New job for shmook?

[shmook]

How do all. This may ramble on a bit...

 

Right, I have recently come to a point in my life where I have the opportunity to change career paths. My work has been super slow for around 4 months now, where I worked in the construction industry. I've been on temporary stop for that time, and worked maybe 2 weeks of it.

 

It was a small family firm, and I've been doing it full time since January 2001, and part time before that from when I was 15. It's all I really know, apart from a bit of bar work.

 

Anyway, I was made redundant on the 2nd of August, and herein lies my crux. I could carry on with what I was doing. I would have to go self employed, and would be chasing work all over the place, as my old directors wouldn't be able to supply me with enough work themselves.

 

This is not really what I want. My wife is due to give birth in 2 weeks, and I don't want to be scratting for work all over the country at a very important time in our lives with a newborn to look after.

 

This isn't a sob story, I see it as an opportunity to be seized and for a change.

 

I'm 33, and in good health. Too old for the army, which given a different career path I would have joined far younger, and I wouldn't sign up now anyway what with wife and child etc.

 

Part of me has been thinking about things, and one of those things is a PCSO. Not sure if I want to be a full bore rozzer, yet. And was wondering what the great arnies community think of this!

 

Ideally, I would like first hand info on the job, as I don't know any myself, but also, I would like folks perceptions of the job too. If anyone knows anyone who does it could I get an inside view, reasons not to etc.

There is a raft of info already on the Internet, but more can't hurt, can it?

 

I've not set my heart on it or anything, and am aware of the 'wombles', 'plastic policemen' and other derogatory terms, and have both eyes open.

 

I'm just kicking ideas about, and this is one of a few!

 

Thanks for looking,

 

Shmook

[hitmanNo2]

How are your computer skills?  I don't know if this applies to PCSOs as it does regular po po but I know someone (a bit older than you) that joined the police and found all the paperwork and reports a bit overwhelming if you're not that great at typing.

 

From your posts I see you're literate and can navigate a forum so probably not an issue for you heh.

[shmook]

Heh, that's a sham!

 

I can use an Internet browser, but that's probably it. It type with 2 fingers, looking at the keyboard.

 

I have no 'computer' qualifications at all, and that wasn't something I had even thought of, so thanks for bringing it up hopefully, typing would come with practice...

 

I would like to say my literacy is ok, I took English Lang and lit at GCSE, and I'm ok on a forum mainly because I LIKE TALKING ABOUT GUNZ!

 

 

Ahem, this was the forum where I really cut my teeth on the Internet is what I meant to say

 

most mistakes are due to typing on a touchscreen and hitting the wrong key as there is no 'definition' between them. Typing on a real keyboard means less mistakes for me. I tend to post things without proof reading, and then edit as and when.

 

Paperwork I'm ok with, and actually prefer hand writing things to typing them up.

 

Err, edit... Thanks for the reply!

[Skarclaw]

in terms of pure finances I'd personally say you are a better off in the construction industry. Of course I don't know your own circumstances but the construction industry is really picking up and whilst you might not see the effects yourself yet I think its likely to get far better then its been the last few years.  On the otherside. afaik PCSO is unpaid, and they have reduced the starting pay for a copper from 25k to 19k. Which isn't too bad but still worth bearing in mind. Most importantly however is that cuts are being made and police are laying people off as it is. YMMV of course

 

just worth bearing in mind

[JCheeseright]

PCSO is definitely a paid job, I think you may be confusing PCSOs with Specials. 

[Skarclaw]

you're dead right 

 

I just looked at the page for the met and disregard my earlier post completely:

 

- Basic salary ranges from £20,874 to £24,015

- You will also receive a location allowance depending on which of our two zones you work in. This is currently £3,466 (inner zone) or £1,883 (outer zone).

"massive flexibility

- loads of other stuff

[shmook]

Cheers guys.

 

Yep, they are paid, but those quoted salaries are for London arent they? I'm in lancashire, where they are less.

 

Construction has been on its *albartroth* for a while now. We are (were up until 2/8/13 anyway) still quoting like mad, tens to hundreds of thousands of pounds-worth a month, but no one is biting. I know when at full time I could earn more, but its up and down, and after 12 years of it I fancy some stability, even if it is less pay for now. Buggering all over the country and getting every night was fun in my early 20's, and is now to some extent. But I don't want to be local one week, Scotland the next and London the week after, and that is the way it's going.

 

Chasing work all over the country to earn a wage isn't what I really want now. If I have to, then that's ok, and beggars can't be choosers...

 

Is may all be moot anyway, as I don't think lancs are recruiting atm!

 

Does anyone know about career progression, or are folk just joining up as a jumping off point to get into the police?

 

Real info on the web seems sketchy...

 

Edit! Lancs start at £16k according to here which is rubbish, but better than being on the rock and roll

[Jimmypie]

Stick with the building trade mate, I'm currently in my 12th year of self employment, and would never go back.

 

Be your own boss, write your own rules, it's tough to start with but if your any good at what you do, have your own set of tools, and do a good job for a fair price, you'll always be in work.

 

I'm the same age btw, and this is currently my busiest year to date, for the construction industry as a whole it's never been busier, grab a slice whilst it climbs back up.

 

 

My biggest advice would be stick to what you know, if finance isn't an issue, maybe specialise in just the things you love the most and stay local , pick and choose whilst you build your reputation.

[shmook]

Cheers jimmy.

 

I'm in ducting, which is fairly specialist in that we design and build, not just spiral monkeys who throw it in the air from off the shelf kit.

 

Always had my own tools, we don't get them given here...

 

Self employment in my game is very cut throat. It's usually a pair of lads, needed tomorrow, 200 miles away. Quote price x, you get told they will pay y, and you can accept it or *fruitcage* off and they get someone who will take a *suitcase* wage.

 

I can't afford to 'buy' work, and its not that finances aren't an issue, its just that 16k a year is better than £70 a week on the dole.

 

We've gone from both being in full time work, to me earning nowt and the wife on £135 ish on maternity allowance. A hell of a hit when we got married last year and bought a house, which also needs extensive work, and baby on the way!

 

Again, not a sob story, I would just rather earn 'something', and my game isn't paying at the moment.

 

Glad your busy too, trades here seem to be on their *albartroth*.

[Tw1tch]

PCSO is definitely a paid job, I think you may be confusing PCSOs with Specials. 

 

It does make me chuckle when the PCSO is a paid position yet doesn't have the full powers of a regular officer yet the Specials, which I think is a minimum of 16 hours a month or something, is a voluntary position yet they have all the powers of the Police.

 

I'd consider being a Special if I had more solid work hours, unfortunately too variable to commit to something like that.

[shmook]

Yar, being a special isn't something I could commit to.

 

Well, I suppose I could now I don't have a job!

[FireKnife]

Why limit it to being either in construction or a police officer?

 

Surely perhaps there is something you could look at getting a qualification for while you look for work in the construction business, that way if the bottom ever falls out on it you have the possibility to go off and do something else, something a bit different that perhaps you have thought about but never really put to an idea. Best thing I would say is to keep your opportunities as wide open as possible and go from there.

 

'FireKnife'

[loki7491]

This post is not going to be very helpful in terms of finding you gainful employment, i just simply wanted to commend you on your attitude.

 

I know you are not some kid so i don't want to come across as condecending, but there are still pleaty of lazy scroungers out there, of all ages, who could work but choose not to. I wish i was in a position to offer you a job as you seem like the kind of guy that will get stuff done.

 

I'd like to wish you all the luck in the world at sorting this out and i sincerley hope you land on your feet whilst smelling of roses.

 

EDIT:

 

My company is laying guys off in their thousands and many of them have seen an opening in the Health and Safety side of construction. It is as boring as hell to get qualified, but a big earner once there.

 

 

[FireKnife]

My company is laying guys off in their thousands and many of them have seen an opening in the Health and Safety side of construction. It is as boring as hell to get qualified, but a big earner once there.

 

Though if the H&S guy at our work is to be believed you also have to be a bit of a *rickroll* and end up losing friends as you have to basically nag them to change their ways to fall in line with this whole 'no injuries ever occur in the workplace attitude'

 

But then I agree, some small percentage would just not bother (it is nowhere near as big as people think, it is just 'noisy minority of the group' syndrome) and look for handouts. Can't agree enough that more people need to think the way you do shmook, plus the fact you have a child on the way must be an extra spur jab in your backside .

 

'FireKnife'

[FTZ-WildeCard]

My friend worked as a PCSO as a way into being a full time PC later down the line -- in short, he wouldn't recommend the PCSO position to anyone.

 

While it's true you do not have the full set of powers, you're expected to do almost as much work as an actual PC and this is no shirking matter. Additionally, savvy street kids with access to the internet will know the distinction between the two roles and will take the and try and push you to the limit in what they can do to make you snap in line with where you powers begin and end.

 

Of course, there will also be limits to what you will be called upon to do in your professional capacity anyway, but these are small mercies.

 

If you really want to try your hand at law enforcement, you might be better off going whole hog where your training, pay and equipment is better and more complete.

 

PS - this is based of the experience of my friend in the Met, so may not totally apply to you, but hope it is of some use anyway.

[FireKnife]

Depends if you end up as a copper in the heart of London or the back end of nowhere. I would say that in the back end of nowhere you would get old ladies trying to talk to you all day and in the heart of a city having to drive around and deal with all sorts of disputes, some that make frig all sense.

 

All the ones up here in Aberdeen seem to do is drive around all day in circles and then stand outside the clubs on a Saturday but do little is anything to seperate the people beating each other up, heck even the bouncer rarely get involved. Get a job up here, the attitude seems to be 'ah let the moronic inbreds sort themselves out, if one dies one less to worry about' so less work to do, though the airsoft options suck .

 

Either way I personally would not want to do it, but then if you do then full credit to you for it.

 

'FireKnife'

[hitmanNo2]

Out my way you'd probably just be out chasing escaped swans.

[FTZ-WildeCard]

Maybe watch one of the Police shows on TV where they get followed around with a camera and see if you could live that day to day. I certainly couldn't and a lot of the cop shows only show the tamer stuff!

[FireKnife]

Go to the USA and do it, at least there you get a gun and long stretches of roads to do high speed pursuits on, here you get a stick, some deoderant and a Vauxhall Vectra or some such .

 

Also you are likely to see this a lot:

 

 

The number of times I saw students running up and down after swans doing this was legendary .
 

'FireKnife'

[shmook]

Thanks for all the replies chaps!

 

Loki, really nice of you to mention that

 

Fireknife, I'm not limiting myself to just these 2 industries, sorry if I've conveyed that.

 

I was considering PSCO, and thought there may be folk here who were, or knew some, and was after 'inside knowledge' really - not what you read about helping the community, more the day to day ups and downs!

 

FTZ, thanks. That's what I wanted rreally!

 

I'm not sure about full Bobby yet, in truth. I would probably end up lamping some scrote who pushed and pushed, and the way the police are being run isn't my ideal plan at the moment. Seems more paperwork, and backing off, than true justice. This is an outside opinion though, and it probably differs immensely...

 

Where I am is quiet though, but I don't think you can puck your posting when you first join? Is that correct?

 

Anyway, like I said, I'm not limiting myself to these two areas, I just wanted more info before I considered it further.

 

Like I said, it may be moot anywa, as lancs aren't recruiting atm, and funding for PCSO seems to not be ring-fenced now, so they may be cut anyway

[FireKnife]

Thanks for all the replies chaps!

 

Fireknife, I'm not limiting myself to just these 2 industries, sorry if I've conveyed that.

 

It didn't seem like you were entirely focused on the two, more just you have decided that perhaps they are best. In this day and age being a jack of all trades is often better than being a master of a failing system. Saying that we will always need construction and 'filth' as it where .

 

'FireKnife'

[shmook]

Yep, two jobs that will never go away!

[Shardik]

I can only comment on the role of PCSO From my own experiences as a Special Constable for a few years.

 

To be honest, they get paid a lot for what they actually do. I am not sure how the pay scale has changed but it basically used to work out as a few grand less than a PC for not really doing an awful lot. Their primary role is literally that of an officer who does the small jobs within the community. Ie telling people to pick up their litter, moving chats along ect. They pretty much fill in all the jobs the PCs haven't got time for. But- I'm sure you know all this.

 

I still think its a decent job but its far from a career patch unless you want to then use your experience as a PCSO to join the regular police. The money is certainly decent and you rarely will have to put yourself at risk.

 

I say, if you want guaranteed good money, relatively stress free work and don't mind working the weekends- then go for it. It's a job security most won't have.

 

You have to be strong boned though, my experience was that they didn't get an awful lot of respect from other officers. (Even at under my one year stage in the Specials I was put in charge of a few PCSO's on occasion, was pretty neat tbh)

[shmook]

Thanks shardik.

 

As an aside, and relating to my other post, what was it like being a special? I understand reg coppers can look down on PCSO's, is it the same for you guys?

 

What was the workload like realistically? Could you fit it in around a full time job? Can you pick your postings? Ideas are flying around my head at the moment...

 

Being thick skinned in relation to 'real' officers isnt a problem, i am, and stubborn with it. Water off a ducks back

[Shardik]

Well as a minimum you had to do at least 4 hours per week. But really you could pretty much do what you want. Theyd let me work literally anytime i liked. there would always be someone to plod around with and for the most part- most were happy it. i found the old school type coppers carried more respect for me, whereas the newer, younger uningraduate type of cops you get more of these days tended to be the arsey ones. but imho they tended to be coppers anyway. pribably 80% positive?

 

i used to do a full 10 hour shift each week at the weekend, covering over the drinking period through to the next morning.

 

I actually got quite a bit of respect from the regs. Probably due to the fact I was always there and happy to help out during raids ect. Many specials just do a few hours on a Tuesday morning or something which really wasn't much use to anyone.

 

I used to volunteer to work with the 24/7 shift, neighbourhood teams and traffic. Doing so actually gets you noticed. To the point where one of the Indpectors and Cseargent said they'd be a reference for me should I decide to join the regs.

 

My point is if you do the time you'll get treated far better than the typical special who does the bare minimum. Which unfortunately most do.

 

Having said all that all the stations are different. Mine was pretty small but one of the busiest in the region. Especially on Saturday night. (Whitley bay) so any helping hands to assist with the detention of drunks was handy. Especially given my build.

 

I would recommend the specials to anyone who wanted to give something back. Just don't expect money for it