Would you Join the PSNI?

PK2008 · 04-04-2011 12:09AM

whycliff wrote: »

I'm going with a girl from Omagh and have been the last number of years.

We live together down south together and I have wanted to join the Gardai for the last 3 or 4 years but with the recruitment ban i cannot.

We haven't ruled out living up the North at some stage together in the future and I would have considered joining the PSNI if i was to move North.

The latest happening north of the border would cause one to rethink, would it completely deter you?

I have plenty of Catholic friends from the North who would love to join the PSNI also by the way.

So you want to fight crime/uphold justice but only as long as its not dangerous?

I think you need to rethink your reasons for wanting to join the thin blue line

Lord Trollington · 04-04-2011 09:32AM

PK2008 wrote: »

So you want to fight crime/uphold justice but only as long as its not dangerous?

I think you need to rethink your reasons for wanting to join the thin blue line

I dont think that comment could be any more stupid if it tried.

Bosco boy · 04-04-2011 10:10AM

Faith+1 wrote: »

Christ No. I'd rather lie in gutter than take a wage from them.

Off to the gutter so, you'll probally meet Ronan Kerrs killers there! If you want to join any police force you have to accept the risks, there's an excellent relationship between the gardai and psni and it's highly probable that they will merge in time.

Predator_ · 04-04-2011 10:38AM

karlog wrote: »

I wouldn't join the PSNI, i'd join the British army though.

are you British?

Coriolanus · 04-04-2011 10:44AM

I'd never be a cop of qny nationality tbh. I'd have a pain in my hole dealing with árseholes like me all the time. :pac:

kraggy · 04-04-2011 11:32AM

Sofiztikated wrote: »

First off, stop all this bolox of bringing religion/sectarianism into it.

Join them if you want to, leave religion at the door.

Nailz wrote: »

Mmm... Let me think — Because it's a thing of the past?! Get over it.

Ridiculous statements. And the religion issue is not a thing of the past. What happened at the weekend is testimony to that. It's a genuine danger being a Catholic in the PSNI nowadays.

My name is URL wrote: »

Are you a practising catholic or do you only consider yourself one because that's what you were born into? I really don't see why it should be a deciding factor in whether or not you join the police force. It's the PSNI.. people who do join, know what to expect and what the threats are.

Doesn't really matter whether or not the OP is practising or not. If he's from the Republic, and known by the dissidents to be so, he'll be assumed to be a Catholic and potentially killed or injured.

Anyone on here saying that religion is irrelevant when thinking about whether or not to join the PSNI, then just ask the mother and siblings of Ronan Kerr if it was irrelevant to his murder.

Penfailed · 04-04-2011 12:52PM

whycliff wrote: »

Is it only protestants in other civil servant jobs up north or are catholics in the Police force the only ones targeted?

Any member of the security forces seems to be a 'legitimate target' apparently

fran17 wrote: »

but as a catholic in the psni i would'nt be expecting too many promotions either

How do you draw that conclusion?

alex73 wrote: »

They actually have a 50:50 ratio recruitment from both communities.

They used to have. That was knocked on the head last week.

mariebeth · 04-04-2011 05:29PM

I wouldn't join the PSNI, but then again I would have no interest in being a member of the Garda Siochana either.

Sofiztikated · 04-04-2011 05:39PM

kraggy wrote: »

Ridiculous statements. And the religion issue is not a thing of the past. What happened at the weekend is testimony to that. It's a genuine danger being a Catholic in the PSNI nowadays.

Doesn't really matter whether or not the OP is practising or not. If he's from the Republic, and known by the dissidents to be so, he'll be assumed to be a Catholic and potentially killed or injured.

Anyone on here saying that religion is irrelevant when thinking about whether or not to join the PSNI, then just ask the mother and siblings of Ronan Kerr if it was irrelevant to his murder.

This scum are trying (and so it seems succeeding)to make it a problem. If everyone joined up, regardless of religion, and the PSNI were able to take the pick of the best, regardless of religion, and go out and catch the scum.

My complete and utter sympathies lie with the family left behind, and yes, the scum made their decision to target him on the basis of his perceived social background (which is I believe the term they use now.)

Honestly, yes being in the PSNI is getting ever more dangerous. But think of it like this. Which would there be a bit more satisfaction in, catholics leaving the PSNI, and it becoming a "war" between "republicans" and "protestants" again, or a multi denominational police force taking these scum out?

steddyeddy · 04-04-2011 06:03PM

Bosco boy wrote: »

Off to the gutter so, you'll probally meet Ronan Kerrs killers there! If you want to join any police force you have to accept the risks, there's an excellent relationship between the gardai and psni and it's highly probable that they will merge in time.

A lot of change would be required from both forces but it would be interesting to see happen.

starviewadams · 04-04-2011 06:14PM

I would if I could!

pablomakaveli · 04-04-2011 06:25PM

I wouldn't join but only because that job wouldn't interest me.

I do think if someone does want to join there no reason why they shouldn't regardless of religion or political beliefs.

I remember talking to a few lads from the north last year at army selection in the Curragh and they were telling me that it wouldn't be an option for them because they'd be worried about being murdered or their families being attacked because the RIRA were active in their area. One lad said he knew a guy who joined who was a Catholic and he no longer can live in his home town and has to visit home in secret.

It's a disgrace that a handful of idiots can have such a negative effect on peoples lives.

Celly Smunt · 04-04-2011 07:42PM

Savage Tyrant wrote: »

For me personally I couldn't yet consider the PSNI/RUC as a career (Not that it's an option for me anyway). Not enough progress has been made just yet from the dark sectarian days of the RUC and their collusion with Loyalist death squads.
)

to be honest,you probably couldn't consider much.

Savage Tyrant · 04-04-2011 07:51PM

pmcmahon wrote: »

to be honest,you probably couldn't consider much.

Elaborate please or move along...

cardwizzard · 04-04-2011 08:27PM

I'm a Catholic from the North. Personally i'd never join the cops up North. For some people like myself ,it takes a bit longer than changing a uniform and renaming them. I still believe there is a bad bunch in there.

Saying that I do respect and look at Catholics who join with a certain amount of respect. It does take time for things to change, and these guys are really the first wave. Plus as mentioned they will be a target for these groups, not seeing family when they want to etc. One lad who joined from my area, they planted a device under his Dads car in Derry, which is way over the line. Cops especially Catholic, have to realise that they are being targeted and will continue to be, it's the way it is at present. I'm not trying to condone or justify the reasoning, but understand it.

So no I wouldn't join. And my thoughts and prayers are with the young lad to died.

KeithAFC · 04-04-2011 08:50PM

Savage Tyrant wrote: »

For me personally I couldn't yet consider the PSNI/RUC as a career (Not that it's an option for me anyway). Not enough progress has been made just yet from the dark sectarian days of the RUC and their collusion with Loyalist death squads.
That being said, progress most definitely is being made and I could certainly see a day soon where the idea wouldn't be alien to me. If progress continues as it seems it will, I could support my son joining them. (An idea that would horrify me only a few short years ago)

Yeah, not much has changed at all from those days. Still get Loyalists and the RUC working together. You are 100% right. :rolleyes:

discus · 04-04-2011 09:35PM

Reading about PC Ronan Kerr joining the PSNI makes me feel like a coward for not being in the PSNI.

OutlawPete · 04-04-2011 09:39PM

Only if they had called themselves the Northern Ireland Police Service instead, as I couldn't resist having that acronym on my breast pocket.

Penfailed · 04-04-2011 09:47PM

OutlawPete wrote: »

Only if they had called themselves the Northern Ireland Police Force instead, as I couldn't resist having that acronym on my breast pocket.

NIPF?

OutlawPete · 04-04-2011 09:55PM

Remove the quote from you post and I'll give you €25

Penfailed · 04-04-2011 10:03PM

OutlawPete wrote: »

Remove the quote from you post and I'll give you €25

lol!

Locked Messed Monster · 04-04-2011 10:03PM

KeithAFC wrote: »

Yeah, not much has changed at all from those days. Still get Loyalists and the RUC working together. You are 100% right. :rolleyes:

wow.

What a way to read a post wrong. I'd say issues tbh. That was a honest open reply that you tainted much like those people still bombing in NI.

Can't you move on? You are a bit like them tbh

cardwizzard · 04-04-2011 10:12PM

Locked Messed Monster wrote: »

wow.

What a way to read a post wrong. I'd say issues tbh. That was a honest open reply that you tainted much like those people still bombing in NI.

Can't you move on? You are a bit like them tbh

100% agree with you. He has a warped way of thinking. The fact that collousion(spelling) DID happen, and went on for decades is hard to put to one side.

That he would be willing to let his son join if progress remains at the same rate, is IMO a million miles away from were a lot of people were even 5 years ago, so thats progress and openess.

kjl · 04-04-2011 10:14PM

ah, either way you will be a prick, so go for it.

KeithAFC · 04-04-2011 10:15PM

Locked Messed Monster wrote: »

wow.

What a way to read a post wrong. I'd say issues tbh. That was a honest open reply that you tainted much like those people still bombing in NI.

Can't you move on? You are a bit like them tbh

Aye mate. I am. Just have to learn how to make a bomb first or know how to shoot a gun. Oh and also join a paramilitary force and also then kill some one and then try to avoid justice. But i'll keep trying. :rolleyes:

Sensible posts would be nice.

Celly Smunt · 04-04-2011 10:23PM

Savage Tyrant wrote: »

Elaborate please or move along...

well to elaborate on your post i guess you just can't move along.

Adamisconfused · 04-04-2011 10:24PM

It's easy for people to say don't be deterred by such and such and follow your heart. Quite frankly, they don't have to lie on the ground checking under their car every morning or being wary of the motorbike pulling up alongside them at traffic lights. None of us have to worry about being careful of telling people what we do or walking through the door in the evening and wondering if anyone is waiting.
Joining the PSNI is not the same as joining the Gardaí. There is an ever present threat which, with few exceptions, you won't be under as a Garda.

The trouble in the north is far from being over and you'll have to spend years fearing for your life while off duty. It takes a brave person to accept the growing threat and carry on. Sure, don't be deterred, but make your choice based on all the facts. There are PSNI members on the forum as well so they might be able to add a few things. Perhaps, I'm being too paranoid. I'm just putting myself in their position and as a southerner I'd like to be able to head back home now and then. I wouldn't be able to carry a personal defence weapon south of the border and everyone in my home town will know what I do. It wouldn't be difficult for a murderer to be waiting for me one day.

Savage Tyrant · 04-04-2011 10:26PM

pmcmahon wrote: »

well to elaborate on your post i guess you just can't move along.

Eh, I'm pretty sure my post shows that I can move on. I hold an opinion now on the northern police service that would have been alien to me a few years ago. What part is not moving on?

Savage Tyrant · 04-04-2011 10:29PM

kjl wrote: »

ah, either way you will be a prick, so go for it.

Great contribution to the thread. Kudos to you sir.

cardwizzard · 04-04-2011 10:31PM

KeithAFC wrote: »

Aye mate. I am. Just have to learn how to make a bomb first or know how to shoot a gun. Oh and also join a paramilitary force and also then kill some one and then try to avoid justice. But i'll keep trying. :rolleyes:

Sensible posts would be nice.

So if you don't want to join the cops, thats wrong. Bitterness and a open mind would be nice Keith.

Hope this is sensible enough for your high standards.

Would you Join the PSNI?

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