MET Police

wannabecyclist

So just to visit back I have now passed the 2nd assessment day of the Met Police and just have to pass vetting to get in. Have to sign up to do the CPK which costs just shy of 1k so need to make a final decision. Anyone else working for the Met Police have any thoughts on huge role? I was a bit concerned that being 32 I am too old, most people at the assessment days with me were just out of Uni and had barely done a days work in their life yet will probably look fresher and more of a long term investment for any promotion or specialist roles that come up compared to me.

cyclingfury

wannabecyclist wrote:

So just to visit back I have now passed the 2nd assessment day of the Met Police and just have to pass vetting to get in. Have to sign up to do the CPK which costs just shy of 1k so need to make a final decision. Anyone else working for the Met Police have any thoughts on huge role? I was a bit concerned that being 32 I am too old, most people at the assessment days with me were just out of Uni and had barely done a days work in their life yet will probably look fresher and more of a long term investment for any promotion or specialist roles that come up compared to me.

You're certainly not too old (unless you have concerns with physical fitness - which I doubt if you're a member of this forum).

I was a Police Officer for 34 years, though not in the Met. I retired at the rank of Detective Superintendent, but used to interview recruits as a uniformed superintendent. I can categorically say that recruits of your age were much valued for their life skills and an ability to converse with the general public. The fresh out of uni recruits always tended to struggle until they had built up their life experience, which in some cases could take a few years.

Promotion to sergeant and inspector is based on an assessment process and interviews. If you are good enough you will get through and by the time you get to this stage no one gives a damn whether you went to uni or not, or how old you are. Good officers tend to stand out and almost select themselves. Once you are in the force, it's up to you how hard you want to work to achieve promotion.

Being selected for specialist roles works to the same rules. The managers want the best applicants and your service history and how you are viewed by your supervisors is crucial to being selected.

Don't worry about about the fresh faced kids from uni - once you're in uniform patrolling the streets you'll them standing.

It's a tough job, but it can be very rewarding and you'll make a lot of life long friends along the way. And there's a bloody good pension at the end of it.

If you decide to join, I wish you good luck and every success.

VTech

Colinthecop wrote:

I joined the Met back in the 80's it was a great job.

Great fun, great pay, great conditions, great job, great people (the ones that stand next to you, not the ones with shiney arses on their trousers from sitting behind a desk).

Now...? Not so much.

I guess it's still good and you do still get a buzz from when it goes well, but the scrutiny you are under is incredible, internally and externally. It's like knowing that making even a simple mistake can get you front page tabloid coverage or the next youtube viral sensation.

Would I join today....? No, probably not.

Quite ironic considering you slated me for suggesting the same in a different post.

I suggested that I had friends in the force who were fearful from within and I felt they are not looked after. This caused me huge backlash but as ways I stuck to my guns. Just didn't realise that in a different thread you actually agreed with me.

BelgianBeerGeek

G'day wannabe

Sounds like you've made your mind up! Just get in there and remember to have fun. If you are not enjoying yourself then that will not make up for a good salary, pension etc.
Mind how you go

Colinthecop

VTech wrote:

Quite ironic considering you slated me for suggesting the same in a different post.

I suggested that I had friends in the force who were fearful from within and I felt they are not looked after. This caused me huge backlash but as ways I stuck to my guns. Just didn't realise that in a different thread you actually agreed with me.

No I did not agree with you, as usual you were spouting your pretentious bowlocks (sp).

And even if I was to almost agree, you can get any thought of a reacharound out your head...!!!

VTech

Colinthecop wrote:

VTech wrote:

Quite ironic considering you slated me for suggesting the same in a different post.

I suggested that I had friends in the force who were fearful from within and I felt they are not looked after. This caused me huge backlash but as ways I stuck to my guns. Just didn't realise that in a different thread you actually agreed with me.

No I did not agree with you, as usual you were spouting your pretentious bowlocks (sp).

And even if I was to almost agree, you can get any thought of a reacharound out your head...!!!

But it makes you look silly. You DID argue with me and you DID argue about a point that I had made which agreed exactly with your statement.

Anyway, I'm not too fussed, its not as if I'm bothered, as I mentioned before, I think the police in general are given a tough time and the fact that they have to watch themselves from all angles must be stressful, having said that, if you were on my case in a legal sense I would be concerned due to the speed of which you change your mind/stance/opinion.

Colinthecop

VTech wrote:

But it makes you look silly. You DID argue with me and you DID argue about a point that I had made which agreed exactly with your statement.

Do you have a link to this as I can't remember it. Perhaps it was memorable for you and completely forgettable for me, or maybe it's just all the glue I sniffed as a teenager....

Infact, don't worry about it. Having typed that out I have realised I just don't care. 8)

VTech

Colinthecop wrote:

VTech wrote:

But it makes you look silly. You DID argue with me and you DID argue about a point that I had made which agreed exactly with your statement.

Do you have a link to this as I can't remember it. Perhaps it was memorable for you and completely forgettable for me, or maybe it's just all the glue I sniffed as a teenager....

Infact, don't worry about it. Having typed that out I have realised I just don't care. 8)

Your funny

imposter2.0

VTech wrote:

Your funny

It's actually 'You're' - but never mind.

sungod

i've pointed out this to him before, but he just ignored it, some people never learn

VTech

Spelling isn't an issue, its not like I need to fill out a resume

imposter2.0

VTech wrote:

Spelling isn't an issue, its not like I need to fill out a resume

No, but your man servant might. Presumably he is the one typing these posts on your behalf. Someone as revered and sought-after as yourself would not have the time to waste on such trivia...

VTech

No, I do manage the minor tasks sometimes.
Anyway, as always, I can take it on the chin when people fancy a pop but they need to be correct and not too faced.
Wether someone agrees with my views or not isn't important but the reality is that I have integrity and stick to my guns. I don't rubbish people for their opinions and find it funny when others do, you see it proves what a sad life they must have to feel the need to argue with me when in reality they agree.

I feel for Colin, I wouldn't/couldn't do his job.

johnny25

There's almost as many solicitors as there are police officers now in this country. Says a lot really.

Colinthecop

VTech wrote:

I feel for Colin, I wouldn't/couldn't do his job.

Really, no need. My job is great.

Take Special Constables for instance, they work all week and then at weekends they come and do the job for free.

How many careers could you name where someone would be willing to give up their free time and work for nothing as well as holding down a full time job...? Can't be many.

Don't get me wrong, I have no time for Specials and think they are a waste of uniform, but that's a topic for another day... Not blaming the individual, just the system.

wannabecyclist

Well another update! Now in my training at Hendon and enjoying it so far though itching to get out on the streets to really learn how the job works. Glad I joined, do feel a bit older than others but glad I am doing a job where I can make a difference as cheesy as that sounds.

A question for servicing officers, what boots do you have? Magnums seem to be the popular ones amongst new recruits but these cost around £80, don't mind paying that but are they worth it?

priory

it is great to see that you have not been put off your vocation by the jaded old blokes.
Of course we need good committed poilcemen and 99% of us are very grateful to them when we need them.
I have been a doctor since 1980 and my attitude to the present nhs is the same as the old polcemen on here . I am massively frustrated that my very hard job has been made much worse and distorted progressively by the efforts of the conservatives to smash the sytem and privatise it without getting blamed directly, increasingly agressive constant pressure from lawyers and complaints systems which are pumped up by the bureacrats and politicians because any attack on the front line staff suits their purpose , and the insane complex protocols and systems that have evolved to protect the managers from blame for anything perpetrated by their overworked coal face workers, because blame is to be really feared .You will find that the cost of rebutting even the most absurd complaint is less than shafting the front line worker , so guess what happens.
The good news is that it does not get worse , it just gets different.
When people go on about how bad it is now they should be made to think back to the worst of the 1980,s. There is plenty of material for discussion there.
Both my sons became doctors even though they have heard all this stuff all their lives. Basically these are jobs that need doing. The rubbish is why the job is difficult, step over it and fulfil your mission.

this diatribe comes courtesy of 2 pints of real ale.

rc856

wannabecyclist wrote:

A question for servicing officers, what boots do you have? Magnums seem to be the popular ones amongst new recruits but these cost around £80, don't mind paying that but are they worth it?

I never got on with Magnums. I've been wearing Lowa Patrol for a few years now.
They're dearer at around £130 but really worth.

I don't mind paying for quality when it's an important part of your equipment.
I see guys who buy cheap boots buying more often.

The Lowas have a Vibram sole that can be replaced.

http://www.copshopuk.com/lowa-patrol-boot

Good luck

napoleond

wannabecyclist wrote:

Well another update! Now in my training at Hendon and enjoying it so far though itching to get out on the streets to really learn how the job works. Glad I joined, do feel a bit older than others but glad I am doing a job where I can make a difference as cheesy as that sounds.

A question for servicing officers, what boots do you have? Magnums seem to be the popular ones amongst new recruits but these cost around £80, don't mind paying that but are they worth it?

Magnums are woeful. They last months and have very little protection. I wear Lowas, thankfully I got them for free as part of my Firearms attire but several years down the line I'm still wearing them, they're incredibly comfortable and very protective. If they ever give up the ghost I'll be buying myself another pair.

Yellow Peril

I've still got my issue totectors from many years ago but I never walked the beat in them, it was Dr Martens for that. I remember Hi-techs becoming popular but I guess footwear has moved on since then. Make sure you are comfortable as you'll be putting some miles in!

vinnymarsden

Best boots I ever had in 30yrs service were Matterhorn all weather boots…totally waterproof, strong, and most important comfy..even on 12 hr nights!!! I DEFFO don't miss the night shifts, or the job for that matter…but to the OP I DID enjoy my time…and as you go along just remember..every day can be different , where else can you genuinely say that in most jobs here in the UK…just carry on smiling and ensure every day you have at least one PROPER belly laugh at something…or and although this may sound harsh…the cops/ex cops will get it..even laughing at someone can be VERY therapeutic…not what they want you to do in this era..but it will continue….and long may it do so!!

Manc33

Is Common Purpose still training cops?

http://www.cpexposed.com/about-common-purpose

wannabecyclist

Hi all, went with the Lowa Patrol boots and whilst everyone's Magnums are falling to bits mine are looking and holding up great.

Next up apparently it would be good to carry a torch on my utility belt as they are not supplied, any tips on the best one?

rc856

Good choice on the boots
As for a torch...you can get some great LED ones that aren't too big or expensive.
Have you seen http://www.niton999.co.uk before?

Yellow Peril

wannabecyclist wrote:

Hi all, went with the Lowa Patrol boots and whilst everyone's Magnums are falling to bits mine are looking and holding up great.

Next up apparently it would be good to carry a torch on my utility belt as they are not supplied, any tips on the best one?

It used to be Maglite as the torch of choice but again I suppose technology has moved on. Don't rush to weigh yourself down though because I believe you are still supposed to chase the crims on foot or has that been stopped now?

rc856

As above. The old 4 cell maglite was always good as a second baton!