There don't seem to be that many Special Constables out working i South Wales these days.

Is that Nationally or just with us?

I know there is a National advertisment at the moment in all the press and on the TV

I rarely see specials these days but have heard a rumour that we are getting some at our traffic garage.

The 2006 National Policing Plan for An Garda Siochána has the resurected idea of a Special Garda Reserve to be in place by the end of the year. This involves achieving the goal of 900 recruited and trained Specials before September 2006. The final goal will be 4000 recruited and trained before the scheme is declared a resounding success. All will be in place before the next election ( May 2007 ). Of that I have no doubt and without the aid of visible support there will be the customary flying pigs ! All part and parcel of political promising and posturing.

What are the realities of Police Reserves from the reservist and regular point of view? I have heard all the rhetoric that is common when change is first suggested. Mules either believe that it is a great idea regardless of the consequences, that it wont affect them personally because they work in specialised units or that it will affect them in a detrimental way.

I am genuinely interested in real feedback on this topic because of the changes that are comming down the line for An Garda Siochána. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a reseve force for regular members and the reserves themselves? What are the advantages and disadvantages for Joe Public?

Slán tamall.

Well, the MPS have got a specials recruitment drive going right now - they are using the free travel as a big pulling point which is a bit dodgy in my opinion, we don't want to attract people who just want the free bus rides.

Why not? Think of all the cheap policing!

Orinocco after making friends again hey

I have just finished my seventh and final week of full time specialing , It was really awesome , every shift was front line response with four or five late night city centre disorder van patrols till 4-5am

Breathtaking , unfortunately i have to start a new job monday so back to once or twice a week

I have applied to a neighbouring force full time as they recruit quicker and advance you through the driving grades much quicker ( more rural force ) so hopefully in about three years from now i can join OBP in Traffic

You can wish

There are only 173 specials to police 812 square miles of South Wales though so you probably wouldn't see that many around.

Wish !!!! I have been asked by your management to come and take over from you , they said something about " driving miss daisy " ????

I'll put the kettle on and await your arrival then

LOL

Driving Miss Daisy the cheek of that

I think it would be great being a special, all the diversity you can handle and as much time in as you like each week!

I wouldnt dare mention to our lass that I was thinking of giving it ago, I need more fingers for the amount of pies mine are in!! lol

Aux. Coastguard, RFF, HATO and now Special cant you do anything right????