Steroids in PSNI?? allowed?

billybob007

Hi, can anyone clarify the situation on steroids in the police, steroids are not illegal to use personally, so can they be used while in the psni, and will the drug tests pick them up or do they test for just recreational drugs?

Ethan321

Why do you use steroids? Are you a keen weight trainer?
My advice would be to forget about the steroids while you are in training, the emphasis is on cardio, i would say drop the steroids and get out and run some if you are concentrating only on weights.

goodcopbadcop

I dont think they will test for steroid use, not many people take them. I dont think they would be too happy about you having them though.. they are illegal

eroo

If it is steroids for weight training,then you are being incredibly foolish.Really really foolish.Just eat big and lift big etc etc.However if you need them for some valid medical reason,I'm sure the PSNI would allow it so long as you provide a doctors cert stating why you need them.

Again,why you may wish to use steroids for weight lifting is truly beyond me. . . .

goodcopbadcop

if you needed them for a medical reason, chances are you would not have passed the medical.

If you plan on bringing steroids into garnerville, just make sure you dont get caught, i would be pretty confident it would be the end of your career if you were.

smyff

is it a pee test or do they take blood. i hate needles. one thing that makes a big boy like me cry haha

goodcopbadcop

Far as Im aware its a hair sample

MrsGeneHunt

billybob007 wrote: »

Hi, can anyone clarify the situation on steroids in the police, steroids are not illegal to use personally, so can they be used while in the psni, and will the drug tests pick them up or do they test for just recreational drugs?

Only muppets use steroids.
Just get out there and do it naturally. The way (your) God and nature intended

eroo

goodcopbadcop wrote: »

i If you plan on bringing steroids into garnerville, just make sure you dont get caught, i would be pretty confident it would be the end of your career if you were.

Don't encourage it!:rolleyes:

smyff

well it has to be the bad cop side talking!

JVB

billybob. Please do me the favour of explaining why you take steroids. I recruit for the armed forces and steroids are not allowed whilst applying or when serving. I'll reserve judgement until you can give some more info to your situation.

billybob007

hi, thanks for reply, i dont take steroids, i train hard and am healthy, also ex marine. i would just like to know about this because i cant find if they are allowed or not, or wat exactly the drugs test actually test for! i never got tested in marines, but know a lot of guys taking the stuff.

If i was gonna take any it would be a mild form of steroid anyway, and im still undecided if i will go down this path.

cheers.

billybob007

all this chat and advice is great, really appreciate it. but can anyone answer the original thread? someone got close but didnt know for sure.

JVB

Being an ex marine you should be more than aware of the implications that surround steroids in the forces (and police for that matter.) I don't understand why you would consider taking them. You say you are fit and healthy, so why risk organ failure, violent behaviour and a small weener (sort of organ failure really!)
Seriously mate, don't do them. Short term gain is long term pain.

JVB

Copied from the Consensia website:

'Police Service of Northern Ireland - Substance Misuse Policy


Police Officers are involved in many high-risk activities and have high levels of contact and interaction with the public. As an employer PSNI is required to provide a safe working environment and safe systems of working for both employees and those who are not in their employment but with whom they come into contact. This includes ensuring that staff are fit to carry out their duties safely and effectively.


Given the growing problem with substance misuse within our society, PSNI recognise that this is a culture that has the potential to impact upon PSNI as an organisation. Misuse of any substance impairs judgement, slows reactions and increases the potential for risk of injury to staff and others. In addition the use of illicit substances provides increased opportunities for compromise through either coercion or inducement, leaving staff and PSNI vulnerable and bringing into question the integrity of individuals.

As a result PSNI is introducing a substance misuse policy which includes testing of biological material for history of use of substances listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Therefore, all successful applicants will be required to undergo a drug-screening test prior to being offered an appointment as a police trainee with PSNI. The biological material to be sampled as part of the pre-appointment process will usually be hair. Those who return a positive result will not be offered an appointment with the PSNI. This will not prevent applicants from applying for future recruitment programmes for PSNI when advertised.


Full details of the testing requirements and procedure will be provided to successful applicants prior to the test being carried out.'

It doesn't specify steroids or any other drugs individually, but are steroids not illegal?

JVB

Google is just the best. The following is an extract from www.talktofrank.com/drugs.aspx?id=170

Anabolic steroids are Class C drugs to be sold only by pharmacists with a doctor's prescription. It's legal to possess or import steroids as long as they're for personal use. But possession or importing with intent to supply (which includes giving them to friends) is illegal and could lead to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.

So they are not illegal if for personal use. However, I would imagine they are not allowed to be used by personnel serving in the police. Look at the risks on the Frank website and it should be fairly self explanatory.

goodcopbadcop

If you dont already use them, dont start, at least not whilst in training, I think 21 weeks without them wont be too hard.

My advice would be not to take them, you dont know how you might react to it or how it has been tested, most of these muscle enhancing drugs are imported from countries where laws are non existant.

Get caught with it and I was bet my life on it you will be out of a job.

billybob007

yeah thats the issue, they are not illegal for personal use, so how can they fire you. Im sure there is an appeal in there that they would lose. Anyway I wouldnt be taking them to get through garnerville as im nearly finished, and the PE has to accommodate girls, so most fellas shouldnt have an issue. You look at side affects of these drugs, there a re alot of different types out there, the big boy drugs have lots of side affects but there are also ones with a lot fewer side affects and offer different benefits. Eg. look at a steroid called anavar, compared to anadrol and testosterone, with t3. big differences.

Who knows....!

goodcopbadcop

Unless you are already an amazing athlete and are trying to break a world record or you are going to become a professional bodybuilder then why do you need to use steroids?

JVB

But my question still stands, 'why would you consider taking them?' I mean, if you're not into pro bodybuilding, what's wrong with a hard training programme, a controlled diet and maybe some high street supplements i.e whey protein etc? What are you hoping for with steroids?

jim2008

JVB wrote: »

But my question still stands, 'why would you consider taking them?' I mean, if you're not into pro bodybuilding, what's wrong with a hard training programme, a controlled diet and maybe some high street supplements i.e whey protein etc? What are you hoping for with steroids?

Why he would consider taking steroids is really his own business.He did ask a good question as i know a police officer who does take steroids so would be interesting to find out if you could lose your job over it?

billybob007

Jim, i like your style. i suppoose its no ones business if i want to try these. But let me say, i think there is such a stigma attached to steroids the majority of people would not even think about touching them. But with a little research you can see that all are not so bad, and i refer to anavar particualrly, they dont retain water, they dont aromatise so you dont need anti estrogen, they are a mild steroid, and a mild anabolic. they dont give you massive weight gain but more muscle hardness and strength. If they are not illegal and if you take them and have no side affects why not..... think about it why not, because of the stigma??

Also i hear the chants - healthy diet, good training program blah blah. Im very fit, and eat well, especially at g'ville, my training program is good, on whey protein, but you can only do so much. If you want serious gains you need supplements slightly stronger than whey protein and creatine.

Now i refer to mens health... bear with me... look at the fella on the front, as im sure you all do, then go inside and look at what his training is, and what he eats, i train more than that and eat as healthy.... and trust me they wouldnt let me near a cover of tv times never mind mens health. I would say that the majority of those cover models have taken steroids not to gain weight but to cut up and for muscle hardness. ie. different types of steroids, they are not all for getting MASSIVE.

My thinking is.. why try a mild form and see what results you get, now whats wrong with that, as long as you stay disciplined and not start stacking and taking massive doses. any side affects stop, i dont think your little winky pinky will shrivel up the second a pill hits ur lips.

anyway thats my thinking, JVB and all the rest shouting 'DONT TAKE THEM' if you could explain your supporting evidence behind this and what experience you have had and what training you do urselves. thanks

billybob

eroo

Well,I am on a split day training weights program(1 day upper,1 day lower body).I also eat a high calorie diet w/ lots of protein and carbs,with some fats.I also use Maximuscle Progain.I am currently on a weight gain/bulk up training program.However I do not use drugs to enhance my performance and results.

Gains you make with steroids aren't permanent I am told.Also,I believe it is much better for your body and mind to train your body without the use of performance drugs.

As regards it being none of our business as to whether or not,and why you use steroids . . . if you don't want to be asked,then don't go posting on a public forum stating that you want to know whether you can use performance enhancing drugs in a police training college!!

MrsGeneHunt

eroo wrote: »

As regards it being none of our business as to whether or not,and why you use steroids . . . if you don't want to be asked,then don't go posting on a public forum stating that you want to know whether you can use performance enhancing drugs in a police training college!!

Very good! What he said!

billybob007

If im asking if steroids are allowed in psni, it doesnt warrant anyone asking if im taking them does it...? so mr eroooo chillax.

eroo

billybob007 wrote: »

If im asking if steroids are allowed in psni, it doesnt warrant anyone asking if im taking them does it...? so mr eroooo chillax.

Well taking performance enhancing drugs that you could be jailed for if you are deemed to be selling,well . . I just think that is a little risky for an aspiring PSNI officer or any police officer.;)

Btw,I am always relaxed.I have had enough 'chill' from the weather this so-called summer!:D

billybob007

i honestly believe if it isnt illegal and you dont abuse it, then i dont see the issue, i havent taken them before and i dont know if i will, but i would like to see how dramatic the effects are on a milder anabolic. Go to steroid.com and look at effectiveness chart http://www.steroid.com/effect.php

eroo

billybob007 wrote: »

i honestly believe if it isnt illegal and you dont abuse it, then i dont see the issue, i havent taken them before and i dont know if i will, but i would like to see how dramatic the effects are on a milder anabolic. Go to steroid.com and look at effectiveness chart http://www.steroid.com/effect.php

Like anything in the weightlifting/fitness world . . . what may work for someone else,may not work for you!

billybob007

so you would never consider trying yourself sometime. If i ever do try ill give you an honest appraisal of how they affected me.

eroo

billybob007 wrote: »

so you would never consider trying yourself sometime. If i ever do try ill give you an honest appraisal of how they affected me.

No.Never.I train hard and match it with nutrition,I don't need much else except the determination to continue and reach my goals!

I'd still advise you not to try!

inspector71

billybob007 wrote: »

But let me say, i think there is such a stigma attached to steroids the majority of people would not even think about touching them.

billybob

Yeah there is a stigma attached, it's cheating.

billybob007

you see that is exactly my point inspector, you have been caught up in the stigma too much! how is it cheating if it is not illiegal to use and has minimum side affects and may actually have none, ie. anavar. NOTE: not anadrol and the like, for example you say it is cheating what is the difference between that and taking creatine, is that cheating, it has side affects, and its performance enhancing..... what is the difference? and especially if your not competing in any sports, which is when i would agree with you that it is cheating. get over the stigma.

regtgunner

During my time in the forces I knew several lads who were on roids. They tried several variations, from dianabol for bulking up fast to the mild ones like anavar.
They said anavar was very effective with no side effects at all, even with higher dosages and gave them hard muscle gains that they didn't lose when they stopped taking it.
Also anavar is prescribed to burns victims and HIV patients in order to stop muscle wastage and help to rebuild muscles.
I assume that there has got to be some police officers who use them but it's a risk when your in that type of job. It's down to each individual if they think it's worth the risk!

JVB

jim2008 wrote: »

Why he would consider taking steroids is really his own business.He did ask a good question as i know a police officer who does take steroids so would be interesting to find out if you could lose your job over it?

You're right, it is his own business; but asking such a question on a discussion board for potential police officers is bound to start a debate.

But then if I ask him why he would consider taking them is really my own business too :rolleyes: Realistically, that's having an opinion about my opinion. Not that I really mind

JVB

billybob007 wrote: »

... Now i refer to mens health... bear with me... look at the fella on the front, as im sure you all do, then go inside and look at what his training is, and what he eats, i train more than that and eat as healthy.... and trust me they wouldnt let me near a cover of tv times never mind mens health. I would say that the majority of those cover models have taken steroids not to gain weight but to cut up and for muscle hardness. ie. different types of steroids, they are not all for getting MASSIVE.

... JVB and all the rest shouting 'DONT TAKE THEM' if you could explain your supporting evidence behind this and what experience you have had and what training you do urselves. thanks

billybob

Billybob. I personally know one of last year’s finalists for the Mens Health Cover Model competition (he made the last 12) and he doesn't take steroids. I promise you. Preparing for such an event is gruelling and it takes 100% commitment with knowledge of far more than basic nutrition required. Something I could never achieve because a) I too will never have the body for that due to my weakness for chinese and alcohol :eek:and b) I don't have the face either :P

I do train 4-5 times per week but my biggest problem is consistency. I get to a point where I am seeing real improvements and then work duffs up my routine or I head off on holiday etc. There will always be somebody in the gym with a better physique than you. This is life. And they probably don't have one

The reason I would not recommend taking steroids is simply because you don't need them. Any professional person within the health industry would advise against them too. Now I say the health industry and not body building because you yourself said you weren't considering taking them for body building purposes. People got big long before steroids came along. And there are 'clean' body building contests held for those who are anti-steroids. These guys are a living examples that good training and good nutrition works.

However, I do accept that steroids do have a stigma attached and are deemed socially unacceptable because of such. But it is your body at the end of the day. I just feel morally obligated to voice my concerns about them.

I think that psni would be best served answering your original question as he is a serving officer and may know the current regulation.

goodcopbadcop

billybob007 wrote: »

you see that is exactly my point inspector, you have been caught up in the stigma too much! how is it cheating if it is not illiegal to use and has minimum side affects and may actually have none, ie. anavar. NOTE: not anadrol and the like, for example you say it is cheating what is the difference between that and taking creatine, is that cheating, it has side affects, and its performance enhancing..... what is the difference? and especially if your not competing in any sports, which is when i would agree with you that it is cheating. get over the stigma.

Creatine is found naturally in alot of foods, and is essential for life, without it you would not be able to move, so to compare taking creatine supplements to taking anabolic steroids is stupidity.

Drugs alter your bodies natural hormone production and send it places it isnt intended to go, it also can shut down or slow down your natural testosterone production which means once you come off the drugs you may lose some testosterone production.

I agree with you in some respects, the side effects of steroid use is hyped up too much, but still, you dont know for sure what you are putting into yourself or how you might react to it.

I been training for 5 years drug free, and I know guys who do take drugs and Im still stronger and have got a much better set of abs. it all comes down to how much effort you put in.

if someone takes drugs that entirely their choice, as a police officer, its not a good thing to get caught up in or be involved with. Like others have said, you dont seem to have any reason to take it.

Zzoop

Ok, now that we're clear where we stand with steriods.. I'd like to know if hemorroids are allowed in the PSNI?

Ba dum dum tish.

Sorry. Pointless comment. Ignore.

PapaYankeeGirl

you're a right pain in the A$$ arent you??

Ba dum dum dah!!!

Zzoop

LOL!

PapaYankeeGirl

Cover me with cheese cause im a cracker.

Penis Eye

ahh go on billybob do it. u no u want. no one here will judge u. honestly.

Maura2145

Penis Eye wrote: »

ahh go on billybob do it. u no u want. no one here will judge u. honestly.

Lol! definitely not. no judgements made on this forum ever!

Penis Eye

Maura2145 wrote: »

Lol! definitely not. no judgements made on this forum ever!

what gives you the right to say that. how dare you! lol

kris777

JVB wrote: »

Google is just the best. The following is an extract from www.talktofrank.com/drugs.aspx?id=170

Anabolic steroids are Class C drugs to be sold only by pharmacists with a doctor's prescription. It's legal to possess or import steroids as long as they're for personal use. But possession or importing with intent to supply (which includes giving them to friends) is illegal and could lead to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.

So they are not illegal if for personal use. However, I would imagine they are not allowed to be used by personnel serving in the police. Look at the risks on the Frank website and it should be fairly self explanatory.

Finally sombody talking a little bit of sense appose to others writing up opinions. Spot on the money mate as far as law goes. Theres a difference in steroid use... and steroid abuse.. im sure half the guys who commented on the side affects and harmfull possibilities it could have smoke or drink alcohol.. same difference really.. but well not get into that.
On same note.. if its a grey area id be inclined to give it a miss on throughout ur application and testing process

Sthm

Class C Schedule II substance - it is legal for possession and use provided that it is pharmaceutical grade. Most guys are taking underground laboratory stuff, which is not legal for possession.

To test all applicants for hormone panels / AAS would cost a fortune and a lot of time.

J.0

Sthm wrote: »

Class C Schedule II substance - it is legal for possession and use provided that it is pharmaceutical grade. Most guys are taking underground laboratory stuff, which is not legal for possession.

To test all applicants for hormone panels / AAS would cost a fortune and a lot of time.

PSNI are requesting a six month drug screen and will more than likely cover steroids in my opinion. Anything that is likely to impair or affect your ability/temperament is a no-no for any safety related role, especially those involving the use of firearms.

Sthm

J.0 wrote: »

PSNI are requesting a six month drug screen and will more than likely cover steroids in my opinion. Anything that is likely to impair or affect your ability/temperament is a no-no for any safety related role, especially those involving the use of firearms.

The likelihood of testing for performance enhancing drugs is slim to none. Narcotics and some drugs athletes take closely linked to amphetamines, yes.

It's far too expensive to test everyone for something that isn't even illegal.

J.0

I'm sorry but I don't agree at all with that point. Drugs testing is not expensive in the slightest compared to what it was 10 years ago. A home testing kit for most amphetamines can be picked up for next to nothing. The Armed forces test on a regular basis for the full spectrum of drugs, as do other armed units - why should the PSNI or its recruitment procedures be any different?

Sthm

J.0 wrote: »

I'm sorry but I don't agree at all with that point. Drugs testing is not expensive in the slightest compared to what it was 10 years ago. A home testing kit for most amphetamines can be picked up for next to nothing. The Armed forces test on a regular basis for the full spectrum of drugs, as do other armed units - why should the PSNI or its recruitment procedures be any different?

Testing for metabolites of PEDs is expensive. Testing for illegal recreational drugs is not expensive.

The armed forces do not carry out routine bloods for PEDs. Random testing on someone suspected of using and that's it.

gigity gigity

They will ask you at the medical if you have been taking x, y or z anyway so you would be best to bring it to their attention at that stage.

I was of the opinion that it was a three month test not six, I stand to be corrected but in either case it doesn't affect me in the slightest.

topcatcbr

They are taking a sample of hair. Why do you thing this is ?