General Thread

1967J

Gee-22 wrote: »

Do you think any further intakes from C16 was discussed at Thursday's police board meeting?*

Would like to think so, given what is going on at the moment re the threat issue, but as one of the C16 waiting on a call to start I may be biased lol

sharan

mmmmmmm News stating dissedents wont give up...worrying

Goonerdee

sharan wrote: »

mmmmmmm News stating dissedents wont give up...worrying

Yeah, talking to a policeman friend the other day and he doesn't think Ronan Kerr will be the last. I told him I prayed the public reaction would change that and he said it has made no difference. I told him it hadn't put me off, in fact it made me more determined to ensure I will have an application form filled the first day a new recruitment campaign begins.

1967J

Go on tell me - SID Selection Induction Day ?????? Hopefully things like this will strengthen the case for a further intake

Whilst I understand it may take unfortunate events like this to actually happen before it actually hits home to some people just how dangerous an occupation it can be, I firmly believe it should be something that should be properly thought through by anybody long before they even get the chance to accept the almighty call.
Anyways, it's looking like it's shaping up to be a busy summer for the PSNI, those extra £mills are definately going to come in useful if things keep up at the rate they are at the minute.

Gee-22

Student induction day.

Just seen this and thought I'd put it up for anybody who might not have seen it.

Timeline of dissident activity since March 2009 -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-10866072

I think it's an important read for anybody wanting to join the PSNI as it just highlights the extent of the threat from a relatively small group of people. I find as time goes by you forget and don't realise how many separate events there have acually been.

gigity gigity

Deleted User wrote: »

Just seen this and thought I'd put it up for anybody who might not have seen it.

Timeline of dissident activity since March 2009 -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-10866072

I think it's an important read for anybody wanting to join the PSNI as it just highlights the extent of the threat from a relatively small group of people. I find as time goes by you forget and don't realise how many separate events there have acually been.

Yeah read that before its quite disturbing. Was readig the telegraph the other night and there was a comment from a PSNI officer basically saying that the PSNI should be more honest with the public about the dissidents and not to expect us to believe they need millions to deal with a "handfull" of people.Think he/she is right.

1967J

Gee-22 wrote: »

Student induction day.

Thanks for that - obvious really I suppose

TangoVictor

Folks,

I hope this isn't taken the wrong way and I would like to make clear from the outset that I am not intending to "jump on the band wagon" so to speak in relation to recent events. However, I am confident that those who have paid with their lives would at the very least expect those of us whom they have served to speak up. There are those in the service who 'speak up' every time they put on a uniform and walk our streets protecting and preserving life and property; a common goal those of us on these fora share. But we all as 'civies' have a part play, an equal responsibility. Police have a presence and we all take heed when we see them passing on the road - but be under no illusion - the police work for us; the public. They cannot do it without our support. The more support we show them the more powerful their presence is and therefore the more effective they become. Speak up to your local MLA/MP, express your concern(s) and take an active interest in DPP meetings. I look forward to the next recruitment campaign where I can once again offer my services, but until then I will do my utmost to ensure that the police that serve me and my family can do so without hindrance.

I am fortunate to work and socialise alongside a number of retired and current PSNI/RUC officers from rank of Constable to Inspector, people who I can consider friends regardless of what happened 30 years ago. When you hear stories of the things some of these men and women have been through one really becomes ashamed of our past. Northern Ireland is a beautiful country, and I see more of it than most, but it is disappointing to learn our country is not associated with the many good things we posses but rather our bitter past. Let's keep it in the past. Do not misunderestimate the service we can give back.

sorry for the ramble!

-tv

cesc77

Can I conduct a straw poll.How many on here would feel nervous if they had got into the PSNI and their neighbours were aware of what they were doing for a living?

weepete

cesc77 wrote: »

Can I conduct a straw poll.How many on here would feel nervous if they had got into the PSNI and their neighbours were aware of what they were doing for a living?

Where i live now i would not be nervous, cautious but not nervous, as for my current work collegues, if i get in i will be changing my mobile number, etc. A few, mostly customers would take exception and the owners family is steeped in activity from the troubles! its bad enough being the odd one out, religously speaking at work.

Goonerdee

cesc77 wrote: »

Can I conduct a straw poll.How many on here would feel nervous if they had got into the PSNI and their neighbours were aware of what they were doing for a living?

It would be my parent's neighbours I would be more worried about finding out, me I have no ties to a particular area, I'd be up and away, but they are stuck where they are.

1967J

cesc77 wrote: »

Can I conduct a straw poll.How many on here would feel nervous if they had got into the PSNI and their neighbours were aware of what they were doing for a living?

Not nervous about were I live, but I would still be keeping it fairly quiet as to what I do

Gee-22

cesc77 wrote: »

Can I conduct a straw poll.How many on here would feel nervous if they had got into the PSNI and their neighbours were aware of what they were doing for a living?

I wouldnt want anyone outside my close family and friends to know. Always better to be safe, than sorry.

Just one I wouldn't like knowing, not because of any sinister reasons... just because they are ****s, and some of their kids don't keep the greatest company. Other than that no, the rest are all good people who respect and appreciate the police. Still wouldn't be broadcasting it though! And a few people in work I would feel a tad uncomfortable if they knew...should that day ever come :rolleyes:

cesc77

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEvZBKwvE0k

edit..sorry..shameless seamus!!funny...sue me!

cesc77

Something has been bothering me for a while.

We have developed from grunting,knuckle-draggers for millenia and have always found a way to live on.We find ways of surviving through the tiniest advances.

Where is the technological advantage in the last 40 years?

In this day and age,we still have people in sensitive areas who are eliminated using pretty prehistoric methods.Someone is ****ing up somewhere(excuse the language but sometimes its necessary)

Im not privy to all of the security measures used but they are obviously inadequate.Mirror on a stick,in public view?My god.

Primitive.

Scandalous that our government allows this to exist.

Rant over

cesc77

cesc77 wrote: »

In this day and age,we still have people in sensitive areas who are eliminated using pretty prehistoric methods.Someone is ****ing up somewhere(excuse the language but sometimes its necessary)

Im not privy to all of the security measures used but they are obviously inadequate.Mirror on a stick,in public view?My god.

Primitive.

Scandalous that our government allows this to exist.

Rant over

I've often wondered about how police officers check under their cars myself. If a police officer is to check underneath his/her car daily for their own safety, how can you possibly keep your occupation secret from those around you who you may not want knowing? I know if I noticed a neighbour of mine regularly checking beneath their car I would automatically be thinking police officer...

We may all like to think that we know our neighbours and ideally they wouldn't be people who use/pass on such information to people who do these things, but you can never be certain on these things. As discrete as you can be about it, it's bound to get noticed at some point. Where I live anyway you can't scratch your arse without someone noticing you!

weepete

Deleted User wrote: »

I've often wondered about how police officers check under their cars myself. If a police officer is to check underneath his/her car daily for their own safety, how can you possibly keep your occupation secret from those around you who you may not want knowing? I know if I noticed a neighbour of mine regularly checking beneath their car I would automatically be thinking police officer...

We may all like to think that we know our neighbours and ideally they wouldn't be people who use/pass on such information to people who do these things, but you can never be certain on these things. As discrete as you can be about it, it's bound to get noticed at some point. Where I live anyway you can't scratch your arse without someone noticing you!

I know quiet a few serving and ex service men from police, army and prison officers, and they still to this day take precautions, two ex service men in particular, one "accidentily" drops his keys and has a wee look under the car when he bends down to pick them up, he would also have a small "baton" shaped object attached to his keys which he is very good at using on you especially if you try and grad his hands from behind, trust me i know! The other one has what appears to be a nice woven bit if rope on his keys but it's all in the way he carries the keys and it'll give you quiet a slap if needs be.

I'd class myself as a very "tactically aware" person i like to know the lay of the land and whats around me if i need it use it, and would like to think that there are classes in such skills taught in garnerville, like for example a good open handed slap is just as good as a closed fisted punch and has the advantage of not breakin ur fingers if you need to use your ppw. All these little things could save your life one day and bring you home safe.

Gee-22

Northern Ireland's taxpayers are funding a police overtime bill of £1m per week.

The figure has been obtained through a freedom of information request.
In the first eight weeks of this year, the total spent on overtime was £8m, an average of almost £1,100 per officer.
Police have said this is partly down to the dissident threat, and with more security alerts and bombings recently, this figure could go up.

http://www.u.tv/News/PSNI-overtime-costs-£1m-per-week/864cce67-8515-41c3-a75e-4a971c37e696

mal4893

Is it just me or would more officers not be a cheaper sulition? I have a good idea where they could get 2 or 300 hundred!!!

Delancey

mal4893 wrote: »

Is it just me or would more officers not be a cheaper sulition? I have a good idea where they could get 2 or 300 hundred!!!

On the surface mal it does seem to make sense to employ more officers as opposed to lashing out on overtime.
Having said that it has to be remembered a ' hidden ' cost to increased recruitment is that of pensions which can prove very costly in the long term , what seems to make sense now could simply be imposing a very big liability 20 or 30 years down the road.

The Full Time Reserve were employed on 3 year contracts , the abolition of the FTR has removed a certain degree of flexibility in terms of manpower planning.
Were the PSNI to increase numbers to , say , 8,500 the question remains as to what would happen in the ( hopeful ) event of full ' normality ' returning , in these circumstances the Police would be overmanned by most standards.

1967J

Delancey wrote: »

On the surface mal it does seem to make sense to employ more officers as opposed to lashing out on overtime.
Having said that it has to be remembered a ' hidden ' cost to increased recruitment is that of pensions which can prove very costly in the long term , what seems to make sense now could simply be imposing a very big liability 20 or 30 years down the road.

The Full Time Reserve were employed on 3 year contracts , the abolition of the FTR has removed a certain degree of flexibility in terms of manpower planning.
Were the PSNI to increase numbers to , say , 8,500 the question remains as to what would happen in the ( hopeful ) event of full ' normality ' returning , in these circumstances the Police would be overmanned by most standards.

Totally agree with what you are saying but I would have thought that someone up on high in the HR department would be able to prepare a forecast for over the next 5/10 years outlining what numbers will be leaving though natural retirement in order to allow numbers to bolstered in the short term.

Not to appear negative, I personally believe that there will always be muppets over here to run it for the majority

Gee-22

The PSNI are using “spin” to deflect attention from the lack of manpower and experience in the organisation, a serving officer has claimed.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/officers-lsquoashamedrsquo-over-psni-newry-bomb-alert-response-15141668.html

Delancey

Thanks for that Gee , yeah I did think the handling of the van bomb was , ahem , ' surprising '.
I note with disappointment another Telegraph article where Martin McGuinness says Constable Ronan Kerr (R.I.P) voted Sinn Fein , comments that at best could be described as unhelpful and inappropriate in my opinion.

Gee-22

Its interesting to note that the guys on the street feel they are short of manpower/numbers.

Its a shame that they dont make decisions.:o

BoutYe

Deleted User wrote: »

I've often wondered about how police officers check under their cars myself. If a police officer is to check underneath his/her car daily for their own safety, how can you possibly keep your occupation secret from those around you who you may not want knowing? I know if I noticed a neighbour of mine regularly checking beneath their car I would automatically be thinking police officer...

We may all like to think that we know our neighbours and ideally they wouldn't be people who use/pass on such information to people who do these things, but you can never be certain on these things. As discrete as you can be about it, it's bound to get noticed at some point. Where I live anyway you can't scratch your arse without someone noticing you!

I check under my car everyday before it is moved for the first time. If people see me do it then so be it. I'd rather look and find the bomb than not and get blown up.

Gee-22

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-13130192

Delancey

Thanks Gee , the last paragraph suggesting that the next target has already been chosen makes for chilling reading .