And are you encouraged to get 'stuck in' and make arrests?

The reason I ask is because I have a few friends in other constabulary's, they are all serving regulars and have told me that they don't see many specials make arrests.

Of course there are alot of things to take in to account before making arrests, and our role as a special is to support the regulars in their duty. I am just curious to see how staff's constabulary compares to others, I've read that staff's has one of the best attitudes towards it's specials.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Phillips 24
Just seen your question and I can say that as a Special you have all the same powers as a Regular Officer so use them. If you find yourself in a situation where someone must be arrested then you will be expected to arrest them. I've had too many to remember in my many years in the Specials but on every case you ask yourself the same question. Do I need to arrest this person? If the answer is YES then do it. You will doing yourself and your Special Colleagues no favours by opting out and not taking decisive action. Yes the first one is always nerve racking but it has to be done. As long as you work within your powers nobody will question you. A good thing is get your Inspector to organise some role play scenario's where you can practice it under supervision. Also get them to arrange for a Custody Sgt to take you through the Presenting Your Prisoner at Custody before you have to do it for real as that is even more nerve racking if you do not know what questions you will be asked and what your replies should be. At my station we practice both of these whilst the Officer is being trained at Stafford as they cover arrest techniques ( OPST etc ) but do not cover presenting prisoners at Custody. You could well find yourself on your first duty and have to arrest someone and before anyone gets on their high horse and say it should not happen I have had officers who it has happened to. We NEVER know what to expect so the more we are prepared the better. Good luck with your training at HQ and make yourself known to me at your attestation. I WILL BE THERE.

D.O.

Edited by Divisional Officer, 20 March 2011 - 10:09 PM.

[cooperman74]

Phillips 24
Just seen your question and I can say that as a Special you have all the same powers as a Regular Officer so use them. If you find yourself in a situation where someone must be arrested then you will be expected to arrest them. I've had too many to remember in my many years in the Specials but on every case you ask yourself the same question. Do I need to arrest this person? If the answer is YES then do it. You will doing yourself and your Special Colleagues no favours by opting out and not taking decisive action. Yes the first one is always nerve racking but it has to be done. As long as you work within your powers nobody will question you. A good thing is get your Inspector to organise some role play scenario's where you can practice it under supervision. Also get them to arrange for a Custody Sgt to take you through the Presenting Your Prisoner at Custody before you have to do it for real as that is even more nerve racking if you do not know what questions you will be asked and what your replies should be. At my station we practice both of these whilst the Officer is being trained at Stafford as they cover arrest techniques ( OPST etc ) but do not cover presenting prisoners at Custody. You could well find yourself on your first duty and have to arrest someone and before anyone gets on their high horse and say it should not happen I have had officers who it has happened to. We NEVER know what to expect so the more we are prepared the better. Good luck with your training at HQ and make yourself known to me at your attestation. I WILL BE THERE.

D.O.
[/quote]

Chris, good question / thread you started there.

With what I've heard & read on here, I think as Staffordshire Specials we'll be in good hands. Does really seem like we'll get ample opportunity to get stuck in & use our own judgement, etc.

DO, Good reply & advice. Thanks for mentioning about Prisoners at Custody. I'll try all I can to ensure I cover that with my eventual station during training.

[Phillips24]

D.O-

Thank you for your advice and informative reply, its good to hear that the constabulary I am joining shows this 'get stuck' attitude. I am sure I speak for others when I say I will be definately getting stuck in once I have been attested. In relation to the custody proceedures, I was wondering if this was taught. Now that I know it isn't I will definately take your advice and gain as much experience as I can before making that 'very' nervious first arrest, followed by the booking in process.

I look forward to starting my training and duty, I also look forward to meeting you on 14th August. Out of interest what division are you in? PM if you would prefer to of course.


Cooperman-

Thought it might be good for all those like us waiting to start duty or training, glad you like it

Edited by Phillips24, 22 March 2011 - 11:23 PM.

[andrew1979]

One of the standards in the competency book (to complete before you are signed off as independent) is to spend three duties in custody. It's very informative as you'll get to see other officers booking people in, assist with fingerprints, photos and dna and watching how the custody sergeant and custody officers work. I'd recommend getting them done early on once you've been attested as it will help demystify the whole thing

[Phillips24]

One of the standards in the competency book (to complete before you are signed off as independent) is to spend three duties in custody. It's very informative as you'll get to see other officers booking people in, assist with fingerprints, photos and dna and watching how the custody sergeant and custody officers work. I'd recommend getting them done early on once you've been attested as it will help demystify the whole thing

Andrew,

apologies I have just realised I haven't thanked you for your earlier input in to arrests! So thanks for that mate

And also thanks for the above, I have been watching the lock up, very interesting! I look forward to the challenge of booking in those that are not very happy at staying in staffordshires finest hotel.......

Chris

Edited by Phillips24, 22 March 2011 - 11:25 PM.

[leachc2]

depends where you go to be honest at the min, was shocked at the difference in duties up north to us down in deepest darkest chase

[Divisional Officer]

[quote name='Phillips24' timestamp='1300732691' post='2008551']
D.O-

Thank you for your advice and informative reply, its good to hear that the constabulary I am joining shows this 'get stuck' attitude. I am sure I speak for others when I say I will be definately getting stuck in once I have been attested. In relation to the custody proceedures, I was wondering if this was taught. Now that I know it isn't I will definately take your advice and gain as much experience as I can before making that 'very' nervious first arrest, followed by the booking in process.

I look forward to starting my training and duty, I also look forward to meeting you on 14th August. Out of interest what division are you in? PM if you would prefer to of course.

Phillips 24
I'm at Tamworth in what is at present Trent Valley Will ask for you in Aug 14th. I'll be the one at the back standing by the coffee machines

D.O.

[Phillips24]

Phillips 24
I'm at Tamworth in what is at present Trent Valley Will ask for you in Aug 14th. I'll be the one at the back standing by the coffee machines

D.O.
[/quote]

I'm hoping to be stationed at Tamworth, living in Lichfield it would be ideal! I imagine you get a good variation as well.

All the best D.O, see you on 14th August.

Chris

[Divisional Officer]

Chris
Look forward to meeting you in person. If you want to come over to Tamworth and meet the Specials and have a look around PM me and I will arrange to meet you

D.O.

[Tisi]

Chris
Look forward to meeting you in person. If you want to come over to Tamworth and meet the Specials and have a look around PM me and I will arrange to meet you

D.O.

Chris, don't do it, you'll never get out alive! Only joking (obviously), I know the DO very well and he will be able to arrange a very interesting visit for you.

Tisi

[Phillips24]

Chris, don't do it, you'll never get out alive! Only joking (obviously), I know the DO very well and he will be able to arrange a very interesting visit for you.

Tisi

lol! I will look forward to seeing what's in store.

[markaustin]

Being a Special isnt all about making arrests, you have got to think is the arrest necessary. if you take a 14 year old child into custody for criminal damage on a friday night you may not be thanked for it.

This is something that new specials will learn over time. I used to have a high arrest rate, but you get to realise that things can be dealt with in a different manner.but this comes as you gain experience.

In regard to the the youngster,first offence, take to Leek get parents. interview, then refer to youth offending team. Technically could have been arrested, but in this case not neccessary. but still a recorded detection.

[Wolves13]

Got my first arrest yesterday into my fourth shift!

[cooperman74]

Got my first arrest yesterday into my fourth shift!

Well done! Bet that was a strange feeling, did you then do the custody suite booking? How did it all go?

[Wolves13]

Yep did all of that too. Wasn't nervous to be honest, I was confident and my arrest was all in order. Custody - as it was my first arrest and haven't any custody training, it went as good as it could of. Luckily, I had a very good mentor and a custody officer who appreciated that it was my first arrest so went all good.

[chezzer]

ive only had 3 arrests, quite a distance apart from each so ive found each one nerve racking. it just depends on your confidence. luckily mine has increased now but this is thanks to all the regs and sc's in stafford. they have been brilliant, always keen to help.

the custody sarg's at watling are good if they know you are new but make sure you know what to say before you get there, theres always time during the journey to gather your thoughts etc.

i tend to talk people out of being arrested, maybe a bit too soft sometimes but am happy i have always made the right call.

[AmISpecial]

chezzer are you based in Stafford Borough LPT then?

Thats my station ive been offered so once ive finished training in September will hopefully be doing as many shifts as i can there

Do you get much action on your shifts?

[Dave328]

chezzer are you based in Stafford Borough LPT then?

Thats my station ive been offered so once ive finished training in September will hopefully be doing as many shifts as i can there

Do you get much action on your shifts?

Stafford is a great station with a great team both regs and sc.