33 replies to this topic

[smithmas]

Hi, I have just applied to join the Specials in Thames Valley, I am interested to know what the relationship is like between the specials and the regular police? Is there a team spirit with mutual respect or are the specials seen as an obstacle between a regular officer and overtime? Please let me know your experiences. Thanks !!

[Silent SC]

Hi, I have just applied to join the Specials in Thames Valley, I am interested to know what the relationship is like between the specials and the regular police? Is there a team spirit with mutual respect or are the specials seen as an obstacle between a regular officer and overtime? Please let me know your experiences. Thanks !!

Can only speak for my own force and my own area, but there is certainly no hostility. You are more likely to be greeted by praise and admiration, in fact! I feel the regulars at my station consider me a team member just as much as the PC's and I can't recall a single time when I've felt any differently...However, I have heard stories about other forces where "the Special" is viewed as a burdon by regulars - however, I think you have to make yourself a burdon to bring this attitude out in people. For example, if you pull your weight and ask how you can help the regulars, you will go a long way towards earning recognition as a valuable team member. Sit on your backside and do nothing/fail to apply yourself and you may find things go the opposite way...Remember, relationships are not build on a one-way street.

Edited by Silent SC, 13 January 2007 - 10:08 PM.

[Sheepy]

certainly at my nick there is nothing bad to say. Only one or two examples of bad points but certainly, if you pull your weight and show what you can do its all good. Some regulars are a bit worried when it comes to specials as one bad experience can often put them off a bit

[ab1982]

At my station the relationship between the Specials and Regs is superb. They really make you feel like part of a team, they always thank you for coming in, they're always pleased to answer any questions you have...really couldnt ask for anything more.
The regs opinion of specials was one aspect of joining that made me very anxious.... but that was soon nullified when on my first shift i was immediately asked out for a drink with one of the sections.
Another factor in our favour is that sometimes, we're so short staffed that specials are essential in helping out...they're grateful that we're dedicating time to helping them out as an extra pair of eyes and hands

[Ninja]

I think the attitude varies between stations but the majority of the time regs view you as an individual. If you put in the time and effort then they welcome you with open arms. You get the odd few with negative views but thats life.

As was first said to me, 'if your willing to get stuck in then thats great!', and that means the job not just physically!!

[Sailor]

In A Div Surrey, I've never really come across any regular who doesn't like Specials. They appreciate our help and we are seen as one of the team, especially with the borough teams.

But then they do all think we're mad for doing it for free. I tend to agree with them.

[Gabba]

if you are will to put in the work, time and not shy from getting stuck in you will get as much respect as any other officer. it will take time to gain the respect as far to many specials come and go, but after time the regs will get to know you know what you can do and go out of their way to help you if need be. good luck and I hope you enjoy the police.

[Dan_05]

From the other side of the fence... I do feel the regular training should include more about Specials, general roles and powers etc, I know from previous experience as a Special, some regulars didn't know what powers we had or anything basically, after going through it myself... I see there is very little input on Specials or other Police members in general, I feel if a bit more information was given, it would go a long way!

[ab1982]

From the other side of the fence... I do feel the regular training should include more about Specials, general roles and powers etc, I know from previous experience as a Special, some regulars didn't know what powers we had or anything basically, after going through it myself... I see there is very little input on Specials or other Police members in general, I feel if a bit more information was given, it would go a long way!

Good Idea!

[Revolver_Ocelot]

I have often found that the majority of ones who complain are teh dinosaurs who complain about everything.

[DGP]

The relationship is my current nick is very good- perhaps too good.

I think that the regulars are very tolerant of the Specials and have low expectations, so whatever Specials do is a plus. Whilst that sounds like a good thing, the reality is there is no pressure on Specials to undertake more complex tasks and get them right- so whilst the Specials I work with are absolutely fantastic people and can handle situations very well, they are not to hot on the paperwork side of things (which is not their fault). And because there is little incentive to learn not many people do so and this then directs what they do on the ground towards their comfort zone of giving out tickets, rather than targeting people to arrest.

When I worked in Herts the relationship was strained and if a Special mucked up it was jumped upon. One particular SGT (ex MET and armed forces) took an approach of naming, shaming and humiliating. Whilst I think that approach is outdated and has no place in the job, you certainly never made the same mistake twice when he has embarrassed you in front of colleagues, whether that is in a busy custody suite or over the radio. If you knew he was around then you made sure you did everything right or double checked with a sympathetic reg that you have covered everything.

Two extremes, I guess. But the latter made me a better officer, even if it did lead me to go home after shift and stick pins in an effigy of the SGT concerned.

I also used to think that conflict was a bad thing. But I kind of think that having conflict can be good, because if things are too hunky dory then people might be a bit afraid to say something or challenge something.

[Pete - Suffolk]

Firstly - Good luck on your application, I'm sure you won't have no problems...

Secontly - The relationship between the Regs and Specials is like anyother working enviroment, if you get stuck in, help out as much as you can, pull your own weight etc etc they will respect you (sometimes more than they do other regs, because you are coming in doing what they do put you aren't getting paid, so some regs really respect you for that).
Also when you get the hang of things i.e. radios, statements etc you shouldn't have to wait for the reg to ask you to do things, you should just go and do it without even thinking about it.

In my experience I hope you'll find the time in the Special Constabulary very enjoyable, and hope you make many new work collegues, and even some really great friends...

I wish you all the best in the future, and remember to always say THANKYOU to the PC/SC who takes you out, because it isn't easy taken out SC's for the first time, just remember that - They are helping you, you should thank them!

Cheers for now,

Pete C - Suffolk

[adslegend]

Generally very good. It's good when you see a reg who goes out of their way to say to you 'haven't seen you on my shift for a bit, make sure you crew with us again soon'.

[alpha charlie]

My experience as a Special was fantastic. This was due, in no small part, to the efforts of an excellent line manager and regular tutors who all went the extra mile to ensure that the time I dedicated was put to good use. My development was constantly reviewed and every assistance was given to make sure that I achieved my ambitions. The spin off was that I quickly became very dedicated and felt confident in my abilities - and I acheived my goals. To this day, I stay in contact with these regular officers, who I still consider to be very good friends.

Fast forward a year of so, and having moved away (and following a transfer between forces), I continued to enjoy an excellent relationship. As others have already commented, much depends on your entheusiasm to get 'stuck in', and I would argue that so long as you display a willingness to learn and accept feedback where it is due, then you have nothing to worry about.

All the best,

A-C

[Whopper MacBig]

I think that the regulars are very tolerant of the Specials and have low expectations, so whatever Specials do is a plus. Whilst that sounds like a good thing, the reality is there is no pressure on Specials to undertake more complex tasks and get them right- so whilst the Specials I work with are absolutely fantastic people and can handle situations very well, they are not to hot on the paperwork side of things (which is not their fault). And because there is little incentive to learn not many people do so and this then directs what they do on the ground towards their comfort zone of giving out tickets, rather than targeting people to arrest.

Good point.

I don't think there's a simple answer to this - it can be in part down to the attitude of individuals, but the way the force approaches their Special Constabulary is also relevant. While you might get the Reg that wants to bend over backwards to accept the help, if the force doesn't have a strategy in place to train and develop that Special into somebody who is actually useful (understand the law, processes, paperwork, responsibilites) then the Regs have to take that on themselves. That can only put strains on the relationship given that they've got a 101 other things to be getting on with, particularly given that the Specials "probation" is often an informal arrangement that is not recognised (e.g. like getting a SPP for being a Reg Tutor). Is it too much for a frontline officer to ask that when a Special comes through the training programme they are at least semi-competent police officers? Frankly, I think some newbies are complete nightmares, and that's not always their fault either.

There can also be a difficulty in the Regs understanding why we do it, which always seems to me to be an odd one. I think the reasons why a Reg does it can change over time (ever sat in on a rest-day rate discussion?), but the reason why we do it always remains the same - and it's pretty much the same reason that the Reg had prior to joining the job.

[freddie]

The relationship at my nci lis fantastic. i am the onlky specials that workd at the nick, and was abit sceptical aboutt going there. However everyone i has made me feel so so welcome i am part of the furniture!! lol


Freddie

[Whopper MacBig]

The relationship at my nci lis fantastic. i am the onlky specials that workd at the nick, and was abit sceptical aboutt going there. However everyone i has made me feel so so welcome i am part of the furniture!! lol
Freddie

You mean they've been using you to put their feet up on?

[freddie]

Lol

Freddie

[Godfather]

Although there are obviously still some who are not so friendly with Specials, it will mosr than likely be down to you as an individual. If you do it for the uniform and then just stand back and do as little as possible expect to be unpopular, even with those who think Specials are the best thing sinced sliced bread!

I think most people will try to treat you as an individual and not give a damn about your title as long as you play as part of the team.

[Blobby]

Well i've been in for 6 weeks now.So i really am able to do very very little off my own back.All i've done is show a willingness to learn and help,honesty with regard to my limitations,always listen,never afraid to ask if i'm not sure,apologise for a cock up and be prepared to stand by my colleagues in a confrontation.

I've been paired with 6 different regs in this time and every single one has been brilliant.They've been helpful,understanding and i haven't had one sideways look or comment.

I've had comments of appreciation for my help from 4 Sergeants,1 Inspector and a Chief Inspector.

Sorry if the above sounds soppy,but it is all completely true.

The station where i work has been far better than i could ever have hoped for.

[ch153]

I've only been a special a month, so i'm still learning too, but everyone just treats me like i'm a regular probabationer. They all go out of their way to show me how things work, and how to do everything, and make sure i understand. Last time i was on duty, we went out to arrest someone and the reg i was with asked me whether i'd got an arrest yet, and as i hadn't, he let me do it.

[ChewYoungPen]

I'm getting the vibe from my station that they don't always like Special Operations or groups of Specials, but if you join them on shift individually they are very happy.

[Midsman1]

We have a brilliant relationship with the Regs at my OCU on a whole, of course im sure there are people that dont want us on shift with them but i have never met anyone like that, the only comment i ever get is "your mad doing this for free" equally im sure there are Specials out there who are hardwork and dont do themselves any favours by coming in once every few weeks for 4 hours and not really being able to deal with incidents! i know one or two of them!

Thing you have to remember is, you WONT know anything when you start, if you accept that and get stuck in on all your training sessions you will be able to go operational with some knowledge about policing! The next thing you have to remember is when a Reg asks "do you know what your doing" dont lie! if your not sure say so, they aren't trying to catch you out! Also you might not be able to write a statement but you can fill out a crime report and do the easy bits which most regs appreciate! If your in the station and your Reg partner is doing mounds of paperwork ask them if there is anything you could do to help, you might find that you can do the stapling and photocopying which will get you both out on the street alot quicker!

And of course the most important thing you should remember and undertake with gusto is making a brew for your team and anyone who might be near by, even the offer of making a brew goes along way, i think i can safely say that this is the most important thing you should take onboarb lol!

[Jack R]

Generally speaking, I think we get treated the same as regular probationers: If you show willingness, aptitude and effort, you're very quickly accepted. They wont expect you to know things until you've shown that do know. Everyone will be slightly wary of relying on you until they see that you're switched on and will get stuck in if something goes wrong on the street. Needless to say, if you're still there at the end of every single shift you do, pulling your weight with the writing, you will earn their acceptance and respect.

The problem is that some specials work so little, that whatever they learn has basically evaporated by the next time they're called upon to do it. This is very frustrating for anyone who tries to teach them stuff, whether it be their training staff or other officers. They're a passenger on the vehicle in every sense, and can't complete any of the basic reporting or other paperwork. So, understandably no-one wants to work with them after a while because they know that they will effectively be single-crewed with regards to workload. This problem is not just specials-related. There are some regulars who come from training and seem to find it very hard to 'pick up the ball' so to speak. The difference is that there are mechanisms in place to force a regular to do the job.

J

[LondonSPC]

My experience has been very mixed.

Some regs are very interested in talking to specials, like to hear what your day job is and are keen to give you new experiences - I did a full night shift my my response teams and the reg I was with was willing to let me have a GBH arrest (sadly another officer got there before us!) and when things got quiet later on he radioed up and got me a spot in the back of the area car, which was good fun!

However, others are not remotely interested, make snide comments about only doing it for the free travel and will wade into whatever you are dealing with and take it off you because they think you will mess it up. This is partly justified as there are 80 specials on the books on my OCU, 20-30 of which do no duties (but probably do use the free travel) and all too often specials do come in and show breathtaking incompetance (such as radioing for urgent assistance when there was one woman with a slight cut and a few pretty compliant friends milling aroud)

The key thing is to be competant. I'm a new SC, do a lot of hours with a real mix of regs and specials. I find I learn a lot more when I'm with regs, though I am mainly just observing, but having done that means I can deal with things myself when I'm out with specials or PCSOs. Earning respect with regs is not easy on my borough and I have put in a lot of time to do so, but it is very worthwhile if you are looking for real police experience and don't want to just be a uniform wearer.

My advice is take every opportunity to work with regs you get, aborb every piece of knowledge you can and do your bit to prove that SCs are a valuable part of the police family.