191 replies to this topic

[SCApples]

I didn't go on any shifts as part of the ride along scheme before or during training however I did do 2 observation shifts between mods 6 and 8 and found them very useful as a morale booster towards the end of training which is slightly drier content than earlier mods. I find the argument that as a pre attested student you're not a MOP a bit weak. As far as I see it you are either an attested constable or you are not.

I do think morse's comments are probably true enough. I can see that doing ridealongs could make you cocky in class and there is nothing more annoying in the world than training someone that thinks they know everything when actually they know nothing. On that basis alone it's probably a sound decision IMHO.

If you're still in training and annoyed by this just grin and bear it. It's not that long in the grand scheme of things before you'll be out there doing it for real.

[Stone Cold]

I didn't go on any shifts as part of the ride along scheme before or during training however I did do 2 observation shifts between mods 6 and 8 and found them very useful as a morale booster towards the end of training which is slightly drier content than earlier mods. I find the argument that as a pre attested student you're not a MOP a bit weak. As far as I see it you are either an attested constable or you are not.

I do think morse's comments are probably true enough. I can see that doing ridealongs could make you cocky in class and there is nothing more annoying in the world than training someone that thinks they know everything when actually they know nothing. On that basis alone it's probably a sound decision IMHO.

If you're still in training and annoyed by this just grin and bear it. It's not that long in the grand scheme of things before you'll be out there doing it for real.

Everyday on shift, I am now doing ride alongs but Oh in such a different scenario...! Only A-B at the moment but I am so looking forward to move on up to compliant stops and eventually pursuit!! Patience is a virtue, get the training done and enjoy the rewards afterwards, believe me its soooooooo worth it!

[clouseau]

Everyday on shift, I am now doing ride alongs but Oh in such a different scenario...! Only A-B at the moment but I am so looking forward to move on up to compliant stops and eventually pursuit!! Patience is a virtue, get the training done and enjoy the rewards afterwards, believe me its soooooooo worth it!

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but compliant stop courses probably won't be available for the foreseeable future, response courses sometime after that, and as a Special, a 'pursuit' or advanced course is unlikely ever to happen (it's Force policy in A&S).

Hopefully we'll see some compliant stop courses sooner than I impled above (you can never tell in this job) but there's nothing in the pipeline at the moment so far as I know.

Edited by clouseau, 29 March 2012 - 09:39 AM.

[clouseau]

With regards ride-alongs with RPU, unfortunately these are not encouraged. This is because of H&S considerations - basically all SCs have to do fast roads training before actually working on motorways/fast roads with RPU.

There is some thinking amongst my right honourable colleagues that as RPU ride-alongs are available to MoPs then SCs should be able to do them too. I agree to a point but there’s too much temptation for people to get involved and help out at jobs rather than just observe.

If anyone not fast roads trained, were to do a ride-along they wouldn’t be allowed to wear uniform and wouldn’t even be allowed out of the car if attending an incident on a motorway or fast road. People aren’t really going to get much out of a ride-along in that situation.

We would much rather people did the fast roads course, then work a few shifts on RPU and get fully involved. The only prerequisites are that your DO is happy for you to do it, you regularly do your 16 hours a month, and you’ve completed your SOLAP. We’ll then sort out a fast roads course and you can then work some shifts with us.

There's a guidelines document on ESIBS if you want more info

[Stone Cold]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but compliant stop courses probably won't be available for the foreseeable future, response courses sometime after that, and as a Special, a 'pursuit' or advanced course is unlikely ever to happen (it's Force policy in A&S).

Hopefully we'll see some compliant stop courses sooner than I impled above (you can never tell in this job) but there's nothing in the pipeline at the moment so far as I know.

Thanks for that...I was aware that driving courses were unlikely at the moment but we live in hope!! It certainly would help within the shifts but I've been driving for 33 years now so another few months or so won't hurt!

[Gelf]

With regards ride-alongs with RPU, unfortunately these are not encouraged. This is because of H&S considerations - basically all SCs have to do fast roads training before actually working on motorways/fast roads with RPU.

We would much rather people did the fast roads course, then work a few shifts on RPU and get fully involved. The only prerequisites are that your DO is happy for you to do it, you regularly do your 16 hours a month, and you’ve completed your SOLAP. We’ll then sort out a fast roads course and you can then work some shifts with us.

I can see the reasoning behind this, but why not make the fast roads training more readily available? The last course was snapped up almost immediately.
I am not fast roads trained but we have a stretch of motorway on our patch and I have lost count of the number of times I have been out on foot on the motorway dealing with something.
I’m not having a pop I’m just stating it seems a little silly that I couldn’t do a shift with a trained traffic officer because It would be too dangerous, yet I could be dispatched to the same job when I’m with a response officer and neither of us are fast roads trained.

[Damsel]

compliant stops and eventually pursuit!! Patience is a virtue

I don't know about patience being a virtue... You're going to need the patience of a saint if you're waiting for a pursuit course

What's next on the agenda? PPL(H), CPL(H) and then seeing if they'll let you fly 99?

I can see the reasoning behind this, but why not make the fast roads training more readily available? The last course was snapped up almost immediately.
I am not fast roads trained but we have a stretch of motorway on our patch and I have lost count of the number of times I have been out on foot on the motorway dealing with something.
I’m not having a pop I’m just stating it seems a little silly that I couldn’t do a shift with a trained traffic officer because It would be too dangerous, yet I could be dispatched to the same job when I’m with a response officer and neither of us are fast roads trained.

Gelf, you shouldn't be sent to anything on the Motorway Network as a district response unit as far as I'm aware. Or do you mean Newfoundland Way / Newfoundland Street, M32 Junction 3 to Bond Street, which isn't a motorway?

[Monotone]

Response officers respond to jobs on the fast roads network all the time. That doesn't just refer to motorways, and includes any high speed road. The bottom part of the M32 which falls on Trinitys patch would certainly qualify. So would a good bit of the A38 on D.

[clouseau]

I can see the reasoning behind this, but why not make the fast roads training more readily available? The last course was snapped up almost immediately.
I am not fast roads trained but we have a stretch of motorway on our patch and I have lost count of the number of times I have been out on foot on the motorway dealing with something.
I’m not having a pop I’m just stating it seems a little silly that I couldn’t do a shift with a trained traffic officer because It would be too dangerous, yet I could be dispatched to the same job when I’m with a response officer and neither of us are fast roads trained.

To be honest I think it's a must for everyone - it's not only for motorways of course, it's any fast road and we've all got those on our patch. I'm making enquries to see if we could get training for everyone. In the meantime, I'm hoping to get some more dates later this year so keep an eye on ESIBS.

[Damsel]

Response officers respond to jobs on the fast roads network all the time. That doesn't just refer to motorways, and includes any high speed road. The bottom part of the M32 which falls on Trinitys patch would certainly qualify. So would a good bit of the A38 on D.

Indeed. I was trying to make the distinction between a motorway and a fast road though. Hence why I specifically mentioned the Motorway Network. I've never yet heard a district unit be dispatched to anything on the Motorways themselves. Fast roads are a slightly different beast though (and in some cases, are even more dangerous than a motorway), and sure, we get sent to jobs on those all the time. D's also got the A4174 ("ring" road) and the A420/A46 which is also classified as fast road.

[clouseau]

The most dangerous road in our Force area isn't a motorway - the A303 on F district

[Damsel]

The most dangerous road in our Force area isn't a motorway - the A303 on F district

I quite agree. At least with the motorways you've got a hard shoulder to stand on (hopefully with no one trying to drive down it to get past the queuing traffic)

[Gelf]

Gelf, you shouldn't be sent to anything on the Motorway Network as a district response unit as far as I'm aware. Or do you mean Newfoundland Way / Newfoundland Street, M32 Junction 3 to Bond Street, which isn't a motorway?

We aren’t routinely tasked to jobs on the motorway, but we use it to get around and sometimes run into jobs while doing so. There are also occasions when comms ask us to "have a look" for an RTC/someone/something on the motorway as traffic units are miles away. You would also be surprised by the number of people we have to intercept who try and walk down the hard shoulder from J3 to J2. I know we shouldn’t be tasked to jobs on the motorway but we are a district recourse and its part of our district sometimes it can’t be helped.
And no I don’t mean the bit you mentioned, all of that is a 30 limit!

To be honest I think it's a must for everyone - it's not only for motorways of course, it's any fast road and we've all got those on our patch. I'm making enquries to see if we could get training for everyone. In the meantime, I'm hoping to get some more dates later this year so keep an eye on ESIBS.

Will do

[Ian1975]

Fast road training is not just for motorways, a fast road is actually anything in excess of 30mph. So technically we all work on the fast road network. Once doing the fast road training course you will appreicate why it is essential to have this training especially for the motorways. I would never of wanted to place cones or deal traffic on a motorway without this training.

[Salvidour]

I did a few ride. alongs during my training, helped me see what i was letting myself in for.

Loved everyone of them.

But fully understand why traineys arnt allowed on them.

Edited by Salvidour, 19 April 2012 - 01:48 PM.

[Tom72]

Just to add to this.
The decision has been taken by training staff that once you start your Specials training you are no longer eligible to take part in the ride along scheme. There are reasons for this that won't be discussed on here so don't ask. But in basic, the scheme is offered to normal memebers of the public, once you start training you are no longer normal members of the public, hence you do not qualify for this scheme. We as trainers we would rather see you spend your spare time concentrating on pre-reads, listening in at comms etc.

Hey mate just to clarify? The scheme is not open to those in training right..
Specificlaly? Those who have had their induction?
Or those that have accepted the invitation (specifically I am due in September to start... but have accepted the offer)

Thanks a lot, and hope everyone is still alive after this dry patch on the forum! ha

[Ian1975]

Thats correct it is not open to any one once they have started their training, that is from the point you have your induction.