SO19 and CO19 explained

[sentinel]

CO19 is still accurate; the figures are around those quoted. And I agree with Marian, although I would hesitate to use the phrase "elite", especially when it is bandied about by the press to describe the DPG! There is a standard, and it is imperative that the standard is maintained. It would be preferable to have fewer officers being accepted in to the department, than have a less able, less commited team. There has been an influx over the last few years and it is fair to say there have been some right numpties, but generally the officers on the ARV's want to be where they are, rather than the officers from departments like DPG or SO14 (1), the uniformed side of palace security, who have picked a place to be other than doing ordinary beat duties.
As an ARV officer (entry level at 19) you will not be trained for CP, CAT, or maritime deployment, it would be necessary to be further trained to TST or SFO level to enjoy this (and the CP the SFO's get wont allow them to go and guard the PM, that's another department). You may be rifel trained, and would get a pursuit course, but none of these courses are attendance courses; you have to pass at a minimum level, and the levels are high, then you have to retain that level by requalifying every three months (4 times annually).
But, as I have said elsewhere, I would recommend it to anyone, as, no doubt, CO19 would too. There is no job like it!

[sentinel]

AND, now that I have read page two as well....
Sorry Nick, but yes, we had a bloke straight out of his probation, 25 years old, former monkey (So how long did he stay there?)...all in all, a total nightmare. Daddy was a DCI, Dad's bother a Supt, elsewhere...Hmmm, I see a picture emerging. I see men in aprons, standing on a giant chess board...
Would rather not work with him, so went South.
DPG/ID; I heard someone say in the office here that they were more comitted to the task that the 19 blokes. Personally I find that a little difficult to accept. Without dissing anyone who may have served in the TA, being on an DPG/ID ARV is a bit like being in the TA; all the kit but no time to use it. Join up and do it properly, live the life, not take the role occasionally! I appreciate the TA analogy doesn't work so well currently, but you get the gist. Officers at ID or DPG want the money.
I know of one person who is in the process of going from ID to 19. DPG and ID aren't search trained, and unlikely to get the course there (even though they want it!), but it would be possible to take a lateral transfer.
How far down the tubes did you think it could go?

[James Mc]

My brother in law has just qualified as a member of TFU in a constabulary outside London, he is 47, spent 24 years in the Army, did his Commando cse & served with a commando unit, so he's not soft, but he said it was the hardest, most enjoyable cse & informative cse he has done......personnal recommendations count for a lot............hats off to the Armed Response lads

[Steve Collins]

James,

Absolutely true!! I look back with such fond memories but wonder if it all came around again wether I'd pass, I guess things get harder all the time!

Be safe.
Regards,
Steve

[Treeforg]

Steve
You'd still pass. Yes its still phyical, and the Course plus modular units such as Maritime , Absiel and Shotgun etc make the course almost 20 odd weeks long , but one thing hasn't changed .
Thats the temprement to laugh when you find it tough and to trust the guys with you. Be bloody minded enough not to give up. One things for sure we were all stubborn buggers maybe thats why we made it?
You know as well as I, it recruits certain types of people who will enjoy the challenge, and would tend to succeed in many walks of life if they were placed in them.
I think that has been admirably demonstrated by yourself and others both on this site and those who are now "out"

Just occured to me do you know about "Dave mates do" by the way?????

[sentinel]

Dave Mate's do is this Thursday (PM for the location). It's fancy dress and the theme is "Western Heroes".

No, actually I lied about the fancy dress bit, but it'd be funny to see you turn up in a stetson and spurs...

You are cordially invited. My biggest worry is who will succeed him

And do you really think Mr "Collins" could pass the course...there is a lot of phys.

[co19]

I am attending Thursday, but I was told vicars and tarts was the theme!

[Steve Collins]

Treefrog,

Thanks for the sentiment and the kind words. Sentinel I have to agree the good life has got to me I'd need an iron lung to pass the 'fizz'. Still, instructing over here has kept the old hand in so I guess I'd still be of some use if the shite hit the fan (I just couldn't run away).

Please pass on my very best to Dave Mate I wish I could be there with him but at the moment I'm passportless. Got sworn in as a US citizen and am waiting for passport to come thru.

All the best guys.
Steve

[terrycarter2]

my query is why is there not a quick access route like so many other countries have from military specialists to police specialist ive been trained by the army in sniping lotes of money has been spent making me a crack shot and good observer but for me to transfer my skills to co19 or units alike i have to apply first 1 year plus 2 years probation, say 2 years plain clothes cid or equivelant then maybe apply if u have proven yourself by this time my skill fade is 100 percent and i have wasted the skill which the armed units need please does anyone else find this silly cheers terry.

[Treeforg]

Hi Terry
I suspect I may be one of several that replies to this thread mate, so please take it as nothing else but opinion, delivered with every respect for your current role and skill level.
Essentially CO19 is the Armed "Wing" of the Police Service , its role is to support and assit unarmed officers and units within the Police should they face or prepare to face Armed crims or Terrorists.
As you rightly point out there is no direct entry from either military or other Police units of a similar type or even from other constabularies (Well not without doing the full SFO course first , which is currently in excess of 20 weeks)
The role is predetermined by the fact that you MUST be an experienced Copper with street knowledge and a broad background of Police Work, together with stiffish selection and modular course.

Whilst there would be no arguement against your skills and experience in your current role mate, the base line is you need to have a number of years doing general street duties at least.

There have been lads who have joined the Police from SF and applied to CO19 and not got in. This is in no way an idea that we are so elite that we dont take ex SF etc, but its very much "Horses for courses " I could no more be a Trooper on a squadron or a sniper.( even in my best dreams)
But I am a bloody good SFO, its all about having a broad background of Police work , being able to talk to crims their families , at 2 am having smashed their door down, because despite what we all hear in the media we dont "execute" everyone we come across.

Im sure you are also undervaluing your own personal skills and experience and in my opinion the muscle memory that many ex forces guys have , particularly with regard to field craft , surviellance and weapons , doesn't just "Drop off your radar " for good.
Many of the lads on the teams are ex Booties , Paras etc one Para pathfinder. but as i say its about Coppering first, they are able to combine many of the good skills form military experience with their own Police skills.
I realy do understand your frustration , although it may be if you do feel its an avenue for you? You should remeber that the Olympics will be fast approaching and the rules on recruitment etc etc may HAVE to change who knows?
Hope this at least explains the whys and wherefores
Regards
Treefrog