Out of interest how much training do Specials in the UK get?? 24 hours is just mad!!

I think ours get a few weekends at HQ and then weekly training at their statons if anyone can be assed to train them.

Nothing achieved at meeting, claims AGSI

23 January 2006 16:06
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors has said its meeting today with the Minister for Justice over the introduction of the proposed Garda Reserve achieved nothing.

The AGSI said it was totally opposed to the establishment of the new unpaid volunteer force, which it said would destroy morale among uniformed gardaí.

After the meeting, Minister Michael McDowell said he would meet the association again once the Garda Commissioner, Noel Conroy, had sent him the outline plan for the forthcoming reserve.

The volunteer force will consist of 4,000 members, 900 of whom are due to be on the streets by next September.

However, the AGSI says no civilians should police the streets.

Out of interst Sarge, is it simply the fact that you will have to work with 'Specials' or is it down to the obvious lack of training?

EG - If they extended the training to what they get in the UK would you work with them then?

Please note im not trying to be arse'y on this one just wondering where you stand!!

Cheers

I think the training is a joke to be honest. They whole idea of having a partner is that you trust them and put your life in their hands bascically and I cant trust them with just 24hrs training its a joke

I think it is VERY unfare for them them to be put out with you in that position. (ie lack of basic training)

Hence why our unions are kicking up atink, both unions had a meeting with the minister for justice on monday and he basically said "I dont care what you think I'm your boss you do as I say"

Strong stench of Blue Flu 2 being brewed up me thinks

I simply just cant understand it. 24hours training, they have got to be kidding. I guess I'm still trying to get my head around volunteer officers. We obviously don't have it here in Queensland, and I really hope we don't ever get it. I mean it is putting their and your life in danger. Just amazes me.

How does it work in the UK? Do you guys have any problems with volunteers? What's their duties?

Going slightly , but I think the LAPD Reserves (specials) have the best training. They seem to have lots of it.
Click here - LAPD

Wow, that looks cool

The Special Constabulary is a force of trained volunteers who work with and support their local police force.

'Specials', as the Special Constables are known, come from all walks of life - they are teachers, taxi drivers, accountants and secretaries - and they all volunteer a minimum of four hours a week to their local police forces, forming a vital link between the regular (full-time) police and the local community.

At first, they are asked to spend some weekends training. Later they will take part in regular evening and update sessions working through the national training curricula. They must be thoroughly grounded in the basic aspects of police work before they can begin to carry out any police duties, so they are trained in police service, self defence, powers of arrest, common crimes, and preparing evidence for court.

Once they have completed their training, they have the same powers as a regular officer and wear a similar uniform

What Special Constables do depends upon the needs of the force that hires them. They can take on many roles, though, and there's certainly plenty to keep them busy.

Special constables have full constabulary powers and perform police duties under the supervision of regular officers, but the precise role a constabulary will play depends upon the force within which it functions.

Generally speaking, the constabulary's main role is to conduct local, intelligence-based patrols and to take part in crime prevention initiatives, often targeted at specific problem areas.

However, in many forces, constables are also involved in policing major incidents , and in providing operational support to regular officers.

Depending upon their individual force, Specials can conduct foot patrols, assist at the scene of accidents, fights or fires, enforce road safety initiatives, conduct house-to-house enquiries, provide security at major events, present evidence in court, tackle anti-social behaviour or spend time at local schools educating youths about safety. They will form an integral part of neighbourhood policing teams


Once they have the right training and practical experience, Specials can take on more responsibility. Some forces have grades within the Specials unit so volunteers can be promoted within the ranks.

As with regulars, promotion is achieved through good performance, dedication to duty and evidence of leadership qualities.

Taken from Goverment specials website

Cheers mate. Sounds like a good idea in theory. I am suprised that people are happy to do it for free though. What do the paid officers think of it?

I haven't a problem with it as long as they remember their place which is to support the regular officers.

I wouldnt have so much of a problem with it if they were given proper training and before they spend millions setting up this force regular officers were properly equiped first

Also just wondering what the other guards on here thought of the reserve??

i'm not in any way a police officer or police staff but i agree with OBP at the moment the UK goverment is doing everything to get cheap police e.g. recruiting more specials and PCSOs (sorry to any on here) rather than spending more money on regular police

in my opinion specials are best used to serve the community, e.g on safer neighbourhood teams to solve local problems rather than do traffic and all that

but i must say that here in the UK, where i live, the PCSOs do a brill job and i feel safer walking the streets since they've been around

quite a few are at university so do it for the fun of it, others want to give something to their community, others use it as a stepping stone to the regs and UNFORTUNATLEY from what i have seen and read there are some who just do it to get all the PPE, the power and warrant card etc. thers always a few rotten apples in any service