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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: JamesV6CDX on 08 December 2006, 00:17:52

Title: Becoming a police driver
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 08 December 2006, 00:17:52
What's involved? I really fancy it! Not so interested in general policing, but would love to work out on the motorways catching dickhead drivers ;D

Probably doesn't work like that in practice..

Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: Gwilym on 08 December 2006, 00:21:32
Sorry Mate

6 months training
18 months Front Line Uniform Policing (Probationary Period)

Another couple of years of uniform stuff (usually including some beat community work). Very few specialise before 4 - 5 years service

A lot of traffic are going as Firearms cars now aswell so you would have to consider f you are prepared to carry a gun.
Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 08 December 2006, 00:24:51
No need to be sorry mate, it's good to know all that.

I dont' have a problem with policing, but I would def like to specialise in traffic one day.

Unfortunately, although physically very strong and fit, I doubt I'd get into the force due to high demand, and other issues.

I also had a caution when I was 16, which is now well spend, but would likely be dragged up if I applied :(
Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: Markjay on 08 December 2006, 07:49:25
Quote
6 months training
18 months Front Line Uniform Policing (Probationary Period)
Another couple of years of uniform stuff (usually including some beat community work). Very few specialise before 4 - 5 years service

...or you could just by an ex-plod white estate and pretend - neeenaaa neeenaaa....  ;D


Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: hotel21 on 08 December 2006, 09:34:52
Or join your local Special Constabulary.

We have a couple of guys that spend about 60%+ of their turnout time in traffic.  They are not allowed to drive the patrol cars (I think they can drive Panda's though, not in response mode....) but are in the observer seat when traffic going to a call, ambulance escort etc etc..

HtH

B
Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: Martin_1962 on 08 December 2006, 10:16:27
Sorry to put a spoiler but you would be in Gloucestershire Constabulary and they only want ethnic minorities at the moment so if you are not one, they would probably not be interested.

I am a believer of best person for job and that positive discrimination is just that discrimination!

If someone is capable they will do it, here is proof - Labour brought in women only shortlists, sorry but these women are not proven best, Conservatives showed them what women could do without discrimination against men - a non helped woman became PM!
Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: theolodian on 08 December 2006, 10:25:36
Or you could go to the states, get a V8 car and a gun on day 1.
Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: tunnie on 08 December 2006, 10:41:22
Quote
Or you could go to the states, get a V8 car and a gun on day 1.


Sounds like a plan!

James I too would love to be police driver, get a 3.2 Veccy or those T5 Volvos, and get to drive fast  :)

I would really fancy it too, however all the normal beat bobby stuff, puts me off. My cousin applyed to be a copper, he passed all the fitness tests easy, but it takes over 9 months to process an application to join the met  :o

I wish they would just let you join, and become a traffic cop straight away. Perhaps not driving but being a support guy and learn the ropes for a few years. Then say after 3 apply to be a driver.
Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: Markjay on 08 December 2006, 10:46:21
I think you will find that none of you guys will be accepted...

Armed police are specifically looking for people who are NOT interested in guns, if you are a member of a gun club or otherwise have an interest in firearms you are not likely to be allowed to carry a gun on police duties.

Similarly, petrol heads are not wanted as police drivers... for obvious reasons.

They are looking for people who are cable of doing the job, but treat it as such - just a job, not a passionate hobby.

Hotel21 - correct me if I'm wrong....?


EDIT: c-a-p-a-b-l-e... arghhh!


Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: theolodian on 08 December 2006, 10:49:19
Quote
I think you will find that none of you guys will be accepted...

Armed police are specifically looking for people who are NOT interested in guns, if you are a member of a gun club or otherwise have an interest in firearms you are not likely to be allowed to carry a gun on police duties.

Similarly, petrol heads are not wanted as police drivers... for obvious reasons.

They are looking for people who are cable of doing the job, but treat it as such - just a job, not a passionate hobby.

Hotel21 - correct me if I'm wrong....?

That all sounds reasonable.  At least in the states, what they really need to look for is control issues.  "Respect my authoritay!"  ::) ;D
Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: hotel21 on 08 December 2006, 12:05:31
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........are specifically looking for people who are NOT interested in guns, if you are a member of a gun club or otherwise have an interest in firearms you are not likely to be allowed to carry a gun on police duties.....

In my experience, not so.  Have worked with many ex Army and similar who are now Police Officers and Authorised Firearms Officers.

Personally, I shot from the age of 12 in a gun club.  After being in 'the job' for a handfull of years, was requested to become an AFO and did.  Was authorised to carry (and did frequently) for 16/17 plus years thereafter, everything from revolvers, 9mm SLP, shotgun, non lethal options, sniper etc.  Selection varies to an extent across Police forces.  

Same applies for petrolhead/traffic analogy IMHO.
Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: Markjay on 08 December 2006, 12:15:19
Quote
Quote
........are specifically looking for people who are NOT interested in guns, if you are a member of a gun club or otherwise have an interest in firearms you are not likely to be allowed to carry a gun on police duties.....

In my experience, not so.  Have worked with many ex Army and similar who are now Police Officers and Authorised Firearms Officers.

Personally, I shot from the age of 12 in a gun club.  After being in 'the job' for a handfull of years, was requested to become an AFO and did.  Was authorised to carry (and did frequently) for 16/17 plus years thereafter, everything from revolvers, 9mm SLP, shotgun, non lethal options, sniper etc.  Selection varies to an extent across Police forces.  

Same applies for petrolhead/traffic analogy IMHO.


I stand corrected then...

I got this from a colleague who was turned down by the Mets for firearm unit (SO21 I think?) because we was a member of a gun club…

Good news for petrol heads though – there’s still hope for us!
Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: Markjay on 08 December 2006, 12:26:26
Quote
...I got this from a colleague who was turned down by the Mets for firearm unit (SO21 I think?) because we was a member of a gun club…

come to think of it, this was before 7/7, maybe now they'll take just about abybody....  ;D
Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: hotel21 on 08 December 2006, 12:37:43
Quote
Quote
...I got this from a colleague who was turned down by the Mets for firearm unit (SO21 I think?) because we was a member of a gun club…

come to think of it, this was before 7/7, maybe now they'll take just about abybody....  ;D

I doubt it....
Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: Lawman on 09 December 2006, 01:47:49
Re: the petrolheads thing.

I'd have thought it would have been a big part, for example, spotting poorly cloned cars etc by noticing details like facelifts etc.

Personally, I'd love to be a traffic officer, not even for the driving fast, just hate when I see something that is dangerous or dodgy it really annoys me :-/
Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 09 December 2006, 03:01:19
Quote

Personally, I'd love to be a traffic officer, not even for the driving fast, just hate when I see something that is dangerous

ABSOULTELY how I feel. I saw some idiot overtaking a row of cars the other day, must have been doing 60mph in 2nd gear, on practically a blind bend in a residential 30 zone with little kids walking to school close by.

I wanted to drag him out of the car and throw him against it and ... GRRRR!!

I managed to catch his number plate, and I took a picture of him on the wrong side of the road overtaking on the bend...I've been half temped to show it to the law..

  :-[


Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 09 December 2006, 03:01:57
But why bother, he'll get a slap on the knuckles and then go do it again.
Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: Gwilym on 09 December 2006, 09:40:41
Quote
But why bother, he'll get a slap on the knuckles and then go do it again.


You old cynic!
Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: Gwilym on 09 December 2006, 09:41:33
Quote
Quote

Personally, I'd love to be a traffic officer, not even for the driving fast, just hate when I see something that is dangerous

ABSOULTELY how I feel. I saw some idiot overtaking a row of cars the other day, must have been doing 60mph in 2nd gear, on practically a blind bend in a residential 30 zone with little kids walking to school close by.

I wanted to drag him out of the car and throw him against it and ... GRRRR!!

I managed to catch his number plate, and I took a picture of him on the wrong side of the road overtaking on the bend...I've been half temped to show it to the law..

  :-[


I hope you weren't driving whilst taking the photo? ;)
Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: Darryl Flynn on 09 December 2006, 10:28:29
Quote
Quote

Personally, I'd love to be a traffic officer, not even for the driving fast, just hate when I see something that is dangerous

ABSOULTELY how I feel. I saw some idiot overtaking a row of cars the other day, must have been doing 60mph in 2nd gear, on practically a blind bend in a residential 30 zone with little kids walking to school close by.

I wanted to drag him out of the car and throw him against it and ... GRRRR!!

I managed to catch his number plate, and I took a picture of him on the wrong side of the road overtaking on the bend...I've been half temped to show it to the law..
  :-[

 James, as a retired traffic cop ( and AFO ) i agree with everything that Hotel21 said in his previous posts.

I also agree with your above sentiments but am intrigued as to how you took a photo of the other vehicle on the wrong side of the road ( mobile phone perhaps )?

As for the job, have a go at it. I joined at 19 and did 32 years. Loved NEARLY every minute of it.

Cheers Darryl
Title: Re: Becoming a police driver
Post by: tunnie on 09 December 2006, 12:43:27
Quote
Quote

Personally, I'd love to be a traffic officer, not even for the driving fast, just hate when I see something that is dangerous

ABSOULTELY how I feel. I saw some idiot overtaking a row of cars the other day, must have been doing 60mph in 2nd gear, on practically a blind bend in a residential 30 zone with little kids walking to school close by.

I wanted to drag him out of the car and throw him against it and ... GRRRR!!

I managed to catch his number plate, and I took a picture of him on the wrong side of the road overtaking on the bend...I've been half temped to show it to the law..

  :-[


But there is the satisfaction of stopping them and giving them what for.

I am sure with something like you described you could do them for dangerous driving, so 3 points + £60 fine.

My pet hate is mobiles and no lights on when its dark, amazed at how many people don't put their lights on in poor conidtions or leave side lights on when full is required.

Good news from Hotel21 about petrol heads, i am sure it would be a bonus in the interview if u said "i love driving"....