That sets the tone for me about how important it is to the government to recruit people who want to be police officer for life 2/2

I think they are. I don’t think the government are too concerned as long as they can put up headline figures say “we’ve delivered on more bobbys on the beat”. The police uplift programme is a prime example: if forces didn’t recruit quick enough or meet targets they faced financial penalties. 1/2

What a great piece of trivia! The military definitely have it nailed down, albeit you are much more institutionalised. I heard a recent quote that you need to think of those retiring as your recruiters for the next generation. #WeCops

Glad he got in SO595! 😂

Our course has just introduced a resettlement course which I think is a brilliant idea. There needs to be wraparound support starting from an earlier stage. Once they are gone that seems to be it. In the military however you might stay a member of the mess or a club #WeCops

4. Outcomes. Different Evidential Review Officers provide a different rationale/perspective (as they would) and so officers receive a different level of service. I feel if we’re going to reduce assaults there should be a precedent set - 1st time caution (if low level), 2nd time charge etc

#WeCops

3. Better understanding. We all know what an assault is on paper. But we fail to record countless assaults that are deemed by officers to be “part and parcel of the arrest”. We need to be more clear on what constitutes assault/resist and properly pursue these. I am not sure the stats are accurate.

2. Consistency. Some forces (BTP from my recollection) if you are assaulted you’ll have your statement taken by a DS, it shows the importance of it from the off. I’ve seen cases where the Supt provides a business impact statement. The level of time and effort given varies - should it?

1. Great question - my immediate thoughts are around greater consistency across the board, better understanding and outcomes.

No doubt research will show an optimum pattern that could be adopted. I think there will always be factors difficult to influence in operational policing, we can’t turn off the demand tap at 0400 to let everyone rest, but could the early shift start sooner to allow that rest? 2/2

#WeCops

Having worked different patterns, I slept the best when I worked 7 days of 13-hour night shifts as your body adapts. Whilst I don’t hate the 6 on 4 off routine we apply here, two nights is just about enough to get your body used to the change and causes that lag on those first rest days 1/2

#WeCops

And feeling the need to be diagnosed or apply for an RA where for most of their career they have not experienced an issue or realised it is there. Then a process, be it exam or board, makes them realise and there is a reluctance to disclose this for fear of feeling judged 2/2.

#WeCops

Processes themselves can be quite daunting and there is still a stigma/ perceived stigma around RAs. You may have to complete long forms, provide evidence, and you might not have even discussed this with your manager prior. I tend to see people feeling backed into a corner 1/2

#WeCops

Cooper and the Conference: 5 things you should know What did we learn from Yvette Cooper's first major speech on policing reform this week? The Home Secretary attended the annual conference of the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) and the Associat...

A must-read for background and commentary on this weeks policing announcement #policing www.dannyshaw.net/post/cooper-...

Very sad to see the news that HMS NORTHUMBERLAND, one of my former ships, is to be retired next year. An excellent ship and will be a loss to the fleet 🫡 🇬🇧

Random fact: in defence writing conventions ship and unit names are always written in capitals ✍️

Thank you!

Again, most forces do this, it’s just down to each team as to how much they engage. We also have to bear in mind I was quite fortunate as I covered a rural/coastal patch so had the time to do it, whereas I’m not sure others in cities could do the same level of engagement 🤔

A broad career, absolutely!

I haven’t but I absolutely will! Thank you Carole! 👍🏻

Don’t get me started on our patrol model Mark, but yes completely agree. It is something that if you’re going to do you need to do properly. I think we need to take a look at the private sector sometimes and keep up 🤔

As Mark points out sometimes the loudest voices in the community aren’t representative of the community. It’s why I think social media is so important - there are parts of our community that we might never engage with in the shop or on the street, so we have to try to make ourselves accessible…

Just the sort of person! Nice to meet you 👍🏻

I knew as soon as I typed this that I meant to say about the supporters and I know there are so many! Thank you! 🙏🏻

a man in a suit stands in a field of yellow flowers ALT: a man in a suit stands in a field of yellow flowers

Hello Bluesky!

I’m looking for people to connect with and learn from in areas (not limited to!) #policing, #justice, #military, #safeguarding #investigations and #criminology.

I know you are here!

#WeCops have joined Bluesky! 📣

It’s like walking through town and seeing all familiar faces, I can’t believe how many of our followers have escaped here!

If you loved #WeCops and want to keep the debate moving please give us a follow @wecops.bsky.social