Got it!

[navybloke]

Long story short - I start on September 9th!

So, I'm happy all round. First impressions are good - I was given a start date of the 2nd, replied with a 'thanks but...' and it was no problem to push it back by a week.

I'm looking forward to this. Full disclosure: it won't be forever. I've interviewed successfully for a couple of jobs with the Met Police but the vetting process takes around six months. This is both a stopgap and the fulfilment of a childhood dream! You will have to bear with my intermittent 'first impressions' posts - Bounced Czech, I look forward to infecting you with my enthusiasm!!!

[Jb1969]

That enthusiasm will last all of one wk!
But congrats on your new role, I hope it works out even on a temporary basis for you.

[R5001]

To counter the poster before me, if you can manage some managerial bullshit and know your rights (As a prospective police officer, I'd make sure you know them) you have a good chance of finding the job decent, so good luck, hope you enjoy your tenure, however long it may be.

Random bits:
New starters are on monthly pay, its s**t. Breaks unpaid unlike your colleagues. Aside that, the pay is decent for the work you do.
Waterproof trousers are a trap, you'll end up wetter from sweating than you would've gotten from the rain. Don't use them, unless you're on parcel and don't walk that much.
Overtime is NOT mandatory no matter what anyone tries to impress upon you.
Your safety > all else. If a building is full of druggies and there is a gang in the stairwell, don't deliver a thing, just mark the mail and tell the manager, same goes for broken paths, steep drives covered in ice etc.

[Barnacle]

You say it’s a stopgap (non taken), but don’t policeman officers retire at 55 or thereabouts? So the police will be a stopgap until you can retire and become a postie again

[navybloke]

You say it’s a stopgap (non taken), but don’t policeman officers retire at 55 or thereabouts? So the police will be a stopgap until you can retire and become a postie again

I’m joining in a non-uniform role, doing sneaky analysis stuff - that’s why the vetting takes so long, all my super-duper clearances from the military have expired. I can be a wrinkled old ****er in the job as long as my grey matter stays intact.

The other advantage of being a ‘mature’ newbie, I guess, is that I might be reasonably immune to the pressure that so many have talked about to do OT. I’m more than happy with an early start when that’s available, but I can’t imagine being browbeaten into doing OT that I don’t want to do. I think my definition of what pressure looks like might be slightly different to some!

One quick question: can I get on the uniform app early so that I can order my kit before day one? I believe I need a payroll number - or is there a shortcut? If anyone can provide a current link so I can see what the options are, that would be awesome.

[navybloke]

To counter the poster before me, if you can manage some managerial bullshit and know your rights (As a prospective police officer, I'd make sure you know them) you have a good chance of finding the job decent, so good luck, hope you enjoy your tenure, however long it may be.

Random bits:
New starters are on monthly pay, its s**t. Breaks unpaid unlike your colleagues. Aside that, the pay is decent for the work you do.
Waterproof trousers are a trap, you'll end up wetter from sweating than you would've gotten from the rain. Don't use them, unless you're on parcel and don't walk that much.
Overtime is NOT mandatory no matter what anyone tries to impress upon you.
Your safety > all else. If a building is full of druggies and there is a gang in the stairwell, don't deliver a thing, just mark the mail and tell the manager, same goes for broken paths, steep drives covered in ice etc.

All good advice - many thanks. Good to see that common sense is alive and well!

[malnuman]

You should get your payroll number along with your contract by email, I had mine come through in a few days, you can then order your uniform straight away, I had mine all waiting for me at my office on my 1st day..

[Playmail]

Great another new starter you will spend time training and just when they become reliable they leave

[navybloke]

Great another new starter you will spend time training and just when they become reliable they leave

Yes, but just watch the increase in morale while I’m there!

[Barnacle]

Great another new starter you will spend time training and just when they become reliable they leave

Yes, but just watch the increase in morale while I’m there!

We need an increase in morale. We seriously do.

[PenfoldMouse]

Congrats mate. Ex-mil myself and if you could put up with the BS there, you'll be fine here. Welcome onboard

[Navalron]

You say it’s a stopgap (non taken), but don’t policeman officers retire at 55 or thereabouts? So the police will be a stopgap until you can retire and become a postie again

I’m joining in a non-uniform role, doing sneaky analysis stuff - that’s why the vetting takes so long, all my super-duper clearances from the military have expired. I can be a wrinkled old ****er in the job as long as my grey matter stays intact.

The other advantage of being a ‘mature’ newbie, I guess, is that I might be reasonably immune to the pressure that so many have talked about to do OT. I’m more than happy with an early start when that’s available, but I can’t imagine being browbeaten into doing OT that I don’t want to do. I think my definition of what pressure looks like might be slightly different to some!

One quick question: can I get on the uniform app early so that I can order my kit before day one? I believe I need a payroll number - or is there a shortcut? If anyone can provide a current link so I can see what the options are, that would be awesome.

When did you leave the job and what branch were you in mate. I was ops branch. Take it you were WE.