24 replies to this topic

[AmISpecial]

The chief constable is currently taking questions on the staffs police website.

For anyone interested

http://www.staffords...media/openmike/

[andrew1979]

A potentially interesting reply from the Chief with regards Specials for anyone considering applying as a regular:


"As you may be aware recruitment is frozen at the moment whilst we reorganise the force, however I am keen to move to recruitment as soon as I am able to do so. I am currently in the process of reviewing what that process will look like. I am certain that people with Special Constabulary experience will be strong candidates in any recruitment process in the future." (18:25)

Edited by -AJ, 17 April 2012 - 03:41 PM.
Formatting changed to standard for ease of reading

[AmISpecial]

A potentially interesting reply from the Chief with regards Specials for anyone considering applying as a regular:

"As you may be aware recruitment is frozen at the moment whilst we reorganise the force, however I am keen to move to recruitment as soon as I am able to do so. I am currently in the process of reviewing what that process will look like. I am certain that people with Special Constabulary experience will be strong candidates in any recruitment process in the future." (18:25)

Yeah i saw that question too when it came up live, very interesting to see what will happen in the future with SC's applying for the regs

[Nicked]

Open Mike makes a return tomorrow night.....

http://www.staffords...media/openmike/

[Mikester]

i'd hope the question regarding recruitment and eligibility of specials gets asked again even if the stance is the same it'd just be nice to know the latest view on it.

[Kilo Sierra]

It would be interesting what entry requirements are placed on an application and what benefits been SC/PCSO/Police Staff gives people.

I know some forces just give you the application pack alittle sooner (Any applications welcome e.g. Durham), while some want you to be IPS before applying (Internal only recruitment e.g. MET).

But it does bode well that recruitment might open up sooner than 2015 which be good.

[Nicked]

Even though A19 has been extended?

[-AJ]

I've messaged to ask if, with the role of the SC becoming more aligned with regular police officers, the force has any view to providing us with more similar uniform, and better training. Ie new stab vests when our reg colleagues get them etc..

When I say better training, i mean opportunities for us to train in more fields, interviews and such like as standard.

If anybody is going to be online, have a look see if they answer this please? I won't be around to see if it gets answered..

Edited by -AJ, 17 April 2012 - 03:43 PM.

[Kilo Sierra]

I've messaged to ask if, with the role of the SC becoming more aligned with regular police officers, the force has any view to providing us with more similar uniform, and better training. Ie new stab vests when our reg colleagues get them etc..

When I say better training, i mean opportunities for us to train in more fields, interviews and such like as standard.

If anybody is going to be online, have a look see if they answer this please? I won't be around to see if it gets answered..

I can live without the uniform, don't really care about having SCs on for example, in fact when visiting another force that used number prefixes only, i found i actually quite like them...

But more training would be good, statement taking, file generation, COMPACT up date etc as standard or on request. Saying that though, i see a good few SC what haven't even been given SPIN access, just as i have't got STORM...so really a look at what they want us to do and how they want us to do it needs a look at.

Pool Issues PDAs would be great, given how we are deployed at times now. As i never like giving over radio updates and sometiems don't have time to get into the station. I think i will ask about that actually.

J

[-AJ]

I can live without the uniform, don't really care about having SCs on for example, in fact when visiting another force that used number prefixes only, i found i actually quite like them...

But more training would be good, statement taking, file generation, COMPACT up date etc as standard or on request. Saying that though, i see a good few SC what haven't even been given SPIN access, just as i have't got STORM...so really a look at what they want us to do and how they want us to do it needs a look at.

Pool Issues PDAs would be great, given how we are deployed at times now. As i never like giving over radio updates and sometiems don't have time to get into the station. I think i will ask about that actually.

J

I've heard Pool PDAs are being rolled out soon already...

Uniform i refer more to the fact they won't issue us the short hi vis jackets that the regs get now, nor the new lighter stabbie Oh and maybe a flatcap since we spend a lot of time in cars now, for stuff like RTCs, and perhaps the plasticuffs that all the regs now have... Thats the sort of thing I mean. I like my SCs

Edited by -AJ, 17 April 2012 - 05:23 PM.

[Nicked]

The North Staffs Special Chief Inspector is in charge of Specials uniform, he said that we are not getting new stabbies even though they are out of date! We're not getting bomber jackets because it would cost £40,000. But we are having tac pants...

Edited because I got my days mixed up... tiredness!

Edited by Nicked, 17 April 2012 - 05:50 PM.

[Kilo Sierra]

I've heard Pool PDAs are being rolled out soon already...

Uniform i refer more to the fact they won't issue us the short hi vis jackets that the regs get now, nor the new lighter stabbie Oh and maybe a flatcap since we spend a lot of time in cars now, for stuff like RTCs, and perhaps the plasticuffs that all the regs now have... Thats the sort of thing I mean. I like my SCs

I did hear some rumbles about Pool issue PDAs, which would be BRILLIANT! So i'd like a SMT comment to that effect ref- roll out time frame/training courses etc.

Yeah, be good to see what changes come of the 're-organisation'. ... im trying to find a interest artical in the sentinel.

J

[MikeBrum]

The North Staffs Special Chief Inspector is in charge of Specials uniform, he said that we are not getting new stabbies even though they are out of date! We're not getting bomber jackets because it would cost £40,000. But we are having tac pants...

Edited because I got my days mixed up... tiredness!

Wouldn't cost that much if they just bought together for PCs and SCs. It'd be cheaper, rather than viewing you as SCs and PCs they should just say Constables. A lot cheaper.

[-AJ]

£40,000 Oh noes. About the same as a Sergeant then. Not being funny, but they get about 500 specials and free labour for that investment... Can't see the force seeing it as that much of an issue.

[Kilo Sierra]

A TWO-YEAR recruitment freeze at Staffordshire Police has seen the number of officers aged under 25 fall to a record low.
New figures show just 17 of the force's 1,951 bobbies are under 25 and all of those are constables.
The majority of the force's operational staff, a total of 1,009, are aged between 41 and 55.
Now concerns have been raised about the future of policing in the county with a recruitment freeze set to continue until 2015.
Officer numbers have fallen by 268 since October 2009 because of budget cuts.
The number of PCSOs has also fallen to 209, 21 less than budgeted for in 2011/12.
A19 rules, which force officers to retire after 30 years, will also remain active until 2015.
Police authority members have joined chief constable Mike Cunningham, pictured, in raising concerns about the lack of new blood coming into the force.
Christine Edwards, chairman of the authority's HR committee, described the number of young officers as "frightening", adding: "The number of police officers and PCSOs we have lost is also quite frightening."
Corinne Preston, the force's head of HR development, said: "We haven't recruited for quite some time and with the last two or three intakes some of the people joining us were older than in previous intakes."
Chief Constable Mike Cunningham unsuccessfully asked police authority members to increase tax precepts by three per cent to raise £2 million-per-year and allow some limited recruitment.
He described recruitment as 'crucial', adding: "New police officers coming through is more than a symbol, it indicates to the public that we are a healthy organisation."
Former Staffordshire Police inspector Nigel Gunn said: "The front line of policing is going to get older and it is going to lead to more injuries as it inevitably takes longer for the body to recover from the physical strains of the job.
"Traditionally, the front line was always younger officers as it's not easy. When you have no new blood coming in, as it has been for a couple of years, there is no opportunity to refresh things.
"There is also less opportunity for people who want to move away from the shifts into specialist areas instead of climbing over fences, fighting, and running after offenders."
Mr Gunn said Government plans to extend police retirement age to 60, as part of the ongoing Winsor Review, will make the issue worse.
SENTINEL-
Thursday, April 12, 2012

Need some fresh blood.... If they recruit now-ish, they can use the experience of the older officers to ensure that when they retire, there will be well experienced and trained officers in their stead. Rther than aload of inexperienced officers.

On a seperate note, tac-pants were not on the uniform policy posters and i've seen more than a few SC/PCs given stick for them...bit of a turn-around.

Edited by Kilo Sierra, 17 April 2012 - 06:11 PM.

[Nicked]

£40,000 Oh noes. About the same as a Sergeant then. Not being funny, but they get about 500 specials and free labour for that investment... Can't see the force seeing it as that much of an issue.

I agree AJ, but as long as we keep turning up to boost the numbers on a weekend I don't suppose they care which jacket we're wearing!

On a seperate note, tac-pants were not on the uniform policy posters and i've seen more than a few SC/PCs given stick for them...bit of a turn-around.

Yeah we've had the same, apparently it's in line with the National Uniform and West Mids having them.

[-AJ]

I agree AJ, but as long as we keep turning up to boost the numbers on a weekend I don't suppose they care which jacket we're wearing!



Yeah we've had the same, apparently it's in line with the National Uniform and West Mids having them.

I'd imagine it's more because we are now joint with West Mids in terms of uniform purchasing. lol West Mids issue them.

[Kilo Sierra]

Oh well then, as long as West Mids are ok with it

[Nicked]

Here's a couple of Sentinel articles that may be of interest, sorry southerners!

Bobbies on the beat in Staffordshire getting older -
http://www.thisissta...tail/story.html

Staffordshire Police officers take 34,484 sick days a year -
http://www.thisissta...tail/story.html

Police Officers speak up over budget cuts -
http://www.thisissta...tail/story.html

Now before anyone says I am moaning, I only mention these because I am genuinely worried for PC's.

Also I would like to know what is happening with the old Cannock Road/Weeping Cross HQ, I read that it was valued at around £20 million but I could be wrong.

Edited by Nicked, 17 April 2012 - 07:35 PM.

[MikeBrum]

Oh well then, as long as West Mids are ok with it

West Mids issue custom made cargo trousers, you should end up with them - expect a move to some awful uniform items in the future! (Tac Vests anybody?!)

[Kilo Sierra]

West Mids issue custom made cargo trousers, you should end up with them - expect a move to some awful uniform items in the future! (Tac Vests anybody?!)

custom...isn't that another way of saying expensive tac vests i hear mixed reviews from, never worn one though to say. Be interesting to see how it changes.

[andrew1979]

If you look at those figures quoted by The Sentinel (268 officers left since October 2009) then by 2015 (if that's when A19 is lifted) I'd estimate that Staffs will have lost at least 500 regular officers by that point? Scary stuff indeed.

[Kilo Sierra]

If you look at those figures quoted by The Sentinel (268 officers left since October 2009) then by 2015 (if that's when A19 is lifted) I'd estimate that Staffs will have lost at least 500 regular officers by that point? Scary stuff indeed.

scary indeed, i'd venture to say not a realistic number of officers to deal with the county as well which makes me think somethink will be done, as the bosses still care.

[Shikari]

I want to avoid the tac vest for as long as I can. I've been mucking about with my duty belt, getting things ito the location I think i'd like them and that operate most efficiently for me. I couldn't imagine having everything in a set location already.

And yes, we're with West Mids pol for our uniform- my white shirts have west mids on the label etc.

[MikeBrum]

I want to avoid the tac vest for as long as I can. I've been mucking about with my duty belt, getting things ito the location I think i'd like them and that operate most efficiently for me. I couldn't imagine having everything in a set location already.

And yes, we're with West Mids pol for our uniform- my white shirts have west mids on the label etc.

As long as baton is on the weak side and cuffs and CS on the strong side, no issue!


Going with WMP for uniform is a dangerous thing indeed - the future's bright...


Obviously the regs would be exempt but seeing as Specials are like PCSOs...