PSNI - Questions and concerns in GV and the job

Probie_1kenobi · 06-06-2017 4:35am #1

Hi Guys! I was on here a while back and found it really helpful when I was going through the application process. I've been through GV and have been out in the big bad world for a good while now so thought I would come back on and try and return the favour to anyone out there by answering any questions or concern about, Garnerville, the real world or the application process itself. Fire away and I'll get back to you when I can!

jordansp21 · 06-06-2017 9:17am

Probie I sent you a question on private message cheers!

Pumba91 · 06-06-2017 11:51am

Just a few questions of the top of my head,

1) what are shift patterns like?

2) how likely are you to get a district you apply for and how many choices go you get?

3) is it worth the wait and the frustration of the application process?

Probie_1kenobi · 06-06-2017 12:05pm

It depends if you end up somewhere like Belfast, Londonderry/Derry or the country. I'll not give the exact times away for security reasons but you'll do a set of earlies, lates, get home safe (which is fist half of the night response duties followed by going around the pubs/clubs etc) and a set of night shifts. If you're sent somewhere really busy like Belfast or Londonderry/Derry then you'll get most of your days off and very little overtime. I find the earlies are the worst because I struggle to get to sleep and then to get up when the alarm goes off!

Well, they've changed things up now and you get you district as soon as you start which is a good thing because you have a bit idea of an idea of how far you'll have to travel. Every squad is different mate, where do you want to go to, which station?
Absolutely yes!!! It took me more than a few attempts shall we say to get this job and sticking with it and doing the process every time is 100% worth it. I genuinely love the job and I bet you will too! Stick at it! I think I was in the 1405 campaign and it was but on hold for 9 months due to budget cuts, so it took nearly 2 years from first applying to actually starting!!

Koph89 · 06-06-2017 2:10pm

Hi Probie!

Love the username. First time poster here, long-time lurker

I hope to apply for the next intake and just wondered how the reality of being an officer differed from your expectations? What's the best part of your job and the worst part that you struggle with?

What was the most challenging part of the application process for you? What are your colleagues like?

I've heard some people have tutors for the application process and wondered how necessary that might be...

I've applied to study social work but also want to apply to the police as I feel more drawn to it. I'm quite a gentle person so not sure if being a police officer would suit my nature but still eager to apply..

Anyway, thanks for starting this thread and for your generosity of spirit

Sophie

bangedtorights · 06-06-2017 3:21pm

Hi Sophie

I wouldn't worry about being a 'soft' person. I am a serving Officer across the water and it's not all about going to situations with all guns blazing. You will have skills and qualities that you can bring to the career and your colleagues will thank you for having them! All the very best with applying this year. I might see you at a recruitment stage :-)

Sorry for weighing into your discussion probie!

Probie_1kenobi · 06-06-2017 4:02pm

No dramas lol. What force are you currently with? I think it's a joke that you can't transfer over and do a shortened course.

bangedtorights · 06-06-2017 6:39pm

I'm with the big bad Met, mate.

ZXC53 · 06-06-2017 9:02pm

Hi guys, I'll be applying to the next campaign whilst still in college (if as stated on the website, recruitment opens in autum) and I'm perfectly aware this will probably go against me due to the lack of experience so I don't stand much chance but I want to apply anyway for the same reason as all of yous - it's the dream job - I'm about 5ft 8 and skinny despite best efforts to bulk out but, I'm determined and feel like my part time job at my local McDonalds in a rough area has given me scenarios to talk about in an application. I do have close relatives in the service but a second opinion would be great, is it worth getting some more experience before jumping straight in to the job and will my age, height and build go against me in any stages of the recruitment process - feel like I won't be taken seriously never mind on the streets of Belfast!! The length of the process would go in my favour here giving me time to work on these things but any advice would be great.

majgreen · 06-06-2017 10:22pm

ZXC53 wrote: »

Hi guys, I'll be applying to the next campaign whilst still in college (if as stated on the website, recruitment opens in autum) and I'm perfectly aware this will probably go against me due to the lack of experience so I don't stand much chance but I want to apply anyway for the same reason as all of yous - it's the dream job - I'm about 5ft 8 and skinny despite best efforts to bulk out but, I'm determined and feel like my part time job at my local McDonalds in a rough area has given me scenarios to talk about in an application. I do have close relatives in the service but a second opinion would be great, is it worth getting some more experience before jumping straight in to the job and will my age, height and build go against me in any stages of the recruitment process - feel like I won't be taken seriously never mind on the streets of Belfast!! The length of the process would go in my favour here giving me time to work on these things but any advice would be great.

Don't let any of that put you off! Some people won't get in first time for various reasons, but use it learn and develop from. There will always be something that someone will try to use against you, be it age, height, build, hell, I'm 25 and I'm already going grey. At the end of the day you're the one person someone will want to insult and they'll use whatever they can, so just learn to joke about it and you'll be grand

Probie_1kenobi · 06-06-2017 11:44pm

bangedtorights wrote: »

I'm with the big bad Met, mate.

Nice one mate, plenty of good experience then! You'll walk through Garnerville and pick up where you left off when you get out on the ground.

Probie_1kenobi · 06-06-2017 11:50pm

ZXC53 wrote: »

Hi guys, I'll be applying to the next campaign whilst still in college (if as stated on the website, recruitment opens in autum) and I'm perfectly aware this will probably go against me due to the lack of experience so I don't stand much chance but I want to apply anyway for the same reason as all of yous - it's the dream job - I'm about 5ft 8 and skinny despite best efforts to bulk out but, I'm determined and feel like my part time job at my local McDonalds in a rough area has given me scenarios to talk about in an application. I do have close relatives in the service but a second opinion would be great, is it worth getting some more experience before jumping straight in to the job and will my age, height and build go against me in any stages of the recruitment process - feel like I won't be taken seriously never mind on the streets of Belfast!! The length of the process would go in my favour here giving me time to work on these things but any advice would be great.

You don't need any experience for this job and 99% of people haven't been in a police service prior to joining so don't let that put you off. Also there was a whole different age range of folk in GV when I was there, people from 18 to about 52. Don't worry about height, there was few girls smaller than 5ft and one fella not far off it not that long ago either and thyre doing OK. The skinniest man you have ever seen in your life also made it out not that long ago if I remember tight too so don't be put off. The PTI's can give you advice on how to bulk up and chances are you while with the training you'll do there. You're not judged on your appearance, only your scores in the initial test and the AC!

Koph89 · 07-06-2017 9:02pm

Thank you Probie! Lots of useful stuff there

Just wondering how your work/life balance is? Do you get much down time? What's the most stressful part of the job? I have no obvious commitments at the moment like partner, kids, etc. but something I would like possibly down the line so wonder how much of your time is spent at work? I know it's definitely not a typical 9-5 job

What kind of skills did your training in GV teach you? How long were you with a more experienced officer on the beat?

At the minute I think my fitness would be the most challenging aspect of the application process but it's something I'm trying to work on.

Do you know are there are paths that being an officer can lead to down the line? I would like to be a detective down the line but wonder is there an opportunity to work with children or other vulnerable groups of society?

Banged to Rights - thank you! I Appreciate your input, I'm sure you have great experience that will help you lots in your application. Are you from here originally?

Thanks again

Sophie

majgreen · 07-06-2017 10:30pm

I've pm'ed you Koph

Koph89 · 07-06-2017 10:52pm

Thanks Majgreen, just replied.

Probie_1kenobi · 07-06-2017 11:05pm

My balance is quite good although I do like to work and get overtime as well. You can get rid of OT easily enough if you don't want it too. I find getting enquiries down in a shift while responding to calls trying to get statements of people or notebook interviews done as people are busy and so are you. I would sometimes call into my local station to catch up on emails and do a few short tasks or work on my PDP on my days off to stay on top of things as I like to do it but you don't have to or necessarily need to either.
You'll learn basic policing skills and your powers. The better your knowledge of what you can and can do, the better the peeler you'll be. I found I learnt a lot in GV but I'm still learning everyday even how to do basic forms or tasks on the computer systems but that being said 10 years in and you'll still not know everything. You should have whats called a probationary support officer (PSO) for about 10 weeks with you, someone who has a decent bit of experience and who'll keep you right. Everyone will help you so no need to worry about that. Unfortunately we dont really do beat patrol on foot, in vehicles 99.9 percent of the time.
I suggest you work on weights, sprints, sit ups, push ups, squats etc as you'll be doing plenty of these throughout GV. It's mainly all crossfit based. Get a PT if you can or if you're worried. There'll always be people fitter than you and people not as fit also, just put the effort in and you'll be grand.
There are so many different departments and roles you can join down the line including being a trainee investigator. These roles are advertised and you can go for them when you're signed out of probabtion after 2 years. Yeah, you have the Youth Diversion officer role who deals with children and offences committed by them etc and other units too.

Goonerdee · 08-06-2017 9:31am

Hi Probie

Excellent details you have given so far, my big worry is my age, I left school in the last millenium :-o. I am afraid of falling behind all the young pups in the fitness and learning. Do you know how the older ones coped? Are the tutors given time to deal with the different needs of students?

Probie_1kenobi · 08-06-2017 11:13am

Thank you, no worries at all. I found it really helpful on here so thought I'd try and help other folk out as best I can. Squads usually have a good mix of ages from 18 right though to people in their late 40s etc so don't worry. You can always teach an old dog new tricks and the fitness is hard regardless of age or capability, so just go in as fit as you can before you start to make it a bit easier and put the work into the PT sessions. By tutors do you mean trainers in GV? If so if you have any questions and can always aske them in class or after. You can also go to the trainers hut and ask them for help if needed.

bangedtorights · 08-06-2017 6:23pm

Banged to Rights - thank you! I Appreciate your input, I'm sure you have great experience that will help you lots in your application. Are you from here originally?

Yeah I am from Northern Ireland originally. Made the jump across the water a few years ago, to start my Policing Career. I am ready now to move home now. Yeah I could maybe write a good application, but it is those damm aptitude tests and the assessment centre which could be my downfall, haha. However I am ready to give it a go and submit my application in September and see what happens.

letsdoit2013 · 08-06-2017 6:29pm

Probie_1 just read over your posts they are a great insight bud thanks again! I'm currently in the waiting room having just missed out on the Sept intake offer so hope I'm in the one after that!

Probie_1kenobi · 08-06-2017 11:15pm

No worries chum. Any questions just fire away.

Bangedtorights, it's only like a 100 or so word on why you want to apply on the application and the rest is just standard details so don't worry about that. Try and google Deloitte style aptitude tests and have a crack to see how you get on. The AC is just about hitting the right boxes. Remember this for your AC.

ILEAPS

I - introduce yourself and explain why you're role
L - listen to the persons complaint or problem
E - empathise with them and their problem, sorry to hear that etc
A - Ask questions, 5WH, who what when where why how.
P - paraphrase everything that's been said to check your understanding
S - tel the person what you're going I do and how your going to sort the problem/investigation lines

I was told that before my AC and if you follow that you'll not go far wrong. Works with everything, basic customer service.

ZeGerman · 13-06-2017 12:05pm

Goonerdee wrote: »

Hi Probie

Excellent details you have given so far, my big worry is my age, I left school in the last millenium :-o. I am afraid of falling behind all the young pups in the fitness and learning. Do you know how the older ones coped? Are the tutors given time to deal with the different needs of students?

Gooner!

Great to see your still keen. Let's just say I hadn't sat an exam in over 20 years when I entered GV and I managed it ok. The pt staff are great and will give you loads of help if you ask.

Majgreen, 25? Really? Jesus is watching.

Koph89 · 15-06-2017 9:28am

That ILEAPS is really useful, thanks Probie!

shanevendrell · 13-07-2017 2:10pm

Been dying to know this for ages and it obviously only applies to the serving officers on here...

But have you yourself or ever heard of any officers performing an arrest off duty or even identified yourself as a police officer in a situation were it may have been warranted.

Just thinking if you seen someone knicking something in tesco

for example and store security hasn't spotted it do you turn a blind eye or step in...surely it's the latter?

majgreen · 13-07-2017 2:19pm

There are plenty of officers who do call in when off duty, however would rarely identify themselves as an officer off duty. It depends on whats happening, if theres a life at stake then obviously you naturally step in and help.

Pumba91 · 13-07-2017 8:47pm

Just a random question as it's that time of year, I used to be in the orange, joined when I was quite young. Do you have to declare if you are no longer in it? Or only if you are currently a member?

majgreen · 13-07-2017 8:48pm

I would still declare in your vetting that you used to be a part of it - transparency is key.

Pumba91 · 13-07-2017 8:53pm

They don't ask in vetting. I read somewhere that they ask about notifiable memberships though I think during training so just wondering if it's are a member or have you ever been one

majgreen · 13-07-2017 9:54pm

Yeah, they do ask. I cant remember when exactly, but declare it at your first opportunity. Doubt it will cause any issues but best to be up front about it

Banterbus28 · 21-07-2017 1:15pm

How strict are they reference tattoos and uniform ref. Hot weather?

majgreen · 21-07-2017 4:15pm

Entirely depends on your supervisors. Some don't mind tattoos on show, some have a zero tolerance policy and you'll be wearing long sleeves all year round

blue3790 · 18-08-2017 5:52pm

Hi Probie!
Was having a read there and this is all very useful stuff! I'm hoping to apply (2nd attempt) later this year, if all goes to plan and another recruitment process begins.. here's my questions:
1) How do you find the security side of the job off duty? Do your close friends etc know what you do? Would you ever find yourself on edge?? I'm not sure this would put me off, because its just part of what you sign up for but to what extent does it affect your life out of work?
2) Roughly how many days off do you have a week? And are all shifts 12 hours long?
3) If you were to go through Garnerville again would you recommend living up there or not after the compulsory period?
Thanks!

majgreen · 22-08-2017 6:56pm

blue3790 wrote: »

Hi Probie!
Was having a read there and this is all very useful stuff! I'm hoping to apply (2nd attempt) later this year, if all goes to plan and another recruitment process begins.. here's my questions:
1) How do you find the security side of the job off duty? Do your close friends etc know what you do? Would you ever find yourself on edge?? I'm not sure this would put me off, because its just part of what you sign up for but to what extent does it affect your life out of work?
2) Roughly how many days off do you have a week? And are all shifts 12 hours long?
3) If you were to go through Garnerville again would you recommend living up there or not after the compulsory period?
Thanks!

Hi Blue!
Security off the job should always be on your mind. Its when you stop worrying about it that you become complacent and something is more likely to happen. Does it mean you go everywhere looking over your shoulder, or second guessing every dodgey looking person? No, but it does mean that you have to be smart about who you talk to, what you disclose and obviously checking your vehicle. I told a very select few people i knew i could trust that i had joined the police, nowadays nearly everyone i used to work with knows because they've all seen me on duty. Its just the way it goes. Tell as few people as you have to, and have a good cover story for small talk and you'll be grand.
Days off will depend on your district and how much overtime you end up doing. In June i was touching nearly 90 hours of overtime (which is low compared to last year), which mean i was pretty much doing 6 days on, 1 day off. Not all shifts are 12 hours, they can range from 8 hours to 12+ depending on where you're stationed.
If i were to get to sample the fine life of GV again i would certainly live in for the compulsory period. After that it really depends how far away you live. I was maybe a half hour drive away so it really wasnt too bad. It just depends if you can focus at home with all the distractions. I never left until my fitness and work was completed, that way when i got home i could unwind!

Probie_1kenobi · 25-08-2017 9:27am

blue3790 wrote: »

Hi Probie!
Was having a read there and this is all very useful stuff! I'm hoping to apply (2nd attempt) later this year, if all goes to plan and another recruitment process begins.. here's my questions:
1) How do you find the security side of the job off duty? Do your close friends etc know what you do? Would you ever find yourself on edge?? I'm not sure this would put me off, because its just part of what you sign up for but to what extent does it affect your life out of work?
2) Roughly how many days off do you have a week? And are all shifts 12 hours long?
3) If you were to go through Garnerville again would you recommend living up there or not after the compulsory period?
Thanks!

Hiya mate, I realise Majorgreen has answered this but I'll give you my view also!

Thank you chum! I just try to help others out on here as people did for me before I got the call! I think there's another campaign talked about starting later this year, hopefully there will be as you can't have too many peelers!

1. You have to take your personal security seriously that's for sure as you don't know what could happen in this country. All my good friends know mainly because they knew I always wanted to be in the police and now I am. I've never seen any of my friends new or old while on duty and only seen 2 people max from my hometown when in uniform and I'm pretty sure both didn't recognise me. I would never find myself on edge as such no and wouldn't necessarily be looking over my shoulder but I would be one to carry my firearm off duty from time to time depending where I go and always have it on me leaving or entering the police estate. I would just make sure you don't work in the area you're from!!

2. You have a set rota and the shifts are varied to cover all 24hrs of the day as you can imagine, early, late, late plus and nights. 12 hour shifts don't typically happen anymore unless on overtime. I am a sucker for overtime as the wage as a probabtioner isn't great to me with bills to pay etc so doing an average of 75-100 hours in a month means I don't get that many days off maybe one a week one of thirst weeks maybe 2 depending. Depends on how much overtime you're booked in for and it does come and go.

3. I liked Garnerville, many didn't. I did live in for the most part and it definitely was best to get all your work and exercise done and to study too. As far as I'm aware there is no compulsory living in period anymore.

Oh btw, uppa peelers!! Lol

Probie_1kenobi · 25-08-2017 9:29am

Pumba91 wrote: »

Just a random question as it's that time of year, I used to be in the orange, joined when I was quite young. Do you have to declare if you are no longer in it? Or only if you are currently a member?

You declare it on the day you graduate and attest as a Constable. There's plenty of folk in the black and the orange so I wouldn't worry, just be honest!

Pumba91 · 25-08-2017 9:56am

Are you allowed to select the area you live in as an option?

How many hours is a shift typically?

Is there usually a lot of overtime?

Probie_1kenobi · 25-08-2017 8:42pm

Pumba91 wrote: »

Are you allowed to select the area you live in as an option?

How many hours is a shift typically?

Is there usually a lot of overtime?

You could put it down but I wouldn't recommend it. You could end up having someone rock up to your house just like you did to them when investigating something or worse. Plus certain elements might try and break in to get your gun as they're well sought after.

Shifts vary chum. 8,9,10 hours on earlies. 9,10,11 hours on late plus and 10 hours on nights roughly.

Overtime depends on your district. Go to Belfast and you'll be swimming in money like Scrooge mcduck lol. Only joking, good amount of overtime there for the taking in the city. Go to the country and you'll more than likely have next to none.

shanevendrell · 25-08-2017 9:29pm

Sorry for such a morbid question but how strict are you all with checking under the car?

Are you issued with anything that helps check? Do you only check every morning or say if you go to the gym regularly does it ever cross your mind to check under it then? What about the dark mornings when its lashing with rain etc...

Would love to hear some thoughts, live in an area where there has thankfully been a few failed attempts at under car bombs in recent years and would love something to put my mind at ease as tbh it is something I think about quite often.

Sydnor87 · 25-08-2017 9:53pm

shanevendrell wrote: »

Sorry for such a morbid question but how strict are you all with checking under the car?

Are you issued with anything that helps check? Do you only check every morning or say if you go to the gym regularly does it ever cross your mind to check under it then? What about the dark mornings when its lashing with rain etc...

Would love to hear some thoughts, live in an area where there has thankfully been a few failed attempts at under car bombs in recent years and would love something to put my mind at ease as tbh it is something I think about quite often.

I'm a prison officer and I check my car every morning I use it. I'm fortunate that I live in quite a quiet street and am usually up for work earlier than a lot of people so it's easy enough to give it a quick scan without drawing too much attention.
We were given a prayer mat and extendable mirror. I'm assuming the police will issue you with something similar. I'd recommend getting an extendable torch too.

Banterbus28 · 26-08-2017 2:29am

shanevendrell wrote: »

Sorry for such a morbid question but how strict are you all with checking under the car?

Are you issued with anything that helps check? Do you only check every morning or say if you go to the gym regularly does it ever cross your mind to check under it then? What about the dark mornings when its lashing with rain etc...

Would love to hear some thoughts, live in an area where there has thankfully been a few failed attempts at under car bombs in recent years and would love something to put my mind at ease as tbh it is something I think about quite often.

Make sure you know what the underside of your car looks like as well in order to spot anything that's not meant to be there. Also check your wheel arches.

majgreen · 26-08-2017 3:19am

We aren't issued with anything although you can buy a mirror if you wish. Personally I check my car every single time I get into it if it hasn't been in my full view since the last check. I'm not taking any risks and neither should anyone else.

blue3790 · 27-08-2017 4:16pm

Cheers fellas (or girls lol), both answers very useful and much appreciated ðŸ‘ðŸ».

scuba lad · 28-08-2017 11:17am

In regards to shifts.

How many Sat/Sun would you get off over a 8 week period?

Dont want exact shift patterns etc. Just an idea of what family time i would have.

Thanks in advance anyone!

majgreen · 28-08-2017 1:50pm

scuba lad wrote: »

In regards to shifts.

How many Sat/Sun would you get off over a 8 week period?

Dont want exact shift patterns etc. Just an idea of what family time i would have.

Thanks in advance anyone!

not many! Out of about 5/6 weeks you should have two weekends off but i couldnt honestly tell you the last time i had mine!

scuba lad · 28-08-2017 3:56pm

Really!!...something to take into consideration before commiting!

Homer01 · 29-08-2017 3:06pm

shanevendrell wrote: »

Sorry for such a morbid question but how strict are you all with checking under the car?

Are you issued with anything that helps check?

B&M do a telescopic LED inspection mirror for £2.99. Very small and subtle.

http://www.bmstores.co.uk/products/rolson-2-led-telescopic-inspection-mirror-307040

shanevendrell · 29-08-2017 5:44pm

That actually looks fantastic for the price - thanks Homer01.

I'm sure this will be answered in the information day but sure no harm in asking on here, do you start checking as soon as you start in GV or when you're passed out and a proper copper so to speak?

majgreen · 29-08-2017 5:46pm

shanevendrell wrote: »

That actually looks fantastic for the price - thanks Homer01.

I'm sure this will be answered in the information day but sure no harm in asking on here, do you start checking as soon as you start in GV or when you're passed out and a proper copper so to speak?

You'll want to start immediately. You're as much of a target as any serving police officer and you'll need to be aware of your surroundings when leaving Garnerville

Banterbus28 · 29-08-2017 11:32pm

Vary routes to and from GV etc

Banterbus28 · 29-08-2017 11:33pm

Vary arrival and departure times, i.e. stay to study/use gym or come early use gym etc

pandabear97 · 06-09-2017 8:48pm

Hi guys. Bit of a different request but I'm fond of the odd night out and was just wondering if it's discouraged ect. if you are a serving officer? Cheers

PSNI - Questions and concerns in GV and the job

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