Monday, October 27, 2008
The Shifts Are Grim Oop North
We haven't talked much about the furore over crime figures, because, well, we've been banging on about it for years on this blog, and others have said lots about it already. Suffice it to say, there are lies, damned lies and government press releases. Here's a view from West Yorkshire on the vexed question of shifts. If you'd like to send in your own stuff use the email lkink at the top right but please don't ID yourself or your force - we're identifying West Yorks here at the writer's request and because it doesn't make much sense without the force ID.
So our chief Sir Norman Bettison has ruled himself out of the vacancy in the Met.
That’s a shame – I know of around 4,000 men and women who would have gladly provided references.
For about eight years, we’d been working what was known here as the force standard duty roster, or FSDR.
This consisted of 7x4d, 7x4d, 2x10 ,2x10, 9x7n ,9x7n and then four days off.
There was mild tweaking at weekends to provide cover at times of peak demand – lates became 1700 x 0300hrs.
Ten-hour night shifts were knackering, but the four days off more than made up for it.
Detections went up, reported crime went down as did sickness levels.
Sir Norman decided that FSDR didn’t serve the needs of the customer or the organisation, so, as of March this year, we would no longer be working it.
We were given a choice of what we would be working instead – VSA (Variable Shift Arrangements) or back to eight hour shifts.
By way of propaganda, a shiny DVD was sent to each and every one of us in which he waffled on about his vision of policing (He has visions? It gets worse). He wanted VSA.
This was to be arrived at by way of a confidential ballot which was only open to those of PC or Sgt rank.
Ballot papers were duly filled in and sent back, the odd hacked-off type crossing out both choices and writing comments such as ‘Thanks for ruining my f***ing life.’
The result? Eight hour shifts... by three votes.
A protest vote, to be sure, probably because of the way it was all dealt with.
You know what’s coming don’t you?
The top brass decided another ballot was needed as some officers ‘hadn’t received their ballot papers’.
The second one was conducted via internal email, presumably so they could tell who voted for what.
This time certain officers in certain departments who’d had a vote in the first ballot were denied a vote in the second one. The result, victory for the Chief.
How do our shifts work now? For example, starting on a Monday: 7x4, 7x4, 7x4, r/d, r/d, 4x2n, 4x2n, 4x2n (it’s the weekend, we never get off at 2), r/d, r/d, 3x11 ,4x2n ,9x7n ,9x7n ,10x7n, r/d, r/d, then a 9x5 training day. It’s totally crap.
Norm is the leader of a p*ssed off, shagged-out workforce but hey, he’s happy, so who are we to complain? Apparently if we don't like it Morrisons are recruiting.
Bobby Tom.
Comments:
Just about sums up what total out of touch waste of space know nothing oxygen thieves most SMT and above are. In my force we have been on 6 on 4 off for quite a while, we all like it but apparently the SMT aren't keen on it, the fact that they never actually work it doesnt seem to have any impact on their decision making. Tossers the lot of them. Worse still we have just had an e-mail stating that the the SMT have no intention of changing our shifts!! I give it untill the end of the year then.
Oh and im first :)
Oh and im first :)
# posted by 
: 1:12 PM, October 27, 2008
: 1:12 PM, October 27, 2008
I love working 6 on 4 off, not least because I only have to get up early 2 days in 10. That said, it's not conducive to investigating our crimes because there are only 4 days in 10 when it's feasible, and then get a major incident on days and you're shagged. I'm not sure what the answer is, but I'm certain what would help is more resources...
# posted by : 1:51 PM, October 27, 2008
: 1:51 PM, October 27, 2008
My force Northumbria did exactly the same thing a year or so ago. We used to work a 5 week pattern which ended in 7 nights then 6 days off which was great as for 63 hrs AL you got 16 days off. We didnt even mind the 7 nights as we could smell the 6 days off. We used to have a night out together at the end of the nightshift and then all went our happy ways for nearly a week.
The problem is the CC hated it and decided it was no longer "fit for purpose" and so he decided to change it. We had a choice of a mind boggling 10 week pattern which has the at the most 3 days off together (the first one of which you spend asleep as its after nights) or we could go back to an 8 hr pattern that was so horrendous that no one in their right minds would vote for it.
So now we are all knackered, rarely socialise as a shift are sick of the sight of each other, have real problems getting AL as everyone wants the hated half nights off, everyone hates their jobs and is clammering to escape shift leaving staffing and experience shortages left right and centre.
Well done CC Craik, how to make yourself instantly hated by all hard working 24/7 cops.
Northumbria Police.... Total Policing?... Total Bo&&ocks!.
The problem is the CC hated it and decided it was no longer "fit for purpose" and so he decided to change it. We had a choice of a mind boggling 10 week pattern which has the at the most 3 days off together (the first one of which you spend asleep as its after nights) or we could go back to an 8 hr pattern that was so horrendous that no one in their right minds would vote for it.
So now we are all knackered, rarely socialise as a shift are sick of the sight of each other, have real problems getting AL as everyone wants the hated half nights off, everyone hates their jobs and is clammering to escape shift leaving staffing and experience shortages left right and centre.
Well done CC Craik, how to make yourself instantly hated by all hard working 24/7 cops.
Northumbria Police.... Total Policing?... Total Bo&&ocks!.
# posted by : 2:45 PM, October 27, 2008
: 2:45 PM, October 27, 2008
The correct answer to any question from senior management is always "I'll have what you're having."
# posted by : 2:56 PM, October 27, 2008
: 2:56 PM, October 27, 2008
I am sure that this is significant, but as a concerned (supportive) member of the public, I am bewildered by all of the jargon. I am sure I am not alone.
Somebody please translate so that we (your 'customers' - puke!) can support you by having a moan on your behalves (assuming we agree with your grievance).
Thanks
Somebody please translate so that we (your 'customers' - puke!) can support you by having a moan on your behalves (assuming we agree with your grievance).
Thanks
We had this beaut as chief con of merseyside not so long ago. He scrapped our 7 nights on 6 days off system for a variety of combos including 1700 starts for all afternoons (even on Mon/Tue/Wed!) and a system which changed the pattern of afternoons to mornings to nights into afternoons to nights to mornings. It was physically destroying.
Needless to say he didnt have to work it!
Needless to say he didnt have to work it!
# posted by : 5:10 PM, October 27, 2008
: 5:10 PM, October 27, 2008
I'm a police officer and I have no idea what all those encryptions mean. I mean what is "4x2n"??
Just on the general topic, since licensing went 24hr, most forces I know have had to change their shift patterns legitimately. But they always seem to go for something awful that isn't any more fit for purpose itself. In Blandshire there is no "national" shift pattern - every area works a different one, some working ones that other areas have deemed unhealthy, unworkable, dangerous, or unpopular.
The 6 on 4 off is the nationally most popular shift pattern but to make it work in today's night-time economy you have to have such extended hours at the weekend that effectively you end up working mainly nights.
Just on the general topic, since licensing went 24hr, most forces I know have had to change their shift patterns legitimately. But they always seem to go for something awful that isn't any more fit for purpose itself. In Blandshire there is no "national" shift pattern - every area works a different one, some working ones that other areas have deemed unhealthy, unworkable, dangerous, or unpopular.
The 6 on 4 off is the nationally most popular shift pattern but to make it work in today's night-time economy you have to have such extended hours at the weekend that effectively you end up working mainly nights.
I take it the 7 nights and 6 days "off" your talking about includes the training day? Our force currently do the 5 week pattern, including the 7 nights followed by 5 days off and a training day. Suffice to say, it's not half bad and we love our 5 days off.
# posted by : 7:02 PM, October 27, 2008
: 7:02 PM, October 27, 2008
"4x2n" is shorthand for 1600hrs til 0200hrs nights.(albeit half night).
Shift work is never easy. Especially with constant change within the week, moving from days to lates to nights.
A shift pattern will never suit all within the police. Some prefer days, other lates, others still, nights.
It really is a big concern, when regular 9-5'ers in the police go home and the night shift start with only three covering a population of 100,000.
Shift work is never easy. Especially with constant change within the week, moving from days to lates to nights.
A shift pattern will never suit all within the police. Some prefer days, other lates, others still, nights.
It really is a big concern, when regular 9-5'ers in the police go home and the night shift start with only three covering a population of 100,000.
# posted by : 7:51 PM, October 27, 2008
: 7:51 PM, October 27, 2008
My own system is far superior, 365 days off a year. Retired and loving it, poor you.
# posted by : 7:53 PM, October 27, 2008
: 7:53 PM, October 27, 2008
"Morrisons" might be recruiting, but perhaps it would be easier for a mass application for transfer to neighbouring forces...*
* Note to snooping PSD - (Not that I am advocating mutiny in the Police service...)
* Note to snooping PSD - (Not that I am advocating mutiny in the Police service...)
# posted by : 8:50 PM, October 27, 2008
: 8:50 PM, October 27, 2008
Try being 24 hour duty after you have worked a full day as well. We do not even get paid for being on duty.
# posted by : 9:12 PM, October 27, 2008
: 9:12 PM, October 27, 2008
I gather that Cambs had two-thirds of the county on regulation shifts, with the university end of the county on 4on/4off. Bosses decided they wanted a VSA, so put it to the vote. Result - two-thirds now on a VSA, whilst the boffins threw in a protest vote... so they're on regulation shifts. After five years or so of 4on/4off, are they loving it ? It would appear not. Fairly safe to assume that they will now vote as per the bosses "suggestions", rather than have to suffer the indignities of the shifts us dinosaurs had to work....
# posted by : 10:04 PM, October 27, 2008
: 10:04 PM, October 27, 2008
i agree with the comments about northumbria, the 5 week pattern was the only plus point of 24/7 response policing. it made people want to do it. Since we were shafted by the fed (who i blame most) and the chief morale has dropped and sickness has gone up.I am sure the figures say different but i see it every day!
3 weekends at work in a row is enough to make the mainly young people who are at the sharp end hate it! and those who have young families hate it too as they have 4 weeks when they cannot spend a full day with their kids when they are off school.
and as for feeling permanently tired? yup thats me!
3 weekends at work in a row is enough to make the mainly young people who are at the sharp end hate it! and those who have young families hate it too as they have 4 weeks when they cannot spend a full day with their kids when they are off school.
and as for feeling permanently tired? yup thats me!
# posted by : 12:09 AM, October 28, 2008
: 12:09 AM, October 28, 2008
Londoners should celebrate with deep joy that Sir Norman has ruled himself out of the top job. Great pity though that West Yorks has been cursed with that "Beastly" man. He should be stripped of his knighthood as well as his job. Utter disgrace and a hypocrite.
The people of West Yorkshire, and their daughters have my sympathy.
The people of West Yorkshire, and their daughters have my sympathy.
# posted by : 3:16 AM, October 28, 2008
: 3:16 AM, October 28, 2008
I transferred to West Yorks around 2 months after the shift changes, coming from a VSA pattern into Sir Norms VSA.
I've never been so tired in my life, the pattern is all over the place, 2 days off into a training day after 5 late/night shifts is horrendous.
Team morale is rock bottom, everyone is shattered, the teams have all been stripped down, so much so where I work max strength is 2 officers for 78 square miles, 1 officer on early shifts, and as you can imagine, leave is a impossible, I've managed to book 1 week off next September as it's the first I can get next year.
To say I regret the move is the biggest understatement I've ever made. Cheers Boss.
I've never been so tired in my life, the pattern is all over the place, 2 days off into a training day after 5 late/night shifts is horrendous.
Team morale is rock bottom, everyone is shattered, the teams have all been stripped down, so much so where I work max strength is 2 officers for 78 square miles, 1 officer on early shifts, and as you can imagine, leave is a impossible, I've managed to book 1 week off next September as it's the first I can get next year.
To say I regret the move is the biggest understatement I've ever made. Cheers Boss.
# posted by : 9:11 AM, October 28, 2008
: 9:11 AM, October 28, 2008
Off topic, but your sidebar link to National Review Online, home to the frequent stories from LAPD officer 'Jack Dunphy' - there's an archive of his pieces that would be a better link.
http://www.nationalreview.com/dunphy/dunphy-archive.asp
http://www.nationalreview.com/dunphy/dunphy-archive.asp
I agree with the MOP(Richard,above), in that my only complaint after reading this blog since its inception is the use of jargon,in posts and comments without a glossary somewhere.
Don't you want us MOP's to understand your job better?
As for Morrisons! ...do the same as PC Copperfield, go to Alberta, I understand they are paying a signing on, and a retention bonus there for cops, and they were signing up bus drivers 'on the day' for Calgary at the Leeds Expo last year, if you fancy a career change.
Don't you want us MOP's to understand your job better?
As for Morrisons! ...do the same as PC Copperfield, go to Alberta, I understand they are paying a signing on, and a retention bonus there for cops, and they were signing up bus drivers 'on the day' for Calgary at the Leeds Expo last year, if you fancy a career change.
Off topic, but this might tickle some of you.
BRITAIN AS INSANELY VIOLENT AS YOU THOUGHT IT WAS
BRITAIN is every bit as violent and terrifying as you thought it was, the government confirmed last night.
Home secretary Jacqui Smith said the police must take full responsibility for misinterpreting government guidelines in exactly the way she told them to.
Home Office officials admitted that since 1997 gun crime had been defined as 'offences involving Howitzers and other heavy artillery', while the majority of knife incidents had been dismissed as 'pirate fun'.
But Smith insisted it was very easy to interpret a 22% rise in violent crime as a 15% fall, especially if you were willing to lie about it.
http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/britain-as-insanely-violent-as-you-thought-it-was-200810241349/
BRITAIN AS INSANELY VIOLENT AS YOU THOUGHT IT WAS
BRITAIN is every bit as violent and terrifying as you thought it was, the government confirmed last night.
Home secretary Jacqui Smith said the police must take full responsibility for misinterpreting government guidelines in exactly the way she told them to.
Home Office officials admitted that since 1997 gun crime had been defined as 'offences involving Howitzers and other heavy artillery', while the majority of knife incidents had been dismissed as 'pirate fun'.
But Smith insisted it was very easy to interpret a 22% rise in violent crime as a 15% fall, especially if you were willing to lie about it.
http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/britain-as-insanely-violent-as-you-thought-it-was-200810241349/
Ah yes but he has made other changes as well.
I'm not just talking about changing his page on wikipedia within seconds of anyone posting anything he doesn't like either.
Complaints against the police are down in West Yorkshire (but they no longer take reports of that nature over the phone, you have to go to a police station if you can find one open that is)
Some other offences are also down (some other offences you also now cannot report over the telephone either).
Since I am not a cynic I don't believe there is any correlation to the above statistics.
I'm not just talking about changing his page on wikipedia within seconds of anyone posting anything he doesn't like either.
Complaints against the police are down in West Yorkshire (but they no longer take reports of that nature over the phone, you have to go to a police station if you can find one open that is)
Some other offences are also down (some other offences you also now cannot report over the telephone either).
Since I am not a cynic I don't believe there is any correlation to the above statistics.
# posted by : 3:36 PM, October 28, 2008
: 3:36 PM, October 28, 2008
Why am I not suprised by what your CC Sir AdNorm Bettison gets upto. He was my boss when I was a traffic copper in the South Yorkshire Police donkeys years ago. What a plank! he was then. He screwed us to the ground with his stupid ideas, not of which made any sense to us. We cheered like billy oh when he finally uppped and left. To this day having been retired four years, I still shake my head in disbelief when his face appears on tv...Sir Norman Bettison, you couldn`t make it up.
This story has now moved on. The West Yorkshire Police shifts review board have now confirmed that it will not support the proposals of the Federation to alter the shifts. There were three minor changes.
What is now likely is that the Force will adopt the Poice Regulation 8 hours shifts.
I don't think the force will last very long on this and Performance as well as sickness will go through the floor.
Are there any other forces currently on regulation 8 hour shifts for 24/7 response?
What is now likely is that the Force will adopt the Poice Regulation 8 hours shifts.
I don't think the force will last very long on this and Performance as well as sickness will go through the floor.
Are there any other forces currently on regulation 8 hour shifts for 24/7 response?
# posted by : 7:11 PM, October 28, 2008
: 7:11 PM, October 28, 2008
Having worked a couple of different patterns including 6 on 4 off and ottowa I can safely say that the 12 hour pattern we currently work in the Met is by far the best for work and family life. Yes, if you get a late bod you're running into 14-16 hour days and if it goes seriously tits up you can look at doing the odd 20-24 hour day a couple of times a year but the rest days are most certainly worth it. Plus they actually try and avoid doing court etc on rest days which is a god send, in my old place 'rest day' just meant court/training to the duties or court liaison people. Eight hour days would just kill me now, no time off to recover, no break from the frustration, and no time at home to actually live. I spent the first couple of years in a permanent state of completely knackered. If anyone gets balloted or asked if they would consider 12 hour shifts, seriously, take it. You end up doing 12 hours anyway if you work an 8 or 10 hour day so have the time off, it's worth it.
When I joined in the mid 1970s, I heard that City of London Force and or possibly the RUC worked system whereby you worked night shift for 6 months, then never had to do it again, or at least for a few years.
I am not sure how it worked or whether or not it was popular. Has anyone else heard of this?
I am not sure how it worked or whether or not it was popular. Has anyone else heard of this?
I work 6 on 4 off... 2 x 6-4 earlies, 2 x 3-1 lates, and 2 x 10-6 nights. With a training day every 20-odd days.
My ex (who works for the same force) works a 7 on 2 off pattern. 1 x 6-5 long early, 1 x 6-2 early, 2 x 10-6 nights, then a quick changeover to a 5-10 short late followed by a 2-10 late. Whatever she worked on a friday she did for the whole weekend.
confused yet? Can you imagine what was a major contribution to our relationship breakdown?
My ex (who works for the same force) works a 7 on 2 off pattern. 1 x 6-5 long early, 1 x 6-2 early, 2 x 10-6 nights, then a quick changeover to a 5-10 short late followed by a 2-10 late. Whatever she worked on a friday she did for the whole weekend.
confused yet? Can you imagine what was a major contribution to our relationship breakdown?
# posted by : 10:31 PM, October 28, 2008
: 10:31 PM, October 28, 2008
"I heard that City of London Force and or possibly the RUC worked system whereby you worked night shift for 6 months,"
Up to 1976 when it amalgamated with other forces to form Strathclyde the City Of Glasgow Police worked a system of 6 weeks nightshift followed by 12 weeks alternate early/late shifts.
I never worked it as I joined in 1979 but most that did liked it. Rather than have the body clock knackered twice in 4 weeks going on to and coming off nightshift it was only twice in 12 weeks.
Up to 1976 when it amalgamated with other forces to form Strathclyde the City Of Glasgow Police worked a system of 6 weeks nightshift followed by 12 weeks alternate early/late shifts.
I never worked it as I joined in 1979 but most that did liked it. Rather than have the body clock knackered twice in 4 weeks going on to and coming off nightshift it was only twice in 12 weeks.
# posted by : 11:17 PM, October 28, 2008
: 11:17 PM, October 28, 2008
Whay are we so powerless? You Police, we teachers - at grass roots level we all seem to oppose these "initiatives", we the mugs who have to work them, and yet it seems them up there can park any old crap on us and we just have to get on with it. In the spirit of 1973, which today's present political and economic climate so reminds me of, perhaps it's time for good old striking. Or maybe revolution.
PS My son left Morrisons because he hated it and wanted to join the Police. West Yorkshire were at that time "not recruiting" according to their website. Lucky him.
Thanks once again from a MOP who does appreciate you.
PS My son left Morrisons because he hated it and wanted to join the Police. West Yorkshire were at that time "not recruiting" according to their website. Lucky him.
Thanks once again from a MOP who does appreciate you.
# posted by : 12:00 AM, October 29, 2008
: 12:00 AM, October 29, 2008
In the words of the song "Why worry be happy", Western Austalia Police are recruiting again and they do 6 days on and 4 days off in a lot of places there.
For those members of the public that read this blog you would be amazed at how many West Yorkshire bobbies are off. I should know I'm one of them. Last one out turn off the lights.
For those members of the public that read this blog you would be amazed at how many West Yorkshire bobbies are off. I should know I'm one of them. Last one out turn off the lights.
# posted by : 10:04 AM, October 29, 2008
: 10:04 AM, October 29, 2008
Perhaps the Federation should cite the Chief Officers for ....causing disaffection....Which I believe is a criminal offence. A neighbouring force would then have to investigate it. The officers of which would be too frightened to do anything other than a full enquiry, the publicity alone should be enough to make these weasels wind their collective necks in. It always struck me as strange how the most important resource in the service was treated with so much contempt by those that should be protecting both it, the public for whom we all serve and last but not least themselves. They collectively have no idea about "man management"
(but they all have degrees in "business studies" and other snake oil subjects) and have no motivational skills beyond " If you don't like then leave" or some other assinine remark. During my time we underwent a change in shift pattern from the regulation 8 hour one long weekend a month to the 6 on 4 off, we were blessed with two (in my opinion at least) very good Chief Officers and I understand the one that came in as I left is also well respected.
Jurgen
(but they all have degrees in "business studies" and other snake oil subjects) and have no motivational skills beyond " If you don't like then leave" or some other assinine remark. During my time we underwent a change in shift pattern from the regulation 8 hour one long weekend a month to the 6 on 4 off, we were blessed with two (in my opinion at least) very good Chief Officers and I understand the one that came in as I left is also well respected.
Jurgen
# posted by : 10:13 AM, October 29, 2008
: 10:13 AM, October 29, 2008
blueknight - the City worked a 7-week shift pattern for years in the 80's which was great. The big block of RD's was before nights as well which meant that you didn't waste a day after ND recovering. There was an 8-4 week in there as well which was ostensibly to cove the ET-LT change but in reality was used for all sorts. Plain clothes and early slides etc. I bet that any force would give their right arms for enough bobbies to have this pattern nowadays! 20 ET and LT. 10 ND and 10 8-4. Happy Days!!
# posted by : 3:51 PM, October 30, 2008
: 3:51 PM, October 30, 2008
Are you sure this article was not Sussex? Exactly the same thing happened. Numerous experienced officers have left as a result.
# posted by : 7:04 PM, October 30, 2008
: 7:04 PM, October 30, 2008
So what would happen if you turn up for duty knackered and you say to your Sgnt "i am too tired to drive and do not want a accident" asking him to acknowledge your statement in your PNB, will he make you drive a response car ?
Curious
Curious
# posted by : 7:37 PM, October 30, 2008
: 7:37 PM, October 30, 2008
The stories of front line policing in W. Yorks are upsetting. In saying that it is a relief to know that a huge amount of us are feeling such disaffection. I only know the 6 on, 4 off system. Worked fine, I don't have any more or less contact with the public on these demoralising, soul destroying, nonsensical shifts. More to the point and much like the public I serve, I am a family person. The real crux is how it affects my family...my heart breaks when I think how much less I see my child. I know plenty will say 'get another job then'. It's something I am considering. (bear in mind that I love the job I do. Also bear in mind that a large number of people are considering doing the same and we have a force in crisis). Colin Cramphorn (god rest his soul) dragged the force up into one that performs well with what appeared at least to be happy staff. The current chief has done nothing less than ruin it.
I have heard the tales of when the chief was challenged over the shifts and his reply being 'been nice knowing you then'. How to make enemies eh?
I have heard the tales of when the chief was challenged over the shifts and his reply being 'been nice knowing you then'. How to make enemies eh?
# posted by : 12:35 PM, October 31, 2008
: 12:35 PM, October 31, 2008
Nothing is done to benefit staff. Just to make the hierarchy look as though they are doing something. As for the health of those poor souls having to do the shifts.......well who cares?....it will save on pensions later on won't it.
westyorkshirepolice.blogspot.com
westyorkshirepolice.blogspot.com
# posted by : 12:05 PM, November 03, 2008
: 12:05 PM, November 03, 2008
well i will just chuck my hat in the ring!
i work for a far north scottish force on a rural beat..we are on a 3 week pattern which works ..we are told that as of january we are moving to a vsa..much like yours..which will strip us to the bone..single crewing and covering 60 square miles alone!but they say..think of the work life balance!that from boses who have no intention of ever working this crappy system..in nearly 20 years in this "job" i dont think i have ever been at such a low point..if it wasnt for the money invested in the pension i would be off!!and as for the federation fighting our corner..dont even get me started on that!!!
i work for a far north scottish force on a rural beat..we are on a 3 week pattern which works ..we are told that as of january we are moving to a vsa..much like yours..which will strip us to the bone..single crewing and covering 60 square miles alone!but they say..think of the work life balance!that from boses who have no intention of ever working this crappy system..in nearly 20 years in this "job" i dont think i have ever been at such a low point..if it wasnt for the money invested in the pension i would be off!!and as for the federation fighting our corner..dont even get me started on that!!!
# posted by : 10:39 AM, November 06, 2008
: 10:39 AM, November 06, 2008
60 square miles alone.... try 120!!!
Once got stuck at the top of the sector with 30 yoots wanting the blood of one.
Nearest back up tppk 30 minutes to arrive.
Still, once one of us actually dies they may actually do something!
All the chiefs are the same... "of you don't like it, leave."
If only we were all brave enough and could risk our famailies welfare and actually do it!
Once got stuck at the top of the sector with 30 yoots wanting the blood of one.
Nearest back up tppk 30 minutes to arrive.
Still, once one of us actually dies they may actually do something!
All the chiefs are the same... "of you don't like it, leave."
If only we were all brave enough and could risk our famailies welfare and actually do it!
# posted by : 9:16 PM, November 10, 2008
: 9:16 PM, November 10, 2008
Here is a top level insight into the bleeding obvious for our senior officers: You cannot get a quart out of a pint pot so work out how many officers you need on response THEN work out the shift pattern (not the other waqy around). In my area I have just been put onto community policing along with three other PCs. Errrr - we have simply been taken off response, so there are less officers doing response. As we are all practical sort of blokes we realise what is going to happen - in fact it has already started. Our shifts now curiously match those of the response teams we have just been taken from . . . . . because there are not enough officers on response (and there weren't to begin with before we were taken off in the first place). Meanwhile our health and safety inspections continue to be limited only to frayed carpets and trailing power leads - not to shifts, equipment, staffing levels, vehicles, officer safety training etc etc.
# posted by : 7:41 AM, November 11, 2008
: 7:41 AM, November 11, 2008
I have just got through the first stage of the Northumbria Police Recruitement and have never worked shifts before. Must admit its a bit daunting. Can anyone confirm the shift pattern for this force. There seem to be lots of variations.
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# posted by : 12:57 PM, January 13, 2009
: 12:57 PM, January 13, 2009
