OscarW1

Differs from force to force...In the Met there's nothing in initial training. When you get on Borough you can request to do you basic driving, do the test and pass then you can drive marked vehicles. Basic does not allow you to drive in response mode (Without blues/twos). The standard response course in the Met will take you years to attain. I understand response courses are more forthcoming in other forces though...

That’s reassuring to hear, I did wonder how long more units would take!

Sounds promising the double crewing trial. I suppose now they’re getting in more new officers and transferees numbers will go up which will make it more viable...

I agree, also just getting used to driving everyday. At least in the Met that can be shared out!

Even 9 months is excellent....the current Met situation is waiting for years. How long did you have to wait?

Good grief it’ll be like being brand new again. I suppose it can only be a good thing learning how to deal with all manner of jobs. Though it’ll be strange being single crewed all the time although it will be good to get the driving course pretty quick so you can actually get to calls!

I didn’t realise it would be only 5 days! Really thrown into the deep end on division...

And...another question What is the process when you first move over, I assume there’s some sort of course? Do you get a ‘mentor’ out and about on division for the first week or so? Is uniform issue on your first day or do you have to attend a fitting at some point prior to start date? Thanks!

Sounds good, can you generally get the shifts you want to work on the APT list or is it a bit hit and miss? On another note, if you're Level 2 in the Met is this something that is transferrable to Surrey?

How does overtime work in Surrey? Can you just go as and when you like or do they request volunteers for certain shifts? It's quite important to know how often I'll be able to get overtime due to the drop in earning from London weighting :-)

On the vacancy advert, it mentions free or discounted bus/rail travel... Do you know to what extent the rail travel is discounted? Thanks "We offer a wide range of benefits including a healthcare programme and gym classes, career average pension scheme and flexible working, a host of discounts with local and national organisations, and leisure benefits such as free or discounted bus and rail travel."

It really sounds like Surrey gives officers the tools to do the job effectively! From courses to technology two of my biggest reasons for wanting to leave the Met. I like the sounds of the printer linking to the MDT, no longer writing a traffic ticket and having to find the time to complete it at the end of the shift. Do PCSO's get used for scenes? It's really good to hear that support PC's in investigations...

Wow! Samsung S7 personal issues, do you do crime reports etc on them? How busy is it generally? Is it call to call or do you have time for investigating reports etc?

I've heard Surrey has a sensible approach to reporting and which calls they go to. As you know in the Met we just go to absolutely everything, sometimes pointlessly! Don't know how I would get on with single crewing but I'm sure I'd get used to it! Must be a bit of a pain on an I grade trying to read the MDT and drive

The Met is currently going to the model where response team keep everything and it has so far been a disaster but as you know there is literally no time to investigate. Another question...are you single crewed all the time? Also, does Surrey have an equivalent to an Area car for response policing?