12 replies to this topic

[SGGH]

Hello all,

This has always seemed an interesting concept (diary that is) so I thought I'd give it a go. I think it's appropriate to start off my diary now as I have just received confirmation of my September training dates (7th-9th) and my collar number, and sometime in June or July I will have my uniform fitting.

It has been a bit of a rough road up until now, I applied to be a special constable while in my penultimate year at school (just about to turn 18 at the time) and I waited through much of the academic year while the security checks and so on were carried out. In late May or early June I was invited to take a PIRT, which I was fortunate to pass by a significant margin, which was good news. I had the phone call later that evening having returned to school, I was very impressed by how quick they replied! Similarly, I went to have my interview about a month or so later. It took place about an hour after a grueling, brain-melting 2 hour History paper which i had to get an A in, but I manage to retain my senses enough to pass it.

In September of that year, having just started my final academic year at school I was invited to a medical. I have eyesight problems and wear contact lenses (considering laser eye, will probably get it done before I start training if I get it) so I was extremely anxious about the eye test. At the time, my force had scrapped the bleep test (though I was in, and captain of for a little while, the swimming team at school so fitness wasn't a worry) so the medical was only a brief doctors check and the eyesight test. Needless to say, I did pass the eyesight (barely) but passed nonetheless and my girlfriend almost drove off the road with happiness when I told her.

Then came a long wait, I was on the March '07 training schedule, then the May '07, then July '07. When a call came through stating that it would be May '08 before I started training I admit I was very dejected. I was especially concerned that my medical would expire and I would have to go through the harrowing eye test again. Fortunately, however, I was given a place on the September training schedule, a place that has now been confirmed!

I'm ecstatic to be on the training schedule, and I can't wait. When I read what my collar number was going to be I was so chuffed I almost insisted people around the house referred to me by it instead of my name ( .... I know.... ) because I've never aimed to become something with such fervent energy before, especially not something that defines me so. I mean I strived for University places at Oxbridge and things like that, but none of that felt like it would change me as much as this special constabulary has and will.

I will soon be a Special Constable, and as a police officer is how I will define myself psychologically, whether I join the regulars one day or not. When people ask me what I do, I will say that I volunteer as a police officer first, before I tell them that I'm a famous author, super hero, millionaire rally driver or all-star cricket player... or...

But that's not for a couple of months, and in the mean time I hope to keep this updated!

[SGGH]

Today was the last day of my placement with my county's Social Services department. I returned home a couple of hours ago and began my self-invented exercise routine to keep me as prepared as I possibly can be for future police work. As I step down from the treadmill it occured to me that I may, just possibly be talking about the Special Constabularly a little too much. For as 4:30 rolled around the clock today, my co-workers assembled around me in one of those always-embarrasing circles the for which you are the centre of attention, and presented me with a complete toddlers police uniform plus kit.

So suddenly, with my proper uniform fitting expected in the next 4-8 weeks, I can phone my police station and tell them that I won't be needing any kit, for I sport my very own, fully kitted out with woolly custodian and plastic ASP. And good God help me if the jaw-droppingly-gorgeous co-worker came around to my desk and tried to put the damn stuff on me. I mean we could have been married one day!

Oh wells, we all pay that price if we want to be a special....

Laters

Edited by SGGH, 11 May 2007 - 06:37 PM.

[SGGH]

Returning from New York City yesterday, stepping through Bristol airports passport control, I semi-consciously tap the Avon and Somerset logo with my finger as I walk passed it. A lovely American woman has been sitting next to me on the plane and chatting and she saw me do this and asked me why, very embarrassed that I had done it without realising but when I got down to explaining what I will be doing in September, I became very proud of it

Though to top it off, I find that my mother has got a kind of speeding-warning-NFA while driving my car, the letter arrived a couple of days ago. Elderly vigilantes with speed cameras off on the road to Chard, I've seen them many a time myself, she got docked for doing 32 in a 30 according to her (I remember, I was in the passenger seat) but they tagged it as 36, so me thinks they need to fix something there. But never mind because it happened in February, so I think any points administered would be void by now had they administered some. Though it was interesting to note that it was the first letter with an Avon and Somerset letterhead ever to arrive at my home which wasn't special constable related and addressed to me.

Will be arranging the uniform fitting for this month or next, need to email in my availability in a little while. Can't wait!

[SGGH]

Today, about a year from my interview and PIRT test, I had my uniform fitting! Popped down to Taunton station about ten to eleven, the great be whacking uniform lorry was there and I chatted to the bloke while he sifted through bagged up radioactive bits of kit and assorted odds and ends. I think I'm finally getting into the swing of this "im going to be a police officer" mentality, I even exchanged jokes with a regular officer who was there exchanging her trousers or something.

The first shirt fit fine, the first trousers were tight!! Though the bloke quickly outfitted me with properly fitting ones, any officers who were there would have seen me looking a little daft! Didn't talk about shoes, I guess I must have to buy my own! Fitted me with a stabbie, which was more comfortable and lighter than I suspected though he did decide it was one size too small for me. Jacket was next, tried the L size (loving it, with POLICE written everywhere!) but that was too big across chest, right for the arms. Medium was too tight across the stabbie but okay for the arms, so he is getting a special long armed-medium chested one. Same for the fleece. Custodian size was about 8 or something I think.

I WISH I could have taken a photo, I was so proud wearing that uniform I cannot tell you I didn't even blush when an attractive officer came in to have her stabbie fixed. Regulars were popping in and out picking up things, and the way they conversed with me you'd think I was already one of the family.

I can still feel that stabbie now, i kept tapping it reassuringly and was impressed by how tough it felt. Custodian was nice and comfy, and when those (admittedly tight fitting around the waist) trousers were well established, they felt comfy too. My enthusiasm is hyped up, and if any Avon and Somerset specials or regulars were in the uniform van about 11:00 to 11:30 Tuesday 17/07/07, you saw me! I was the tall one who looked far too pleased with himself but was trying to act casual while falling in love with the uniform!

[SGGH]

Popped into Millets and picked up very comfortable size 11 steel-toe-capped Magnum boots



Very comfortable shoes, for about £50, that I can get back on September 7th. Going to walk them in plenty and make sure they stay very clean. Had a letter stating that I have a pre-training soiree on August 12th, looking forward to that, get to meet those on my training course. Can't wait! The career of the special constable marches ever closer!

[Dr Jamie?]

Another size 11! Finally, I thought I might be the only one!

EDIT: Oops meant to message that - d'oh!

Edited by Dr Jamie?, 24 July 2007 - 08:58 PM.

[SGGH]

Another size 11! Finally, I thought I might be the only one!

In answer to your question, my left foot was almost a size 12! But they are very comfortable these boots!

In other news, nothing new yet! Next monday is the prelim meeting thing at HQ, and less than a month until I'm sworn in, and uniformified! Can't wait to wear it and feel very proud, staring in the mirror! *blush*

[SGGH]

Returned this lunchtime from induction pre-attestation-day event at Portishead A&S HQ. Went through everything that is expected of us while we are there for our training weekends, went through the training schedule and ideologies (KUSAB) and were welcomed into "the team" which was very cool. Officer taking it was very good, very keen to promote the importance of the role of the SC alongside the PC, PCSO and so on in the NPTs. Met only the one bloke who was both on my course and going to work at the same station as me, but at least there are about another 20 I'll be sharing at least the first 4 training weekends (2-3 months) with. Brought home a big pack and a lot of things to sign and send back, I am lucky enough to get accomodation because I live more than a certain distance from HQ. I have to go and ask up to 5 people what they think of the police force as well as various other assignments. I have deliberatly done nothing towards it today or perhaps tomorrow because I want to do it right, not rush through it our of excitment.

All in all, the bosses seem nice, and they seem to know exactly what the young future special constable is going through when it comes to nerves + excitement. Asked a few question that I had been curious, but all in all didn't have many because this place is so informative!

Less than four weeks until I am sworn in!

[SGGH]

Went to the cricket match yesterday. Four specials wandering around, I snuck a look at the collar numbers to make sure. They all looked smart, professional in their custodians and stabbies, with the radio wires going up to thier ears, and big thick epaulettes on their stab vests. They wandered around in pairs all through the match and I thought I can't wait to be a part of them, and on a week on Friday I will be!

Also spotted a three-barred officer walking past me as I queued for a hot dog, I hurried up, bought it, and ran to shake his hand and introduce myself to my new AO. Nice bloke, he seemed happy(ish) to hear from me, asked me where I would be policing. I wish him a happy duty, all good! Then I scampered off feeling like a kid who just shook hands with Santa Claus!

[SGGH]

The day after tomorrow...


IT BEGINS!

[SGGH]

That is it! I am now, as my warrant card states, a police officer!!

Right, where to start. I'll consult my PNB and go chronologically. Attestation Friday night, very scary, nearly everyone (including me) fluffed a word or two (or sometimes entire sentences) of our oath, luckily I just started one word off wrongly, so paused, took a breath, and continued. I love the uniform, I tried it all on before I was attested, particularly enjoyed looking over my shoulder to see POLICE on my back! I thought I would like the black fleece the least, but in fact it is my favourite. First day of training (Saturday) was general admin, then PNBs in the afternoon, including writing up a staged "incident" in it. Spent the evening watching Top Gear. Sunday morning we had Health and Safety, then wrote up a statement on the previous days "incident". I really enjoy the statements and the PNBs, so far these forms (have encountered three of them, expenses, uniform replacement and witness statements) haven't troubles me, and I have been doing really well at answering questions correctly so far. Other newly attested specials have commented, I hope they don't think I'm full of myself, I just want to do really well....

Sunday was my favourite I think, both days fly by really quickly, and not a second of it isn't interested. Even statement writing was really really great. Sunday was also when I was really used to wearing the uniform. It felt very smart, was used to wearing the custodian and to putting it on when you got outside and so on. I wore one of the pouches were we issued with on my belt to carry my room keys and bits and bobs, and together with PNB in my chest pocket, and the famed black pen in the other, I was feeling pretty kitted out!

Was cut up by a number of prats on the motorway on the way home, I looked at them and thought "if only you knew". Parents have already snooped at all my kit as we put it away, and have received congratulations from a couple of family friends who were/are officers themselves. The lady friend loves it also!

Can't wait until the 21st when my 2nd module begins, then it is October 5th for my PPE training! Hopefully district will call me up soon so I can get started around the station in some respect, observing at the custody desk or something perhaps.

Oh yeah, haven't met a trainer who wasn't brilliant or a fellow special who wasn't great, so far.

*goes back to admiring warrant card* it's a terrible picture.

[SGGH]

Had a message from the Chief, my station is going to call me in the next day or so to arrange for me to come down to the station and be shown around, and also to meet my "team".

I have a team

[SGGH]

Got a phone call today asking if I could police Saturdays cricket match, I had to politely decline, letting the guy know I was only about 6 days out of Attestation. Cool to be asked though, apparently it didn't have my swear in dates on his form.

Shame I couldn't have tagged along though and observed. Haven't taken my warrant card anywhere yet.