Starting in Garnerville soon? Read this:

Tinfoilcap · 30-07-2015 10:24pm

Jalapeno peppers wrote: »

Should we be going for thick black socks or normal black socks?
I was going to get thick ones but bearing in mind we start in the summer its going to be warm and the thick ones might be too much...
What about taking normal ones and wearing 2 pairs if needs must?

I wear normal black ones with no issues, others wear thick ones. It's personal preference really but don't rush out and buy 5 thick pairs like I did. As long as you got the right size you should be fine with one pair of socks.

Jalapeno peppers · 30-07-2015 10:46pm

I'll probably just start with normal and see how I get on I can't see myself wearing big wooly socks in the summer!

KevBo2015 · 30-07-2015 11:12pm

Haha was thinking this myself, summer and all that uniform! Just hope everyone keeps on top of their personal hygiene lol.

How is everyone getting along with the preparation these days?

Jalapeno peppers · 30-07-2015 11:19pm

Going very well got everything I need except a few wee items I ordered from ebay- a clothes brush is seeming a hard thing to get a hold of :S

jwhdkl5736 · 31-07-2015 6:20am

Jalapeno peppers wrote: »

Going very well got everything I need except a few wee items I ordered from ebay- a clothes brush is seeming a hard thing to get a hold of :S

Tesco sell them on the haberdashery aisle end. They're usually facing checkouts, near the shoe polish and that.

Mop a top · 31-07-2015 11:22am

Jalapeno peppers wrote: »

Going very well got everything I need except a few wee items I ordered from ebay- a clothes brush is seeming a hard thing to get a hold of :S

If you're stuck use a damp rubber glove or wrap sticky tape round your hand sticky side out.

Tinfoilcap · 31-07-2015 5:40pm

Just get a lint roller and a few refills. It's the easiest thing to use!

DesertCreat_15 · 31-07-2015 6:22pm

A Lint roller will be your best mate in there!

.S. · 31-07-2015 7:41pm

DesertCreat_15 wrote: »

A Lint roller will be your best mate in there!

Good to see you checking in DC, hope alls going well!

KNIFEYSPOON · 09-09-2015 9:55am

Just received my verbal offer over the phone from the recruitment team, got my dates for both the induction weekend and actual training. Over the moon!!!

Catdog33 · 09-09-2015 10:11am

KNIFEYSPOON wrote: »

Just received my verbal offer over the phone from the recruitment team, got my dates for both the induction weekend and actual training. Over the moon!!!

Awesome well done!! Calls are going out then! Eek! what AC score did you get?

.S. · 09-09-2015 10:15am

Congrats knifey, see ya at induction!

KNIFEYSPOON · 09-09-2015 10:45am

Catdog33 wrote: »

Awesome well done!! Calls are going out then! Eek! what AC score did you get?

Many thanks! Got an A in the AC Catdog. Hope you receive your call soon!

KNIFEYSPOON · 09-09-2015 10:45am

.S. wrote: »

Congrats knifey, see ya at induction!

Thanks S! See you there, can't wait.

elliotness · 09-09-2015 9:30pm

Was there much of a wait between induction and training? Notice period at work etc

KNIFEYSPOON · 09-09-2015 11:27pm

elliotness wrote: »

Was there much of a wait between induction and training? Notice period at work etc

A month between the induction and the Sunday start date.

Catdog33 · 22-09-2015 12:43pm

Holy moly I've a fair bit of shopping to do lol! I'm noting the sewing kit- I can't even sew a button on a shirt!! :-/

Joe789 · 21-10-2015 7:31pm

My girlfriend is pregnant and due whilst im in GV. Is anyone able to tell me what the normal procedure is when she goes into labour? Has anyone been the husband/partner or anyone in their intake been in this position?

Obviously I know im not getting paternity leave! Being there for the birth though would be nice as it is our first. Whatever they say goes and im prepared to get on with it as its only a short time to get through. Do they allow you to go to the birth or is it all dependant on whats on?

Mop a top · 21-10-2015 9:59pm

Joe789 wrote: »

My girlfriend is pregnant and due whilst im in GV. Is anyone able to tell me what the normal procedure is when she goes into labour? Has anyone been the husband/partner or anyone in their intake been in this position?

Obviously I know im not getting paternity leave! Being there for the birth though would be nice as it is our first. Whatever they say goes and im prepared to get on with it as its only a short time to get through. Do they allow you to go to the birth or is it all dependant on whats on?

Huge congrats Joe!!! When my now ex hubby was in hotel GV we were expecting our first born. This was back when the 50:50 intake was going on so it was several years ago. I think he was allowed 3days off cos he'd miss far too much and had to catch up on work he missed out. We were quite lucky cos I went over my due date and had to be induced so we knew the exact dates he'd be missing classes so he could arrange catch up work etc before he was off. They gave me a number to ring at hotel GV for emergencies, I'd say if she goes into labour, it's a case of ring the number and someone tells you and you drive like a maniac lol.

Have you thought about deferring? I know a guy from C1 that did it twice cos his little one was due just after he should have started then the baby wasn't well.

Can I just say from the woman's POV it's really tough going being a new mum but having your partner not there is even worse. I hope she has a really good support network around her cos you are both going to need it. I'm not saying this to scaremonger you but you're better being mentally prepared for it. It's the scariest and most rewarding thing you'll ever do and I tell anyone who's becoming a new parent, you can listen to everyone who's going to give you advice and suggestions but when it comes down to it you, your gf and the baby are the only thing that matters so suit yourselves, do what works best for your wee family and to hell with everyone else's opinion

you'll see what I mean after being a parent lol.

In all seriousness it was tough going for us both but my ex said its one of his proudest moments, standing out on the square after the passing out parade for a photograph holding his 8 week old son in his arms. My son loves the photo too.

statusz · 22-10-2015 7:10am

Joe789 wrote: »

My girlfriend is pregnant and due whilst im in GV. Is anyone able to tell me what the normal procedure is when she goes into labour? Has anyone been the husband/partner or anyone in their intake been in this position?

Obviously I know im not getting paternity leave! Being there for the birth though would be nice as it is our first. Whatever they say goes and im prepared to get on with it as its only a short time to get through. Do they allow you to go to the birth or is it all dependant on whats on?

I'm in a very similar position Joe and I intend to ask these questions on the induction weekend.

We are very lucky that my sister-in-law is prepared to play daddie for the time that I can't be there to help my wife out.

MikeOneJuliet · 22-10-2015 10:18am

Joe789 wrote: »

My girlfriend is pregnant and due whilst im in GV. Is anyone able to tell me what the normal procedure is when she goes into labour? Has anyone been the husband/partner or anyone in their intake been in this position?

Obviously I know im not getting paternity leave! Being there for the birth though would be nice as it is our first. Whatever they say goes and im prepared to get on with it as its only a short time to get through. Do they allow you to go to the birth or is it all dependant on whats on?

Joe, as a recent graduate of GV with pregnancies on my course I can tell you that you will get time off. Your other half will be given a number to call when she goes into labour and you'll be informed. At that point you can shoot off. Tell your trainers the date you're expecting and they will work with you. If you miss too many days then you will be back squadded to the course behind you. You're usually given a day or two depending on the timing.

Congrats though!

dementedfairy8 · 22-10-2015 3:52pm

Whatever you do, do not defer!

Joe789 · 22-10-2015 6:27pm

Thanks everyone for your congratulations and your info. Statusz, happy days something in common to start us off with!

Deferring wasn't an option as soon as the opportunity came I had to take it.

Being able to take a day would be great, being there for the birth is the main thing if possible and sure they send you home and you're not allowed back to 1300 the next day! She may pop on a weekend and save any hassle! She's not too far away now, due not far after the new year.

What's the story with being back squadded? They would be a fair few weeks behind, are you sent off site until they catch up?

MikeOneJuliet · 22-10-2015 6:37pm

Joe789 wrote: »

Thanks everyone for your congratulations and your info. Statusz, happy days something in common to start us off with!

Deferring wasn't an option as soon as the opportunity came I had to take it.

Being able to take a day would be great, being there for the birth is the main thing if possible and sure they send you home and you're not allowed back to 1300 the next day! She may pop on a weekend and save any hassle! She's not too far away now, due not far after the new year.

What's the story with being back squadded? They would be a fair few weeks behind, are you sent off site until they catch up?

They will be 5 weeks behind you. Usually you join their squad immediately. Generally they try to accommodate you though to catch you up, even if it's evening lessons. I missed a day of firearms due to sickness and they did 3 evening sessions with me so I didn't have to be back squadded

Breaking bad · 27-10-2015 11:47am

I've read through a lot of the first posts on this thread but it's from 8 years ago. Has much of the stuff changed during this time?

I also seen about pay and I'm still confused over how much you get and is there the extra allowance?

statusz · 27-10-2015 2:07pm

Breaking bad wrote: »

I've read through a lot of the first posts on this thread but it's from 8 years ago. Has much of the stuff changed during this time?

I also seen about pay and I'm still confused over how much you get and is there the extra allowance?

You get the new pay scales in the welcome pack and the NI allowance is on top of salary.

IvanT1984 · 27-10-2015 2:42pm

I'm gonna ask a silly question but what is the northern Ireland allowance and is it already included in the trainee payscale or is that the jumpvin pay after graduation from GV

Breaking bad · 27-10-2015 2:57pm

IvanT1984 wrote: »

I'm gonna ask a silly question but what is the northern Ireland allowance and is it already included in the trainee payscale or is that the jumpvin pay after graduation from GV

I think it is 'danger money' as we are still under threat. Not sure if that is the jump in pay, hmm

IvanT1984 · 27-10-2015 3:03pm

Ahhh blood money for the old school

statusz · 27-10-2015 3:32pm

IvanT1984 wrote: »

I'm gonna ask a silly question but what is the northern Ireland allowance and is it already included in the trainee payscale or is that the jumpvin pay after graduation from GV

The allowance is on top of salary for all police officers(not sure about staff). Its not included in the pay scales because its always subject to review (think its every 3/5years)

Also FYI the allowance isn't pensionable but taxable.

Homer01 · 27-10-2015 3:43pm

IvanT1984 wrote: »

I'm gonna ask a silly question but what is the northern Ireland allowance and is it already included in the trainee payscale or is that the jumpvin pay after graduation from GV

My understanding is that the allowance is to assist in security precautions e.g. taking the long way/different way home, changing your routine etc.

badi15 · 27-10-2015 5:08pm

So this induction weekend thingy. Apart from what it says in the welcome pack, is there anything else you can recommend bringing? Will we need to take notes on anything while we're there? What exactly happens over the weekend?

Breaking bad · 27-10-2015 5:09pm

badi15 wrote: »

So this induction weekend thingy. Apart from what it says in the welcome pack, is there anything else you can recommend bringing? Will we need to take notes on anything while we're there? What exactly happens over the weekend?

I was gonna bring a notepad and pen and the other stuff just

.S. · 29-10-2015 1:17am

Take notes yes, you'll meet the staff members responsible for your squad and have some talks and get paperwork given to you you'll need to complete for your start date. Dress smart and enjoy

Breaking bad · 29-10-2015 1:28am

.S. wrote: »

Take notes yes, you'll meet the staff members responsible for your squad and have some talks and get paperwork given to you you'll need to complete for your start date. Dress smart and enjoy

I thankfully seen this in the notes. Was going to wear smart work trousers and a shirt just or is this tie and everything lol?

MikeOneJuliet · 29-10-2015 12:46pm

Breaking bad wrote: »

I thankfully seen this in the notes. Was going to wear smart work trousers and a shirt just or is this tie and everything lol?

Business attire. Wear a suit. One guy turned up once in jeans and t shirt and had a bunch of show parades for it

IvanT1984 · 18-11-2015 1:59pm

Quick question for anybody who has started GV recently do we get issued a Kit Bag for our Uniform or would we be better bringing another bag to store all our kit in

Thanks

Tinfoilcap · 18-11-2015 5:00pm

you get one issued.

IvanT1984 · 18-11-2015 5:05pm

Thanks thought that was the case just wanted to be sure

.S. · 19-11-2015 1:35am

Yep you get a kit bag issued, suit case / cover comes in handy though!

Breaking bad · 23-11-2015 9:15pm

Can we add the following to the first page lol:

* If you are planning on printing all the modules you will need around 200-300 sheets, a few ink cartridges and a few hours to print it (if using an inkjet printer) Don't underestimate the length of time this will take away from your studies. Mallbo recommends to take your own notes instead of printing it all out which might be a smarter move

I have printed it all and it filled a whole lever arch file

Midgetgem84 · 24-11-2015 9:16am

Good to know BB!!

Thankfully I took notes the first time around. Might not be as detailed as they should be, but I can add to it when it reopens. Would not fancy lugging a full lever arch file of online learning around!

By the way, do we get an email advising when the online learning reopens?

Breaking bad · 24-11-2015 10:06am

Midgetgem84 wrote: »

Good to know BB!!

Thankfully I took notes the first time around. Might not be as detailed as they should be, but I can add to it when it reopens. Would not fancy lugging a full lever arch file of online learning around!

By the way, do we get an email advising when the online learning reopens?

You'll get access after your induction weekend:)

Midgetgem84 · 24-11-2015 10:17am

Breaking bad wrote: »

You'll get access after your induction weekend:)

Sweet BB

Going to have to hunt through 6 months worth of emails to find my login information tho

Oops

Homer01 · 24-11-2015 2:55pm

Breaking bad wrote: »

Can we add the following to the first page lol:

* If you are planning on printing all the modules you will need around 200-300 sheets, a few ink cartridges and a few hours to print it (if using an inkjet printer) Don't underestimate the length of time this will take away from your studies. Mallbo recommends to take your own notes instead of printing it all out which might be a smarter move

I have printed it all and it filled a whole lever arch file

Sounds like a good idea; not something you can really do at the local library though lol.

Are the online learning modules something that can be used as reference beyond GV?

.S. · 24-11-2015 11:04pm

If you haven't already printed out the investigative interview prereads as part of induction online learning I wouldn't bother. Look it over obviously and make notes but you get another version in GV.

blui2 · 29-11-2015 6:17pm

Ive a couple of practical questions relating to going into GV as i start in January and am currently trying to get a list together of equipment ill need. i note the start of this thread and its very helpful but i also recognise its many years old now, so perhaps there has been a change to some things:

1) Is it advisable to bring in a laptop for work/study? im a computer geek and would be able to quickly put notes and written handouts onto PDF and onto a computer in date order, by subject etc for future study within seconds per page. Also, can you take notes onto a computer in classes? Make calendar inputs during class, prepare/read notes for classes etc And is there internet/wifi for evenings? Can Personal Hotspot from my phone if not.

2) There seems to be many different opinions on how to and what items are best to, bull boots. Can someone with experience give a definitive list of what contents would make a good Boot Polish Kit?

3) What is the best thing for brushing dust and fluff off uniform? Clothes brush, sticker clothes roller, brown tape etc

4) What stationary items would one need to purchase? And what is the purpose of the "1 ream of photocopy paper" that we have to bring?

5) Does anyone with experience have any tips, hints or cheats re items to bring into GV to make life easier? eg Suit covers for keeping uniform clean, 2 pairs of socks to stop blistering, invest in decent running shoes, thermals for under uniform when marching etc

6) We have been told PE gear must be free of logos of any description. Its hard to get sports wear without a manufacturers logo. Would a plain black T-shirt or shorts or those skinny track bottoms with just a white swoosh or white Adidas triangle logo or white Puma logo on contravene this, or would this be ok? Plain black is easy to get in cotton materials, but not ideal for training in.

7) What would a Student officer wear mostly in the evenings around rec room, IT room, gym and downtime? Shorts and hoodie, trackies and hoodie, jeans and T shirt. Basically v casual?

8) Any other info/advice that would help prepare for entering GV? If someone who has been through GV recently could list an exhaustive list of items to bring in, that would be amazing and would help future recruits find all the info in one post.

Thanks in advance

Shield · 29-11-2015 6:57pm

Hey blui2.

I plan to close off this thread soon, and start a new one for you guys starting in January. I have all the bits and pieces I need to make one relevant for 2016, so just bear with me until I find the time to release a 'Version 2' of this list.

To the Trainer in the Garnerville who regularly views this forum:

I would very much welcome your input on this new thread. You have an opportunity to speak directly to the people you will mould into Constables. Create an account on here, contact me via PM, and we can take it from there.

-Shield.

blui2 · 29-11-2015 8:21pm

Thanks Shield, I note your OP is very helpful and this thread is probably one of the more popular on this topic. However it's almost 8 years old and may need updated so I look forward to v2.

I know the work you do here is voluntary but with monthly intakes now for the foreseeable, and lots of recruits with lots of questions to ask on the subject matter, a speedy set up of v2 would be appreciated.

I am literally in the middle of shopping for equipment and essential items for GV including up dating my computer so I have literally stopped whilst I await a response to my questions.

I very much appreciate the effort you put in here. It's been a huge help to many of us. Thanks again.

KevBo2015 · 30-11-2015 12:08am

blui2 wrote: »

1) Is it advisable to bring in a laptop for work/study? im a computer geek and would be able to quickly put notes and written handouts onto PDF and onto a computer in date order, by subject etc for future study within seconds per page. Also, can you take notes onto a computer in classes? Make calendar inputs during class, prepare/read notes for classes etc And is there internet/wifi for evenings? Can Personal Hotspot from my phone if not.

2) There seems to be many different opinions on how to and what items are best to, bull boots. Can someone with experience give a definitive list of what contents would make a good Boot Polish Kit?

3) What is the best thing for brushing dust and fluff off uniform? Clothes brush, sticker clothes roller, brown tape etc

4) What stationary items would one need to purchase? And what is the purpose of the "1 ream of photocopy paper" that we have to bring?

5) Does anyone with experience have any tips, hints or cheats re items to bring into GV to make life easier? eg Suit covers for keeping uniform clean, 2 pairs of socks to stop blistering, invest in decent running shoes, thermals for under uniform when marching etc

6) We have been told PE gear must be free of logos of any description. Its hard to get sports wear without a manufacturers logo. Would a plain black T-shirt or shorts or those skinny track bottoms with just a white swoosh or white Adidas triangle logo or white Puma logo on contravene this, or would this be ok? Plain black is easy to get in cotton materials, but not ideal for training in.

7) What would a Student officer wear mostly in the evenings around rec room, IT room, gym and downtime? Shorts and hoodie, trackies and hoodie, jeans and T shirt. Basically v casual?

8) Any other info/advice that would help prepare for entering GV? If someone who has been through GV recently could list an exhaustive list of items to bring in, that would be amazing and would help future recruits find all the info in one post.

Thanks in advance

1. Bring laptop its handy for room, no issues taking notes in class lots of people do it. Wifi in room in evenings etc no issues.
2. kiwi polish, water and cotton wool or selvyt cloth and hard work. Ones in your squad will show you how to, always someone who knows or ask senior squad.
3. lint rollers, lots of them.
4. 2 blocks of printer basically, as you finance your own printing. Basic stationary items, pens, highlighters, stapler, ruler, pencil etc. Imagine college...
5. none of that. single pair of socks fine, thermals make you melt when marching you'll be told what to wear if its cold. Suit covers yes. make life easier, don't take it personal haha. Bring coffee ultimate life hack, you'll need it!
6.Yes that is fine, small logos are ok.
7. Wear whatever you want after 1700. Most wear jeans and t shirt, casual. Lots of different people from different classes and backgrounds so its really personal choice.
8. Shield is working on that haha.

I am currently in the college at the moment, any questions can hit me up with a PM. Hope some of this helped.

Don't panic there is LOADS of shops within 10mins with basically everything you would ever need in GV so if you forget something or want something you think useful nip out in the evening and buy it. Do. Not. Panic.

Starting in Garnerville soon? Read this:

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