Questions about SFOs and joining the police

[jaymacca]

To be truthful your last post has made me realize a lot of things, such as the journey and doing the groundwork, gaining credibility and having valuable knowledge, these are all valuable experiences, and gives you a goal at the end,
What’s your opinion on university is it a waste of time going as it does not help with the firearms unit? I understand it is meeting different people and understanding there backgrounds and stuff but is it needed? Would it be worth jus joining the police and gaining knowledge and working up through the ranks until that chance comes to join the AFOs, I appreciate all your knowledge and experience you hold and any answer you give I am thankful.

[sentinel]

Go to University; get an education, it'll stand you in good stead for the future, but don't expect any department to be knocking on your door. Even Special Branch doesn't really expect it's detectives to have degrees. SO15, as it is now, is probably the only place where a degree can be a benefit, but many there don't have further education, let alone higher! Some of them (those that were SO13, mainly) have trouble tying their laces, the result of too many liquid lunches, but that is a whole new thread!
Join the job, it's a great job and well paid, have a look at the variety of opportunities that are available to you, then decide. And when you have decided, work like F**k to get there, it'll mean more whne you get there.
(I'm a little worried I'm starting to sound like my Dad...)

[jaymacca]

Hahahaha your posts make me laugh, Yes I was actually thinking on dropping out of university and just joining the force as university is not really for me, as then I can work hard for the next few years why I am still young, I don’t really mind if it takes me ten years to get were I want to be, as you have said in the past it’s the experience that counts and working hard. I agree with everything you say as u are a experienced officer and do the job I eventually want to try and do, so I will apply your opinion to what I do, so if I hassle you with questions you can just tell me to shut up haha…but is there any things I can do to prepare for the police and the firearms unit?? Like I run the bleep test in a level of 13.5 but is there any other factors that may help??

[TJIF]

Loved the video.....I don't know about 1993, it looked more like 1975 to me but then I really am getting old now. So old in fact that I too can remember when Clive Rew actually looked like that !

Ah the trusty model 10..........the angst during the changeover to the Glock........when's my turn?

I also remember TK but that's another story.......

On a seperate note, as my career draws to a close, I'd just like to say that the observations regarding SO15 (SO13/SB as was) are not as accurate now as they were. Most of the people I work with are young (too young?) and train most days. The detective of old is a rare sight in my experience.

Best wishes

TJIF

[sentinel]

Jaymacca,
It might sound trite, but read The Trojan Files, by Roger Grey. It really does capture the spirit of the people on the cars, better than Steve's very good book. Can't exactly remember the title, something like Girl Guides wear Brown. I'm sure Mr Collins can help me out with that one...just kidding! His book is more about the work of the SFO's but again, nothing has really changed there. The names maybe, but the characters are the same. Keep physically fit. Keep up with the political climate by reading a good daily (spoil yourself with the News of the World at the weekend if you must). If you're preparing for an interview with the Job, you might read Pollice Review. It's a bit like Pravda, but more balanced than the internal publication for the Met, The Job. But most of all, just get amongst it. Danny Wallace wrote a book about his expolits when he said "Yes" to everything. Have a go at that and broaden your experience of life. Can't beat it and can't buy it. And if I can be of any help, just ask. Good luck

[nvdmm]

Hi steve! thnx for the video m8. i knew before that the training courses range from firepower demonstrations to even rappelling! now, we went to this army base in bury near manchester last week on thursday as part of our college "army day experience” and towards the end of the day they said we have to do the assault course. I did everything except abseiling! My dream was to do abseiling but when I actually got there, I couldn’t do it as im really really terrified of heights; and I started to get very upset becuz I knew one day I wanna (and probably have to) do it. Do you know what I could do to overcome my acrophobia? I sort of presumed you’ve done rappelling in CO19 in the past and I just want to know whether you think I could ever do it!

Cheers m8

[STORMRIDER]

A lot of good and sound advice here which will come in use for when you guys actually have the chance to apply for a firearms related role within the Police Force.

Im sorry if I sound out of turn here, but come on guys. You are talking in terms of actually being in the job before you have even looked at a new entrants application form. Some of your questions in here can really be answered by requesting a basic information and application pack from your local Police Force. If you guys are genuinly serious about joining the Police Force then please do not approach any joining interview on the basis that you want to carry a gun. They wont like that at all. Contact your force and arrange visit. Some forces will entertain you going in and shadowing the local bobby on patrol.

Also remember that the Met is not the only Police Force in the UK that has a firearms capability. Every Force has this capability and and nearly all have similar levels of capability. If you live in Scotland you dont have to join the Met to do this type of work. However, concentrate and make a real serious effort to get in in the first place.

I sincerely hope that all your wishes come true.

STU

[jaymacca]

STU you do not sound out of turn,
Thanks for your post, I truly understand were you are coming from, and I know I am not even a police officer yet, but I am just asking questions about a profession in the police force. I have always wanted to take this route since I was a young boy.
I have been to local police stations and asked questions and requested an application pack and I have always been fobbed off or not received the answers to my questions but jus something just to get free of me, so I came onto this site and found many helpful people willing to answer any queries I have.
I hope to join my local police force Merseyside police and just work hard for many years before I even think of joining any specialized unit, as I have lived here all my life I would not consider moving away to any force but I understand also what you are saying about the Met, as many people see it as the only area to do armed response.
I have just recently applied for Merseyside police weather I am successful is another story. And recently went to a open day which helped me a lot, but I can understand what you mean about younger people attracted to the thought of having a gun , as a lad a similar age to me told one officer that he wanted to be a SFO. Cos he played call of duty (a video game) and watched a S.A.S video.... the officer didn’t seem too happy. (Do you blame him ha-ha)
But...
I don’t mean to sound like I am disagreeing with you, I respect your views and opinions and I am truly grateful for your post as it helps me a lot in understanding the job you guys do, thanks for your post and any advice you give me in future will be appreciated.
Jay

[jaymacca]

SENTINEL
I bought those books you recommended by Roger Gray and Steve Collins, on Amazon for a very reasonable price on Amazon, they are a great read and had me gripped, I even done a project on one of the books in university, very helpful, thanks for that mate.

[Steve Collins]

Jaymacca.

So that was you??

Thanks