Life in the PSNI?

TheCub · 11-10-2016 3:34pm

Delightscience wrote: »

TheCub wrote: »

So in terms of pay. After graduation base salary springs up to circa 22,500 plus NITA of 3000 gives a nice starting package of around 25,500.

How much potentially would one make through overtime in a policing area not Belfast or Londonderry?

Don't forget to take 13% off your 22,500 towards your pension but the 3000 is tax free.

Good to know the 3000 isn't taxable.
Would love to know what the potential additional earning from overtime are.

Musketeer4 · 11-10-2016 3:40pm

How does having a mixture protestant/catholic officers work in practice?
Do protestant officers get assigned to protestant areas and catholic officers to catholic areas?
I would tend to think that asking opposite officers to police oppositely religioned communities would be a recipie for disaster. Are there problems this way?

Are the officers from there cliquey and prefer to work and associate only with other officers from their own side of the community?

Ponderosa2016 · 11-10-2016 6:48pm

Get a life!

Psni26 · 11-10-2016 7:09pm

You are there to protect and serve the public from crime irrespective of religion. Policing communities by assigning officers on what religion they are to avoid a 'recipe for disaster' is wrong on so many levels.

Homer01 · 11-10-2016 7:27pm

Musketeer4 wrote: »

How does having a mixture protestant/catholic officers work in practice?
Do protestant officers get assigned to protestant areas and catholic officers to catholic areas?
I would tend to think that asking opposite officers to police oppositely religioned communities would be a recipie for disaster. Are there problems this way?

Are the officers from there cliquey and prefer to work and associate only with other officers from their own side of the community?

Are you being serious?
I'm guessing you have no interest in a policing career and just wish to stir the pot.

They are just different religions not different species. How do you think the rest of the planet work with each other?

Think you need to get out more maybe read a book or two.

majgreen · 12-10-2016 9:05pm

TheCub wrote: »

So in terms of pay. After graduation base salary springs up to circa 22,500 plus NITA of 3000 gives a nice starting package of around 25,500.

How much potentially would one make through overtime in a policing area not Belfast or Londonderry?

Overtime in general is pretty high. I'm in the city so it is different but each district has its own events and problem areas etc which needs constant monitoring. Frankly there aren't enough officers in response without the use of overtime to manage these events, so you'll get plenty of it wherever you go. Unfortunately it isn't exactly optional so, as I tell myself and my incredibly understanding partner, think of the money!

TheCub · 14-10-2016 3:18pm

majgreen wrote: »

TheCub wrote: »

So in terms of pay. After graduation base salary springs up to circa 22,500 plus NITA of 3000 gives a nice starting package of around 25,500.

How much potentially would one make through overtime in a policing area not Belfast or Londonderry?

Overtime in general is pretty high. I'm in the city so it is different but each district has its own events and problem areas etc which needs constant monitoring. Frankly there aren't enough officers in response without the use of overtime to manage these events, so you'll get plenty of it wherever you go. Unfortunately it isn't exactly optional so, as I tell myself and my incredibly understanding partner, think of the money!

Thanks Majgreen.
Whats promotion opportunities like?

majgreen · 14-10-2016 3:24pm

You have to do 3 years service before you can look to move to specialist units/departments. Sgts exam comes up quite often too for those that would be interested, but you really have to know your stuff

Homer01 · 14-10-2016 6:44pm

majgreen wrote: »

You have to do 3 years service before you can look to move to specialist units/departments. Sgts exam comes up quite often too for those that would be interested, but you really have to know your stuff

Would I be right in saying there are more Sgts than there are Sgt positions?

majgreen · 14-10-2016 6:46pm

Transfers and promotions work on a merit list like regular recruitment. There will always be a cut off point unfortunately

Homer01 · 14-10-2016 6:55pm

Thanks Maj. If I get in I'd much prefer to get experience across as many areas as possible before even considering moving up

TheCub · 23-11-2016 7:26pm

A random question for serving officers.

Is it routine to carry your firearm of duty?

If so do the pros outweigh the cons?

majgreen · 23-11-2016 7:28pm

TheCub wrote: »

A random question for serving officers.

Is it routine to carry your firearm of duty?

If so do the pros outweigh the cons?

GV will teach you that its best to take it home but its personal choice. I know plenty who don't but personally I always do. I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Make sure you get a safe if you do take it home with you.

TheCub · 23-11-2016 7:48pm

majgreen wrote: »

TheCub wrote: »

A random question for serving officers.

Is it routine to carry your firearm of duty?

If so do the pros outweigh the cons?

GV will teach you that its best to take it home but its personal choice. I know plenty who don't but personally I always do. I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Make sure you get a safe if you do take it home with you.

Thanks. Would it be normal then to have it with you when your out and about off duty? Is there certain places you'd feel that it's better to have it than not.

majgreen · 23-11-2016 7:50pm

It would be up to you to justify. I generally don't unless I'm going into my area of work where I might be recognised.

dollasign · 23-11-2016 9:12pm

TheCub wrote: »

Thanks. Would it be normal then to have it with you when your out and about off duty? Is there certain places you'd feel that it's better to have it than not.

Personal choice, As above some carry it religiously anywhere and others dont even bother taking it home.

TheCub · 28-11-2016 1:15pm

Interesting post on PSNI Craigavon's page regarding carrying firearms....

majgreen · 28-11-2016 10:19pm

TheCub wrote: »

Interesting post on PSNI Craigavon's page regarding carrying firearms....

It shocks me that people are still surprised police are armed and have rifles for routine patrols!

Banterbus28 · 06-12-2016 9:47pm

How do you guys find home life in the job? Relationship with significant other, kids etc?

Homeward · 07-12-2016 4:51am

A few queries I'm hoping serving officers can help me with...

I am currently a serving officer with another force. I am looking to come home and police my own country.

Is there anyone on here that has recently went through this? If so, how has the transition been? (Everything from back to college, to consideration of time served, Pay, Probation length)

This may divide opinion but where are the best areas to work? (I know this is a generalised question but the general consensus plus your own opinion(s) is what I am looking for).

I've spoken to a PSNI officer that transferred here and it was suggested that North Belfast would be a good area...

Is it possible to get in contact with frontline officers when I travel home to get their take on things, one officer to another, not the shiny shiny recruitment and PR side of things. (I understand the logistics of this and security implications, but it would be me calling to a station, warrant card and lanyard to speak with officer or officers).

majgreen · 07-12-2016 12:38pm

Homeward wrote: »

A few queries I'm hoping serving officers can help me with...

I am currently a serving officer with another force. I am looking to come home and police my own country.

Is there anyone on here that has recently went through this? If so, how has the transition been? (Everything from back to college, to consideration of time served, Pay, Probation length)

This may divide opinion but where are the best areas to work? (I know this is a generalised question but the general consensus plus your own opinion(s) is what I am looking for).

I've spoken to a PSNI officer that transferred here and it was suggested that North Belfast would be a good area...

Is it possible to get in contact with frontline officers when I travel home to get their take on things, one officer to another, not the shiny shiny recruitment and PR side of things. (I understand the logistics of this and security implications, but it would be me calling to a station, warrant card and lanyard to speak with officer or officers).

Hi Homeward. I didn't transfer but I know many officers who have. From what I've heard from them it was a good process. They've kept their pension and wage and have fitted right in. Previously you could do a transferee course approx 8 weeks long however I understand that has been removed. This means applying as a new constable and going through all the processes in which you will get no favourable treatment - you will be seen as a new recruit throughout. However once you complete your 23 week training course you do not have to complete a probationary period. Most of your training carries over too - driving, stinger, intoxilyser etc

In terms of where to work, well every officer will have their own opinion. Personally I would want to work in North Belfast but that's just me. Although not as experienced im happy to discuss with you via PM if you have any other questions or queries about the job here

majgreen · 07-12-2016 12:42pm

Banterbus28 wrote: »

How do you guys find home life in the job? Relationship with significant other, kids etc?

In all honesty, it's very difficult. Shifts, overtime and the general exhaustion make it hard to be motivated on rest days to be family orientated, but it's a personal choice to choose to be active with your family whenever you can.

Homeward · 07-12-2016 11:31pm

Cheers Majgreen.

Currently going through the process and looking forward to it.

Apprehensive about going back to training and living that life again, but if I've done it once I'll do it again!

alphaquebec4 · 08-12-2016 6:32pm

Homeward wrote: »

Cheers Majgreen.

Currently going through the process and looking forward to it.

Apprehensive about going back to training and living that life again, but if I've done it once I'll do it again!

Hey Homeward im also a serving officer on the mainland. Waiting on getting back myself, on the waiting list now for GV, mid 60s. Feel free if you wana pm me we can liaise together on the transition .

Im looking forward to getting back home to mate

Homeward · 09-12-2016 4:42am

Hey Homeward im also a serving officer on the mainland. Waiting on getting back myself, on the waiting list now for GV, mid 60s. Feel free if you wana pm me we can liaise together on the transition .

Im looking forward to getting back home to mate[/quote]

Sounds good mate, just in the middle of a set of shifts the now so sleeping pattern up the left!

We may well be in the same intake, should that day come.

C3POPO · 09-12-2016 2:45pm

Hi, Alphaquebec4 and Homeward, this FoI has some policy info for officers transferring - thought it might be of interest:

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/358161/response/876756/attach/html/3/F%202016%2001250%20FOI%20Response.pdf.html

alphaquebec4 · 09-12-2016 3:09pm

C3POPO wrote: »

Hi, Alphaquebec4 and Homeward, this FoI has some policy info for officers transferring - thought it might be of interest:

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/358161/response/876756/attach/html/3/F%202016%2001250%20FOI%20Response.pdf.html

Cheers C3POPO. Thats a nice wee read for us.

Goonerdee · 12-12-2016 12:52pm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-38284147

Are we crazy for wanting to join, maybe being crazy helps.

mkelly123 · 12-12-2016 10:28pm

I am waiting on the call.

I have put my life on hold the last near 2 years for this job. Been a lot of arguments between me and the wife.. Not arguments as such but difference in opinion.

Mainly down to having to leave our house that we built near 2 years ago for safety reasons and it's not safe here for us. I would worry about my family while I was away on shifts etc. Long story short it is to close to republican areas and police is not welcome Round them parts at all.

Do the police give advice or help with re location?

I think my wife never expected me to get this far tbh. And now she knows it's for happening and safety is a big aspect for me, my Main priority is knowing she is safe as I can protect myself.

I have always wanted this job and nothing would put me off doing it. Been working in car sales now for 4 years doing 60+ hours a week and been making a really good living. I will be taking a paycut by over half for my first 4-5 years I say, but I'm looking to the long term future for my career pension etc,

majgreen · 12-12-2016 10:34pm

mkelly123 wrote: »

I am waiting on the call.

I have out my life on hold the last near 2 years for this job. Been a lot of arguments between me and the wife.. Not arguments as such but difference in opinion.

Mainly down to having to leave our house that we built near 2 years ago for safety reasons and it's not safe here for us. I would worry about my family while I was away on shifts etc. Long story short it is to close to republican areas and police is not welcome Round them parts at all.

Do the police give advice or help with re location?

I think my wife never expected me to get this far tbh. And now she knows it's for happening and safety is a big aspect for me, my Main priority is knowing she is safe as I can protect myself.

I have always wanted this job and nothing would put me off doing it. Been working in car sales now for 4 years doing 60+ hours a week and been making a really good living. I will be taking a paycut by over half for my first 4-5 years I say, but I'm looking to the long term future for my career pension etc,

Yes, someone will be able to give you advice but to be honest you seem pretty clued up already and realistically it's safer to move. Someone in the Intelligence Unit will already have checked your area (all addresses are vetted) and I'm sure if there are major concerns someone will pull you aside in GV to speak about it. Otherwise if you are worried speak with DIU yourself and they are more than happy to help. They offered me plenty of advice 6 months ago when I needed to move house and stopped me from moving into a house I thought was safe enough!

Safety should always come first. The risk is foremost to you rather than your family but it's better to be safe than sorry, unfortunately this is the world we still live in and the threat is very real

Tackleberry1 · 13-12-2016 12:20am

majgreen wrote: »

mkelly123 wrote: »

I am waiting on the call.

I have out my life on hold the last near 2 years for this job. Been a lot of arguments between me and the wife.. Not arguments as such but difference in opinion.

Mainly down to having to leave our house that we built near 2 years ago for safety reasons and it's not safe here for us. I would worry about my family while I was away on shifts etc. Long story short it is to close to republican areas and police is not welcome Round them parts at all.

Do the police give advice or help with re location?

I think my wife never expected me to get this far tbh. And now she knows it's for happening and safety is a big aspect for me, my Main priority is knowing she is safe as I can protect myself.

I have always wanted this job and nothing would put me off doing it. Been working in car sales now for 4 years doing 60+ hours a week and been making a really good living. I will be taking a paycut by over half for my first 4-5 years I say, but I'm looking to the long term future for my career pension etc,

Yes, someone will be able to give you advice but to be honest you seem pretty clued up already and realistically it's safer to move. Someone in the Intelligence Unit will already have checked your area (all addresses are vetted) and I'm sure if there are major concerns someone will pull you aside in GV to speak about it. Otherwise if you are worried speak with DIU yourself and they are more than happy to help. They offered me plenty of advice 6 months ago when I needed to move house and stopped me from moving into a house I thought was safe enough!

Safety should always come first. The risk is foremost to you rather than your family but it's better to be safe than sorry, unfortunately this is the world we still live in and the threat is very real

Who are DIU? I'm in the same position as mkelly although I'm actually in the process of buying a house right at this minute and trying to get it sorted before I'm offered a place. Would be good to speak to someone that can give me advice on the area... I'm thinking, mixed area, one way in and out, not on the main roadway or front of an estate, security doors, alarm etc

Banterbus28 · 13-12-2016 12:42am

Ring 101 ask to speak to soneone in HR and they will find you the right person to talk to. Don't overthink and get paranoid. There will be someone who will 100% give you the advice you need.

Juat explain everything and they will have your back. They will talk you through the home security part of your query. Remember you are not alone, and never will be.

Banterbus28 · 13-12-2016 12:48am

And dont be afraid to ask a question, for fear of sounding stupid. The only stupid question is the one that isn't asked.

Tackleberry1 · 13-12-2016 8:05am

Banterbus28 wrote: »

Ring 101 ask to speak to soneone in HR and they will find you the right person to talk to. Don't overthink and get paranoid. There will be someone who will 100% give you the advice you need.

Juat explain everything and they will have your back. They will talk you through the home security part of your query. Remember you are not alone, and never will be.

Very reassuring banterbus! Thank you.

majgreen · 13-12-2016 10:33am

Tackleberry1;101950233
Who are DIU? I'm in the same position as mkelly although I'm actually in the process of buying a house right at this minute and trying to get it sorted before I'm offered a place. Would be good to speak to someone that can give me advice on the area... I'm thinking, mixed area, one way in and out, not on the main roadway or front of an estate, security doors, alarm etc

They are the intelligence unit. Speak with recruitment/HR if you aren't already in GV. The advice they give/who they put you in touch with might be different until you're in the door but at the very least someone can give you basic home and personal security advice. If you're looking at buying id advise waiting until you know your station. Nothing worse than buying a house and getting stationed the other side of the country!

Tackleberry1 · 13-12-2016 12:02pm

I'll definitely give them a call later, unfortunately I can't wait due to issues getting a mortgage but I don't mind travelling.... YET!

Thanks again for the help

SneakyBeaky · 13-12-2016 3:06pm

Mkelly123

I can relate, I'm currently working as a doctor and many of my family think I'm mad for wanting to shift careers.

It's something I've wanted for years and think now is the right time for me. Fortunately I know a few people who have done exactly what I'm doing and have said they made the right move!

Psni26 · 13-12-2016 6:16pm

Could someone give me some advice, I am due to start in January and still living in the same location stated in my vetting etc however I will be moving to a different location after the new year, would this be an issue changing addresses especially as we have had to already pick districts so early.

majgreen · 13-12-2016 9:44pm

Psni26 wrote: »

Could someone give me some advice, I am due to start in January and still living in the same location stated in my vetting etc however I will be moving to a different location after the new year, would this be an issue changing addresses especially as we have had to already pick districts so early.

No, just let them know you are moving so they can update their records

Psni26 · 13-12-2016 9:58pm

Thanks majgreen

TheCub · 23-01-2017 11:38am

Rural vs Urban policing...

Is there any major differences in day to day work and how things are done?

majgreen · 23-01-2017 11:49am

The way you deal with calls shouldn't vary, it's all based on service procedures etc however the difference will be the volume of calls you attend. I've had colleagues in Ballymena attend 4 calls through the space of 4 night shifts, whereas in South Belfast each call sign could expect to attend anywhere between 5-15 calls a night! All depends on the time of year and what's happening...

Each area is different but obviously the cities tend to be busier and you'll attend a huge variety of calls in one shift. From alarms to domestics to assaults to road traffic. Keeps you on your toes

Clanman889 · 24-01-2017 4:22pm

With today's announcement of the NIFRS recruiting I thought it'd be interesting to see what people recognise the main lifestyle differences to be, aside from the obvious increased security threat facing our police officers. How do you imagine the appeal of one vs the other?

Homer01 · 24-01-2017 4:48pm

Clanman889 wrote: »

With today's announcement of the NIFRS recruiting I thought it'd be interesting to see what people recognise the main lifestyle differences to be, aside from the obvious increased security threat facing our police officers. How do you imagine the appeal of one vs the other?

Getting to sleep on nightshift would be one. Also getting paid to maintain fitness. I'm guessing they finish their shifts bang on time too. They also get to pose for all those calendars

Personally I see it as a completely different profession. Yes part of the emergency services and while many skills overlap between police and fire there are also huge differences. For example fitness is more important in fire service and dealing with people is more important in the police.

I would be more inclined towards the ambulance service but the career path is long and not well paid. Probably why they are on their knees every weekend

Clanman889 · 24-01-2017 4:54pm

I imagine you'd see much more carnage on a regular basis in the fire service. Road traffic collisions would be very hands on for the fire service, cutting people out of cars etc. A lot of downtime is probably the main draw. A drawback would maybe be salary nowhere near as competitive down the line I'd guess but could be wrong there.

takodah · 25-01-2017 11:02am

Clanman889 wrote: »

I imagine you'd see much more carnage on a regular basis in the fire service. Road traffic collisions would be very hands on for the fire service, cutting people out of cars etc. A lot of downtime is probably the main draw. A drawback would maybe be salary nowhere near as competitive down the line I'd guess but could be wrong there.

I read on the site 22k starting to 29k at the lowest level.

majgreen · 25-01-2017 12:01pm

Clanman889 wrote: »

I imagine you'd see much more carnage on a regular basis in the fire service. Road traffic collisions would be very hands on for the fire service, cutting people out of cars etc. A lot of downtime is probably the main draw. A drawback would maybe be salary nowhere near as competitive down the line I'd guess but could be wrong there.

I don't think that would be necessarily true. Police are often first on scene for a lot of incidents. RTC's, house fires, sudden deaths, assaults.... When you're first on scene you have to be hands on and give first aid etc without the equipment that the fire service has. Both demanding professions and different in their own ways

Homer01 · 21-02-2017 12:16pm

When you are allocated your station is that where will you'll be for the next two years?

Or will you move around the district/country as per operational need?

majgreen · 21-02-2017 12:24pm

You'll stay in the same station during probation. Most posts for other departments can't be applied for until 3 years of service. Only other way to move station would be a transfer request

Homer01 · 21-02-2017 12:41pm

majgreen wrote: »

You'll stay in the same station during probation. Most posts for other departments can't be applied for until 3 years of service. Only other way to move station would be a transfer request

Thanks as always maj!

That's what I was hoping. I'd prefer to stay in the one spot to learn the ropes. Too many folk seem to want to be a dog handler or firearms as soon as they're in. Learn to crawl before entering the Olympics:)

Life in the PSNI?

Comments