I know that Special constables do a good job, i've read about them on here and other sites but one thing that has sprung up is the training. I'm sure the safety training is good but what about in other areas, particularly law. Would you say that SCs get enough training in this area?

I'd say that my knowledge is good enough for the routine scenarios I am likely to be placed in. Plus, I've got a few years in now, so I've learnt lots more. Honestly, training could be more extensive but it's never posed any serious problems for me. And I know that if I ever find myself out of my depth I can call up for assistance.

Even as a regular with 10 years in I am still learning. That is the great thing about the POlice, you never stop learning because every day is different!

Intersting topic. I have less than a years service but I know that if somebody damages somebody else's things it's Criminal Damage. And if you are naughty after a warning then it's S5 POA. I get by on my knowledge. Sure, I don't know the exact details of the Abstraction of Electricity offence but as a Special Constable who does about 30 hours a month on limited duties while I'm not yet independent I'm not going to need to know that. What I'm saying is, I know what I need to know, but if I'm unsure then I'll back off and let a more experienced officer take over, watch them, and know for next time!

Or arrest them for something and then get them for other stuff down at the nick.

Breach of the peace is always a good one for that

We seem to be forgetting that we have no statutory power of arrest any more

Bought a great book last week. It is a bit like the "Beat Officers Comanion" but for Respponse Officers. It is PNLD (Police National Legal Database) in a book - VERY GOOD!!!!!

Blackstone's 'Police manual' is very good, comes in a set of four to cover traffic, crime, evidence and procedures and general police duties. Our place up till last year bought a couple of sets every year and was available to everyone, this year they bought the online version so that everyone can have access 24/7

We have that online, very helpful I must say.

Yep we have it online in the stations too, but I fancied having one when out and about too. (Never can be too careful)

I have an out of date (old powers) Beat officers' companion. I keep meaning to get one with the new powers in. Is the version which includes the new powers out yet... guessing it is, anybody know?

The most current one hasn't got the Socap amendments in it. Sometime this year!!!!!!!!

I want one of these, I've heard good things. But I'll wait until the new one comes out then get on Amazon i think.

Zara, you should be looking out for the 12th edition, that should have the SOCAP amendments, no date as yet but sometime this year.