dreadsoc

Hi RSthetruth

Thank you for giving such a realistic insight into the realities of working for RCIPS.
For those who do apply and succeed in being offered a post, my advice would be to ensure you have absolutely everuthing in writing before you hand in your notice in the UK.
I would also advice that you check out all of the working conditions, read their in force regulations, and establish what exptraneous duties will be expected or demanded of you - and get all of them in writing.
Alsp be aware that whatever shift you are on, or whatever role you perform, you will be the minority officer, and bearing in mind the comments above regarding anti foreignism, take the time to really examin yourslef about how you may cope with that,

Only then is the time to make a decision on whether to take the job.

Regards to all

Dread - x

Stonecatcher

It seems that even to have applied should come with a health warning. Does anyone now how long the short listing is likely to take? If it wasn't for the possibility of taking the big step, I'm not sure I'd consider working for an organization that doesn't reply to e mail requests for information, doesn't give details of how long the short listing time will take and when they do reply only say that I will hear IF I'm short listed. I could be waiting for months and not know anything.
Apart from all the really relevant warnings, am I the only one prepared to take a chance or do we all fit that stereo type that we always think it will be OK in the end? Surely some folk enjoy it dont they?
Isn't there any reward from the community or do they really not care at all?
What I'm trying to get my head around is how there can be such a high violent crime rate with such a relatively small population? Murder / robbery et al. Do the community (victims and witnesses) not get involved at all in trying to prevent / catch some of the crooks or am I simply out of touch? There have also been some threads that 'suggest' some officers may have contacts a little too close to those of dubious backgrounds. Is it true and simply ignored or is it an exagerated problem? To be honest we all know what is said about the larger policing areas in this country! Is there a reputational problem?
I must say some of the press releases on the website have made me smile. Domestics happen wherever you live / work, but the one with the exploding propane cannister recently was a beauty.

RSthetruth

Not sure what post you've gone for mate - but I know someone who has been shortlisted and has an interview this week.

This is exactly what I'm talking about. If you've not been shortlisted they should COMMUNICATE that with you straight away. And not hear of your fate over an damn internet forum from a stranger!

frustratedModPlod

Sounds as though I wasted my time completing the application form...... or can some one convince me otherwise....

Also, is there any housing allowance involved? What law does the RCIPS follow, I'm lead to understand its Judges Rules? Does the RCIPS do any conversion course, driver training etc, etc......

If there are any serving former UK officers on here, please give us the low down

Sunny Dee

I don't know whether or not to convince you otherwise - it's all relative and depends on how bad it is now for you!!

There is some 'housing allowance' included in the salary but it is quickly eaten up. As a Police Officer on a tiny Island you need to live in the nice areas which are expensive so you don't have one of the gun toting gangsters finding out where you live.

The laws are loosely based on UK laws but there is no PACE. Hence there is a truly revolting 'lock up' where you will work which you wouldn't keep your dog in - that's just the bit where you as a guard would work! The bit where the prisoners live the roaches have already moved out!

Driver conversion courses - If you can drive holding your coffee and talking on your mobile at the same time you'll fit right in!!.

Good Luck with your application and keep us updated with your progress.

RSthetruth

ModPlod I can't convince you otherwise, sorry.

The housing allowance amounts to about $250. But a "cheap" rental will cost you $1200 for a 1 bed apt.

The Law is Judges Rules, though it's been tightened up and I consider it a very watered down version of PACE.
There was conversion course, but liken this to sucking eggs. Total waste of time.

What job have you applied for?
Have you considered your exit strategy and what you'll do when your contract ends? (assuming you want to stick it out for that length of time)

SunnyDee - you made me laugh. So true! I don't know when you were there but it sounds as if things haven't changed a bit!!

frustratedModPlod

Oh dear

It's not looking good realy then.... Thanks to those who replied to my post

I've only ever worked under PACE, so I would need a re-fresher course being an MDP officer (no "Mod Plod" comments please) I only ask about driver training, as I'm not authorised to use "blues & two's" and can't get a course as it costs too much....

With regard to my application, I've had an "acknowledgement" of my application so far.

frustratedModPlod

Opinions required again folks.....

Been looking at property in George Town and like the look of these 2 areas, Egret Lane in the Prospect Park area and Smith Roads Villas. I can add the links in if people want more details...... Like I say, opinions on both areas please.

As far as the application goes, I've not heard anything appart from my acknowledgement a week ago...... Is that a good sign

Short fat Black rat

Hi RS, Dread and all,
I've been away from this for a few days, my email didn't update me you were all posting.
I had a telephone call from RCIPS yesterday asking me to be ready for a telephone interview tomorrow. What did surprise me is that the told me I was being interviewed for a post on the Operational Support Group, I take it that's the USG as posted on the website?
I have been looking at the house prices and all the 'hidden' costs I hadn't really accounted for like the health insurance for me and the family. I was planning on me, the wife and the two kids coming, and yes I'd want to live well away from the gun toting maniacs i expect we'll be locking up. I 'spose i'd need to see what is offered ( in writing of course ) before we commit, but I'll guess I'll see how the interview goes tomorrow. regardless thing's be tight. I was surprised at the costs of the schools as well...
Can anyone tell me anymore about the OSG?

frustratedModPlod

Good luck with your interview, let us know how you get on

I think the USG is like the TSG...... or opperational support group for what ever force your with, so public order, search trained, fire arms etc, etc.....

RSthetruth

SFBR, the health insurance should be included in your package, as well as dental. That's one less thing to worry about.

With house prices you're screwed either way. If you sell up completely and have little or no mortgage, it'll still cost you $500 for insurance per month. That's not including utilities and Strata costs.
If you rent, they add all this on anyway which is why nothing is cheap.

As the island is only 5 x 20 miles (approx) you'll never be far from the punters.
My tip: Be nice to them, despite them trying to 'bust your nose' or 'lick you up' the reason? You'll pass them in the aisles while in the supermarket! I guarantee it. The wife and kids will not be impressed when they start with the angry patois towards you in a crowded supermarket.

With regard to OSG. Last I saw they were a headless chicken bunch who like to dish out a bit of street justice. (Not conducive to my tip above!)

Will you wife be able to work? Would be much better if she could.

Anyway - tell us how the interview went. Hopefully they were able to give you a clear and accurate picture of what they want from you and what they will provide in return!

sanchezj

Hi everyone, new here.

I applied for a firearms role last month and was offered an interview last week for the Uniformed Support Group.

Could someone who has had a phone interview with RCIPS in the past give me a heads up, does it involve similar competency based questions such as race/diversity, personal responsibility or is it different to UK police interviews.

Many thanks in advance.

S

Thebigguy1979

Hi guys, I'm another MOD plod who has applied and received an interview for ago post which I'm conducting Monday 7th nov.

I have done a 2 year tour of Kosovo with the mod police and have seen some very bad police practice. But I'm looking for a new adventure!

I'm thinking if I can get away with a career break it might be worth a punt and hey if it's as bad as people suggest just maybe I'll appreciate policing here more.

Has anyone any tips on the telephone interview?

Cheers guys

frustratedModPlod

Good luck. Think I know you........

Rockfever

Hi Guys & Girls

I am new to this website, but not to the RCIPS.
There are Pro's & Cons about joining, here are a few...

Pro's
1. Great experience and you will be very busy. You will deal with incidents that you will NEVER deal with in the UK.
2. Of course the Weather and lifestyle on your days off.
3. Tax free living can work in your favour, but Indirect Taxation could halt that.
4. Less Red Tape
5. Generally the Public have a higher level of respect for the Police and you will be called "Sir" or "Miss".

Cons
1. No Over time will lead to hundreds of hours worked, numerous Officers having 300-400 hrs on the books, especially those in Specialist Posts.
2. High Violent Crime
3. Expensive Bills, with AC your monthly Electric bill can easily be over £200. £1000 for a two bed house rental, single Officers will end up sharing.
4. Lack of SOP's / Policies leads to too much "Discretion" being used.
5. No Welfare
6. Poor Working conditions, lack of Office space, Computers, no lockers, no changing rooms.
7. Lack of job security (2 year contracts only)
8. Complaint system; Officers can and WILL make Complaints about fellow Officers.
9. "Soon Come" attitude has already been mentioned on the thread. Not hearing about your application is typical and negative Feedback, will quickly be given out.

Ultimately, if you can get a Career break or Secondment, then go for it, as you have your job waiting for you. So if after 6 months or a year, it isn't for you, you can return to the UK. However, if you have to resign, that is decision will be HUGE.
One Canadian Officer arrived and returned to his Home Force within 24 hrs, another has been there for 8 continuous years and is a Sergeant, another 9 years and is an Inspector. So there are promotion opportunities.

You may LOVE it, or HATE it, but don't expect it to be anything like a Home Office Service, as it isn't, but how can it be, it's in the Caribbean for starters.

Hope this helps a bit !