PSNI Recruitment - Stage 5 - I'm in!

PapaYankeeGirl · 02-08-2008 6:34pm

All the best to everyone starting Garnerville tomorrow, especially the lads from the night out:D

MrsGeneHunt · 02-08-2008 7:24pm

PapaYankeeGirl wrote: »

All the best to everyone starting Garnerville tomorrow, especially the lads from the night out:D

^^^ what she said!:D

given1 · 04-08-2008 10:29pm

bit belated but all the best to the boys from thurs nyt who are starting garnerville, hope yous have a good time, enjoy yourselfs and hear back from yous soon enough!! same to anyone else who started on sunday!

MAKEPEACE · 05-08-2008 9:26am

Hi everyone,
Was just wondering how long after the call people got packs. I got call on Thurs and hope our postman hasn't sent it to someone else.

SFMCC · 05-08-2008 10:20am

MAKEPEACE wrote: »

Hi everyone,
Was just wondering how long after the call people got packs. I got call on Thurs and hope our postman hasn't sent it to someone else.

Hi Makepeace
I got the call on a Monday and the pack arrived the thursday.
SFMCC

MAKEPEACE · 05-08-2008 10:28am

Thanks for the info. With the weekend and all I should probably expect it in the next day or two.

I wonder how everyone is getting on at the minute at the hotel. I have really stepped up the training. I was playing the wii recently and my arm was aching for a couple of days so I thought right less running more strengthening!

SFMCC · 05-08-2008 3:21pm

I'm still trying to run 3 miles without collapsing

Haven't done any running in a long time but at least I have another 4 weeks.:)
SFMCC

MAKEPEACE wrote: »

Thanks for the info. With the weekend and all I should probably expect it in the next day or two. I wonder how everyone is getting on at the minute at the hotel. I have really stepped up the training. I was playing the wii recently and my arm was aching for a couple of days so I thought right less running more strengthening!

MAKEPEACE · 05-08-2008 3:37pm

I'm not too bad at long distance but sprinting is tough. I think I overdid it at the weekend :eek: because I feel like I have a stitch when I walk. Hot bath, hot water bottle and hot basin for the feet! Although the wii fit said I had perfect bmi and the fitness of my exact age so I was chuffed (my fella who is 29 had the fitness of a 48 year old so no more bacon butties for him).

soozb82 · 07-08-2008 9:13am

Well folks, looks like I'm in in Sept! Have kept my mouth shut about it as it really was the shock of my life and caught me off guard! I am slightly more nervous than excited now, just can't win!!

Also I didn't get a phone call, just got my pack in the post which was a bit strange! Didn't have any missed calls or anything!

MAKEPEACE · 07-08-2008 10:08am

Well done! That is great news. It will be a big change so don't feel worried about being a little nervous. Keep in mind why you went for it and remember that you have just made a major achievement! Chuffed for you

:D:D:D.

MrsGeneHunt · 07-08-2008 10:27am

soozb82 wrote: »

Well folks, looks like I'm in in Sept! Have kept my mouth shut about it as it really was the shock of my life and caught me off guard! I am slightly more nervous than excited now, just can't win!!

Also I didn't get a phone call, just got my pack in the post which was a bit strange! Didn't have any missed calls or anything!

Congratulations and best of luck!

Be prepared for hard slog, the august lads have been texting- they finished last night at ten oclock....it aint no picnic!!!

soozb82 · 07-08-2008 10:34am

MrsGeneHunt wrote: »

Congratulations and best of luck!

Be prepared for hard slog, the august lads have been texting- they finished last night at ten oclock....it aint no picnic!!!

Thanks a lot! I am fine with long hours, I'd rather be busy than bored! But my big concern is the PE! I have improved my fitness a lot, but think for this next month I am going to get a programme in the gym to really focus on the right areas...so can anyone point me in the right direction for a post covering this?? Or even if anyone could tell me what they think the main areas I should focus on are? Obviously running (ugh) is a major part, but aside from that......

Thanks for all the posts everybody, I've kept pretty quiet but have been sneakily reading away this whole time ha ha!!

MrsGeneHunt · 07-08-2008 10:41am

soozb82 wrote: »

Thanks a lot! I am fine with long hours, I'd rather be busy than bored! But my big concern is the PE! I have improved my fitness a lot, but think for this next month I am going to get a programme in the gym to really focus on the right areas...so can anyone point me in the right direction for a post covering this?? Or even if anyone could tell me what they think the main areas I should focus on are? Obviously running (ugh) is a major part, but aside from that......

Thanks for all the posts everybody, I've kept pretty quiet but have been sneakily reading away this whole time ha ha!!

Fitness wise, head onto the girld thread and search for posts by JVB, he knows his stuff and he is fit as a butchers dog, we've met him and I can only say, Oh.My.God.

soozb82 · 07-08-2008 10:46am

I bet I'll be getting that reaction this time next month too - not!! Thanks a lot!

Fiacmar · 08-08-2008 11:19am

Got the pack, I'm in!!! Been a helluva wait... Didn't post in ages but have been watching from the wings, so thanks to all fellow boardsies, and espicially PSNI for encouragment and info!
Best of luck to those of you still waiting, from both campaigns, its a swine of a long process but worth it when you get the letter, so keep the head up!

SFMCC · 08-08-2008 12:38pm

Well done Fiacmar, see you in september
SFMCC

alanbelfast · 08-08-2008 6:57pm

On the fitness side

If any of you boardsies are of small stature or not very strong in the upper body, then I would suggest to get pumping the iron.
People ARE failing in Hotel G'ville for not being able to complete the PCA (push pull) in particular. You only get 2 chances to do it peeps so get cracking.

Alan

New Recruit · 08-08-2008 9:00pm

alanbelfast wrote: »

On the fitness side

If any of you boardsies are of small stature or not very strong in the upper body, then I would suggest to get pumping the iron.
People ARE failing in Hotel G'ville for not being able to complete the PCA (push pull) in particular. You only get 2 chances to do it peeps so get cracking.

Alan

What was the PE sessions like Alan? What is the time frame/make-up of a PE session?

Just want to make sure I am doing the right sort of training!

Wanalaugh · 09-08-2008 1:32am

Hi new recruit....
The PE wasnt bad at all. They got Alan to lay down in the middle of the gym and we all ran around him, he was like a mini roundabout.....
Only kiddin guys.

I'll get ye back Alan. 2 - 0 so far, but we have another 20 weeks + lol

Good crack all the same matey.

Oh, back to the PE. As Alan has said, they are failing people here guys for the PCA and the push pull. If there are any lightly made up peeps out there, get the wheatabix in ya and pump the iron lol

"Start of level 1 Beep!!!!!!!!!" :eek:
The dreaded beep test.

wanalaugh

MAKEPEACE · 09-08-2008 9:53am

What is the best thing to do for push-pull? Rowing machine? Weights? Is there anywhere to find a push-pull machine to know what to expect and train for it? I'm not panicking about pe at all by the way :eek:.

alanbelfast · 09-08-2008 10:37am

MAKEPEACE wrote: »

What is the best thing to do for push-pull? Rowing machine? Weights? Is there anywhere to find a push-pull machine to know what to expect and train for it? I'm not panicking about pe at all by the way :eek:.

Hi

I would suggest doing bench presses, bicep curls, lateral lifts etc. Rowing is always an excellent form of working every part of the body(and also an exercise i detest lol).
If your in the gym, try find machines that work the upper body a lot. I am not saying to forget about the legs. They form an integral part of the push pull as there is a rocking motion involved which uses the legs.

In short.........Get as fit and as strong as you can. Take it seriously people. I honestly was not worried about the strength aspect of it but trust me, It is a big thing.

MAKEPEACE · 09-08-2008 2:20pm

Thaks alanbelfast. I have always been so skint I haven't joined the gym and instead put my trainers on and run and run. My BMI and general fitness are good, balance very good but I will work on the strength in my arms now to make sure this push pull thing doesn't hold me back. I've been doing (economical) wall press ups are they rubbish? Find normal ones hard as my back will not stay straight.

MrsGeneHunt · 09-08-2008 2:22pm

Fiacmar wrote: »

Got the pack, I'm in!!! Been a helluva wait... Didn't post in ages but have been watching from the wings, so thanks to all fellow boardsies, and espicially PSNI for encouragment and info!
Best of luck to those of you still waiting, from both campaigns, its a swine of a long process but worth it when you get the letter, so keep the head up!

Well done mate and best of luck!

New Recruit · 09-08-2008 6:08pm

Wanalaugh wrote: »

Hi new recruit....
The PE wasnt bad at all. They got Alan to lay down in the middle of the gym and we all ran around him, he was like a mini roundabout.....
Only kiddin guys.

I'll get ye back Alan. 2 - 0 so far, but we have another 20 weeks + lol

Good crack all the same matey.

Oh, back to the PE. As Alan has said, they are failing people here guys for the PCA and the push pull. If there are any lightly made up peeps out there, get the wheatabix in ya and pump the iron lol

"Start of level 1 Beep!!!!!!!!!" :eek:
The dreaded beep test.

wanalaugh

Strength shouldn't be a problem for me..It's more the fitness..

I did a bleep test with the football team a couple of months back and scored 99, How would that fare?

Wanalaugh · 09-08-2008 11:01pm

New recruit.....
The bleep test we did was levels 1 to 20. Most of us got between 7 and 10. They want you to get to level 4 or 6. Anyone below that are deemed as being below standard. The main thing is that you pass the PCA and the push pull. Ive done a load of talking to different people ref the fitness levels required. The most common message that came back was, not to over do the fitness and maybe cause yourself an injury. Im gona wait until I do the PCA next week and see if i pass or not. If i pass, then i'll maintain my level and not go mad etc etc.

wanalaugh

Wanalaugh · 09-08-2008 11:07pm

Well guys, as Alan has said we are back from the first week...and what a first week its been.
The beginning of the week started with;
"Oh my goodness what the hell have i done"
and the end of the week ended with
"And who do you give your resignation to!"
LOL only kiddin. The beginning of the week was tough. Its hard to adjust from your life of freedom to a life of being told what to do and being stuck behind a big high green fence. But trust me guys, its worth it. The first week has been hard and long, but its been a good experience. The course has chnaged and looks harder than its ever been before and as you guys will hear.....they will have no hesitation in escorting you to the gates should you fail a resit or fail the fitness. If the effort is put in, you will pass, as we have been told.
Im just glad to have had the first week completed.

For all those waiting to start.....go for it and give it your best shot. And dont give up, the Sunday is a pain in the butt, however its well worth it. All the trainers are good and know their stuff and have a bit of crack on the way through. Give them the respect their due and do exactly what they tell you, and you'll be fine.

wanalaugh

New Recruit · 10-08-2008 9:04am

99 is level 11-12 on the Bleep test, so I should be grand. Some guys on our football team where doing level 20:eek:.. I'll keep working over the next 4 weeks anyway...Level 4 is fairly easy, most people should be able to do that fairly easily..

Why do they set the standard so low?

regtgunner · 10-08-2008 10:55am

Level 20! :eek: :eek:

That must be one hell of a football team, thought it was only the likes of the profesionals who reached that level.
Wonder if JVB will back me up on this, during my time in the infantry I never saw anyone reach level 20. The best i've got is level 16. JVB, you ever seen a PTI get level 20??
The fitness level seems pretty low, would have thought running would be a useful part of the job.
For a male in the forces level 9.10 is the minimum, so levels 4-6 is just a gentle jog!
I can relax and fill myself full of pies mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

New Recruit · 10-08-2008 11:54am

The guy just kept running!! He is a fitness fanatic though and I think his final score was 172...He was sprinting at the end, I don't know how he did it, I was busted at 99 which is level 11..

brando08 · 10-08-2008 1:01pm

Everyone should try to be as fit as possible going in its one less thing to worry about. I would not worry to much about weight training as long as you can do around 60 push ups 10 to 15 pull ups and 15+ dips you will fly the test. As for running a good target would be 6 mile in 40 to 50 mins, and some sprint work once a week. Most people should be around them targets so you all will be fine.

belfastard · 10-08-2008 2:51pm

yeah i guess thats reasonable and not too much to ask for the role of a police officer

Wanalaugh · 10-08-2008 3:44pm

Guys, its good to be fit, but to calm down those who have just read your previous posts and are lying on the ground needing resusitated lol
The fitness levels you have described would be nice to have but not needed.
PCA 3mins 43secs
Push pull
Run 5k in 35mins(this is not a pass fail, but they do expect you to do this run without stopping).

So if your fairly fit you will pass. Most of your time will be spent preping your kit and studying, so doing some form of fitness 3 times a week will keep you at a level that should pass each test. As ive said people have went in, and went mad in the gym etc and caused themselves an injury, which in turn back squaded them. So nubies...be careful.

wanalaugh

brando08 · 10-08-2008 5:35pm

I dont think its much too ask for us all to reach these targets, and if we are at these targets everyone will pass much easier. Dont know about you guys but i wanted to pass the tests strong and not looking like i was about to have a heart attack. Since the public tax is paying our wages i think it is up to us all to give them the best possible police officers so for anyone starting who is not too fit i would start training as it is taken very seriously in here.

Wanalaugh · 10-08-2008 6:10pm

Good point brando.

Go for it guys and give the course you best shot.

As ive said, its not about "will i fail the course" its "how well will i do"...

Keep positive guys and put the effort in. Best of luck to all of you guys who are in training and to those of you who are soon to join us.

wanalaugh

egwene · 10-08-2008 11:57pm

sorry to go off topic here...

Could one of the guys from the august intake let me know if it's ok to bring a laptop with a USB broadband connection with you?

soozb82 · 11-08-2008 11:05am

Wanalaugh....how did you know I was doing that??! I have been working hard but it's mainly been trying to get my overall stamina and fitness up, haven't focused as much on strength at all! So I was just a little bit worried by the '60 press ups'!! I am getting a programme done in gym and am going to focus on the strength a bit (no, a lot) more!

Thanks for calming me down!!

MAKEPEACE · 11-08-2008 2:54pm

Yeah I was wondering if you can bring a mobile. I think I remember somebody already in saying you can only make one phonecall a night. Although that sounds like I may have deamed it after watching a cop movie "I want my phonecall..."

carlty888 · 12-08-2008 10:53am

I can't remember if this has been posted already, but for all those dreading the PCA..... here it is in all it's glory.

http://www.psni.police.uk/press/pca-test.wmv

redsurfer · 14-08-2008 3:19pm

carlty888 wrote: »

I can't remember if this has been posted already, but for all those dreading the PCA..... here it is in all it's glory.

http://www.psni.police.uk/press/pca-test.wmv

thanks carlty, it seen easy enough,:)

bet it different with the nervous going do :P

Wanalaugh · 15-08-2008 7:26pm

Guys, just back from our second week and things are still busy busy busy......there are loads of long days guys so prepare yourselves.
Just to answer a few questions...
You can bring a laptop, and there are conflicting stories about the dongle thingy for the internet. But if its locked away, then no one wil say anything. Defo bring a laptop with you if you have one. i found it good for doing the definitions and stuff.
The PCA is easy enough guys, there was only 1 or 2 of our guys failed it out of 52 people, and it was only by seconds. However do not underestimate how hard the PCA will be if you are unfit. You really need to get a good level of fitness up, and as its been said, you need to be running 3-4 miles without stopping and at a reasonable time. So get out there guys a do a load of runnin. Try doing sprints and stuff, and if you can get a copy of the bleep test, you might want to use it to get you fit or even test your fitness. They say that you need to be able to at least level 6. With regards to the push pull, for any wee people out there, get eatin and start doing the weights, its as simple as that.......
Apart from that guys, hope your all looking forward to joining the club....

wanalaugh

ps, right im only home and need to get stuck into my homework lol

bullslinebacker · 18-08-2008 2:01pm

Hi Guys and Gals,

This is my first post but iv been lurking for a while! I phoned vetting branch today and found out that i passed my vet. I have also passed my medical (admittedly on appeal) how long do you think i can expect to wait before i get any word about a start date? I understand i can still get the 'Dear John letter' but i am so keen to get word!!!

New Recruit · 18-08-2008 7:08pm

bullslinebacker wrote: »

Hi Guys and Gals,

This is my first post but iv been lurking for a while! I phoned vetting branch today and found out that i passed my vet. I have also passed my medical (admittedly on appeal) how long do you think i can expect to wait before i get any word about a start date? I understand i can still get the 'Dear John letter' but i am so keen to get word!!!

You should phone the Appointments dept. at Lisnasharragh, they should be able to let you know if you are in the running to be offered a place...

The fact that you have passed all the criteria means they will know your merit placing and should be in a position to tell you if you are likely to be offered. There can't be too many more intakes on C13 as C14 is coming to a head now too.

bullslinebacker · 18-08-2008 7:18pm

Yeah, i phoned them already they said that i may be offered a start in October, but you know how they are "we can neither confirm nor deny any information" etc etc. The reason it has taken so long is that i was initially failed on medical grounds as i had shoulder surgery a number of years ago and had to appeal. This was successful (i received a letter on the 5th of August)

MAKEPEACE · 20-08-2008 12:37pm

Does anyone knosw if you are allowed a phone in the Hotel?

MrsGeneHunt · 20-08-2008 1:25pm

MAKEPEACE wrote: »

Does anyone knosw if you are allowed a phone in the Hotel?

Yes you are. I'd assume you'd have to have them off or leave it in your locker during the day while at class tho

goodcopbadcop · 26-08-2008 5:16pm

Got the call for the october intake! anyone else in for it?

So delighted its unbelievabe

MrsGeneHunt · 26-08-2008 5:26pm

goodcopbadcop wrote: »

Got the call for the october intake! anyone else in for it?

So delighted its unbelievabe

Huge congrats!:D

goodcopbadcop · 26-08-2008 5:30pm

thanks mgh, good things come to those who wait i guess

the weird thing is that this last couple of months I havent really been bothered about it that much, Kind of gave up hope and started to forget about it almost, then get a phone call out of the blue.

carlty888 · 26-08-2008 5:40pm

Congratulations man. Both on getting in and on surviving the wait.

Well done.

New Recruit · 26-08-2008 5:40pm

Many congratulations...Look forward to seeing you at the Hotel:cool:

PSNI Recruitment - Stage 5 - I'm in!

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