I'm thinking of joining the police force...

[Coyote]

... and I need some people to talk some sense into me.

After a year at tech, I can't get a job in the industry I trained for (auto refinishing). Fewer people want panel work done to their cars so shops aren't looking to hire staff and some are even laying off workers.

Before I give up and go work at a supermarket, I've been thinking about other options. One of those ideas is the Police.

I've had mixed messages about what being a policemen is like, typically ranging between ok and shit. But I expect most jobs to be shit and from what I understand, policemen are paid well.

Do you think becoming an officer is worth pursuing? Or should I avoid this career path like the plague?

On their site to see if I've got what it takes, it says that I need a full NZ drivers licence. I've yet to get my restricted, though I'm confident I will get it soon. However I've had my bike full for almost 2 years. Would I be able to get in with my bike licence or have to wait a year and a half until I can go for my full? Ultimately I'd like to be a bikie cop, but I'm guessing I'd have to know people I don't and it's a bit of a dreamy idea. Unless someone can tell me otherwise.

[sinfull]

Do it ! Need more good cooonts on cop bikes !!!!

[Gremlin]

Like any industry/profession, there are guys that are great, and guys that are wankers. There are those that know their jobs well, and then those that mystify the rest as to how they got the job.

You will quite possibly struggle in social situations when people find out you're a cop, the whole attitude of people change. Thats why a lot of cops stick to their own. Ultimately, you need to be happy with your own work, as there will always be people trying to bring you down, no matter what profession (police is just more public). Employment wise, its a government department, they look after you to a degree, but you don't have the freedom of private sector employment, and there is usually a ton of beaucratic bullshit to sift through.

Re bikey cop, I believe you have to have done general duties for a minimum of 2 years... which involves driving a car around.

[slofox]

When you are a copper, the entire world is criminal......
(Just as when you are a doctor the entire world is sick.....and when you are a teacher, the entire world is THICK!!)
You have to be able to deal with that......

[slimjim]

nothing wrong with trying....don't know about not having full car licene..however at least you'll get the chance to get it...

[Madness]

Thought about being a moto-postie?. They have quite a few of them working out of Te Puni Mail Centre in Petone.

Also, what about taking your trade skills and going into trade sales?.

There's gotta be loads of options before becoming a cunt in a blue hat.

[Hoon]

Go for it. I had a bunch of mates who were stuck in menial jobs with no career. A cop mate roped them into becoming Police and they're all lapping it up now. The pay is pretty respectable too. These mates told other mates and now they're joining up too. Seems I have more cop mates than non-cop mates these days.

Downside is that they all work shift work and are busy as fuck, frequently miss weekend pissups and BBQ/poker games. When they do turn up they end up talking shop most the time as well. But I'm glad that they are financial stable with a good career and comfortably providing for their families now.

[portokiwi]

Go for it mate, You get a lot of good benifets that go with the job too.
Including I think it adds up to 6 weeks leave.

[fireball]

if it something you will enjoy go for it.

work is one of those things you must enjoy because you are going to spend over half your life doing it, dont just do it because its a job.

[fatmonkey]

go join the army, do that for a couple of years, then join the cops. best way to learn how to abuse the system::Punk:

[BOGAR]

I rub shoulders with some in my area doing Search and Rescue. All bar none are good Blokes and blokesses and have a good laugh when they can and are serious when they need to be. I have been considering it but I can’t decide if I won’t to go the training academy in Porirua for the year. Let us know what it is like if you do.:niceone:

[Jantar]

Two simple questions to ask yourself about ethics will give you the answer you require:

"Have you always kept to the speed limit?"

"Could you, in good concience, give someone else a ticket for exceeding the speed limit?"

[scumdog]

Give it a shot

You MAY end up hating it.

But if you haven't had a go you'll never know, you'll always wonder.....

And don't worry about Jantar, he probably doesn't expect his doctor to smoke cigarettes either...:msn-wink:

[wbks]

I don't know of one cop I've ever met or been pulled up by who hasn't sped on their own time once or twice. And I think the law has nothing to do with having a concience. Being a cop sounds like a good job in terms of getting your own car and good pay etc.

[nighthawk]

Ring your local station and make an appointment with the area recruiting officer, he will be able to answer all your questions.
Ask about going out on scope for a look at the sharp end, then you will know if its for you or not...

best of luck, hope all goes well

[Coyote]

Do it ! Need more good cooonts on cop bikes !!!!
Aww, shucks.

Thought about being a moto-postie?. They have quite a few of them working out of Te Puni Mail Centre in Petone.

Also, what about taking your trade skills and going into trade sales?.

There's gotta be loads of options before becoming a cunt in a blue hat.
Yes, I have thought of the idea. Those little CT's look like fun. Might have to explore that route too.

Trade sales?

if it something you will enjoy go for it.

Don't know yet. Spent all of this year training in what I thought would be my dream job. There's much of it I do like, mainly the links with people you make in the industry (like racers and suppliers) and the end result with many vehicles (ooo, shiney). But prep work is a bitch and not good for my health which is already a shambles. Still keen to keep close ties with the industry and get an apprenticeship in the future. Basically, don't know if anything will be good until you try it.

Two simple questions to ask yourself about ethics will give you the answer you require:

"Have you always kept to the speed limit?"

"Could you, in good concience, give someone else a ticket for exceeding the speed limit?"
I think I've done a good job of consistently keeping outside of the limit.

And hell yes, especially if they're a cunt.

Do I pass?

Give it a shot

You MAY end up hating it.

But if you haven't had a go you'll never know, you'll always wonder.....

And don't worry about Jantar, he probably doesn't expect his doctor to smoke cigarettes either...:msn-wink:
It's good to hear a cop isn't proclaiming to shield myself from the tyranny with a cross, or just saying "it's gay bro".

There's very little I don't hate already. I should be fine.

I know about continuously wondering. That's why I need to get a ZX10R.

Do you know how to become a bikie cop? I don't have to learn to perform fellatio or anything do I?

[Jantar]

...And don't worry about Jantar, he probably doesn't expect his doctor to smoke cigarettes either...:msn-wink:

Dead right. He doesn't smoke when he and I go flying together, but he does smoke when horse riding with Stromfrau. :whistle:

[Jantar]

...
I think I've done a good job of consistently keeping outside of the limit.

And hell yes, especially if they're a cunt.

Do I pass?


Yep, The same answer for both questions... You'd be perfect. :innocent:

[Madness]

Trade sales?

Someone has to supply the Auto Refinishing trade with materials. In Welly you've got Union Hardware, Premier Paint Supplies, ICI Dulux (They even have the factory in Gracefield) and the likes of R.A Johnstone and Wurth.

If you've trained in the field, this may be a logical solution to a lack of positions on offer "on the tools" and would open doors within the industry.

Remember, this is the worst time of the year to be looking for a job.

[Indoo]

I've had mixed messages about what being a policemen is like, typically ranging between ok and shit. But I expect most jobs to be shit and from what I understand, policemen are paid well.


Don't join for the pay. Especially if you are in a busy district like Auckland you are not paid well at all when you take into account the stress, risk, unnecessary/inefficient paperwork and the fact that you will on average work (if you are on general duties not traffic) anywhere from 30 minutes to 4+ hours unpaid overtime per shift that you don't get a cent for.

It can be fantastically exciting and at times horribly boring, if you have a passion for catching criminals and for your community its a great career, if your joining because you can't find a job elsewhere and 50k looks good on paper, look elsewhere.

[AllanB]

Go for it - we need more cops in NZ.

[Coyote]

Someone has to supply the Auto Refinishing trade with materials. In Welly you've got Union Hardware, Premier Paint Supplies, ICI Dulux (They even have the factory in Gracefield) and the likes of R.A Johnstone and Wurth.

If you've trained in the field, this may be a logical solution to a lack of positions on offer "on the tools" and would open doors within the industry.

Remember, this is the worst time of the year to be looking for a job.
The rep from Union Hardware is a good bloke. He was the main supplier for Weltec and were I do Work Experience. I think they're well covered for workers though.

I've also shown some talent in applying pinstripes and caught the attention of a signwriter. I asked about a job and he said he'd be keen, just get back to him after my course has finished. When I did contact him, he seemed more reluctant. He's suffering a bit at this time too I think (still managed to buy a second Cobra though... maybe I'll ask again).

I was hoping, like my mate who did the course last year, that if I worked the hardest in class that an employer would come by and snap me up. Unfortunately times have changed. I might just get a job to pass the time until a panel shop starts hiring, unless a police recruiter convinces me otherwise.

Yep, The same answer for both questions... You'd be perfect. :innocent:
Sweeet. I knew it

Don't join for the pay. Especially if you are in a busy district like Auckland you are not paid well at all when you take into account the stress, risk, unnecessary/inefficient paperwork and the fact that you will on average work (if you are on general duties not traffic) anywhere from 30 minutes to 4+ hours unpaid overtime per shift that you don't get a cent for.

It can be fantastically exciting and at times horribly boring, if you have a passion for catching criminals and for your community its a great career, if your joining because you can't find a job elsewhere and 50k looks good on paper, look elsewhere.
I think I could enjoy it. Don't like feeling powerless in this shit world and would like some authority. Course I may find with all this P.C. claptrap being brought in that the crooks have more rights than myself. That's what my Dad has found being an English teacher at a home boy dominated school (the future crooks I might be chasing).

Plus sitting at the side of the road waiting for speeders sounds pretty cruisey. And some police women I wouldn't mind getting to know. And cruising around on a police bike if I can get to that stage, well that's possibly the best job I could ever get.

[Coyote]

The worst thing about job hunting is I'm going to have to get a hair cut.

[riffer]

Scumdog, Patrick, Spudchucker et al - do you still think Police work is a calling?

My wife's father and uncle are both ex-cops. They've gone on to good things from there and being Police never hurt them for sure.

But I wonder about your motivation too Daniel. Remember, you may not necessarily get a posting where you want. Are you prepared to go anywhere in the country for work?

Personally, I reckon Armed Forces may be the go for you - you have the intelligence to make Officer and you could get a decent degree in say five years, a heap of experience in leadership and go anywhere from there - don't write off the armed forces.

I still think you have to really want to be a cop to do it.

[vtec]

Hey man, I'd only do it if I was going to be in the armed offenders squad. Hell yeah. They have a lot of boring paperwork and fuckwits to deal with, and their bosses have them mostly focussed on revenue gathering, instead of out doing the community a service. Average joe cop I'm sure is pretty quickly disenchanted with how it's run. My cousin is a cop, and he's a good top bloke, but it's warped him a little.

I've got lots of ideas for jobs, but I like to do dangerous hands on stuff.

Yeah thought of training to be an engineer in the armed forces?

[koba]

I say do it.
I think it would be a kick arse job. I would have a crack at it myslef if curcuimstances were different ;)
Seems like a very interesting job.

[koba]

Personally, I reckon Armed Forces may be the go for you - you have the intelligence to make Officer and you could get a decent degree in say five years, a heap of experience in leadership and go anywhere from there - don't write off the armed forces.


Good point.

[Coyote]

Scumdog, Patrick, Spudchucker et al - do you still think Police work is a calling?

My wife's father and uncle are both ex-cops. They've gone on to good things from there and being Police never hurt them for sure.

But I wonder about your motivation too Daniel. Remember, you may not necessarily get a posting where you want. Are you prepared to go anywhere in the country for work?

Personally, I reckon Armed Forces may be the go for you - you have the intelligence to make Officer and you could get a decent degree in say five years, a heap of experience in leadership and go anywhere from there - don't write off the armed forces.

I still think you have to really want to be a cop to do it.
They're some of the most nihilistic, sarcastic, holier than thou people on this site. They're brilliant!

I'm keen on moving away from the hutt and abandoning many of the people I despise around here. Plus it'd be a change of scenery.

Food for thought there anyway. I hadn't written pff armed forces myself, just my parents have. I'm in a Social Credit/Greens home afterall.

[Indoo]

I think I could enjoy it. Don't like feeling powerless in this shit world and would like some authority. Course I may find with all this P.C. claptrap being brought in that the crooks have more rights than myself. That's what my Dad has found being an English teacher at a home boy dominated school (the future crooks I might be chasing).

Plus sitting at the side of the road waiting for speeders sounds pretty cruisey. And some police women I wouldn't mind getting to know. And cruising around on a police bike if I can get to that stage, well that's possibly the best job I could ever get.

Don't join, seriously the Police doesn't need more people with that attitude.

[Coyote]

Don't join, seriously the Police doesn't need more people with that attitude.
Doesn't want people with a sense of reality? That doesn't sound right.

[Swoop]

I have been considering it but I can’t decide if I won’t to go the training academy in Porirua for the year.
I thought that it was a six month stint.

[Coyote]

Hey man, I'd only do it if I was going to be in the armed offenders squad. Hell yeah. They have a lot of boring paperwork and fuckwits to deal with, and their bosses have them mostly focussed on revenue gathering, instead of out doing the community a service. Average joe cop I'm sure is pretty quickly disenchanted with how it's run. My cousin is a cop, and he's a good top bloke, but it's warped him a little.

I've got lots of ideas for jobs, but I like to do dangerous hands on stuff.

Yeah thought of training to be an engineer in the armed forces?
I saw some of them the other day. they were stopping me from going down my street (damn, missed out on the action). They've got the Ninja style going on aye? That's sparks up my inner child's interest.

Engineer is a mechanic right? Which I have thought of.

[Matt_TG]

Hey mate - I'll PM ya

[scumdog]

Doesn't want people with a sense of reality? That doesn't sound right.

It wasn't the reality dude....

[scumdog]

I thought that it was a six month stint.

It's 5 months - and as mentioned, it IS a kind of calling I guess....if you want to be any good you have to have the right attitude.

[Coyote]

It wasn't the reality dude....
What is the reality?

[howdamnhard]

Ye go for it!:Punk:

[The Pastor]

... and I need some people to talk some sense into me.

After a year at tech, I can't get a job in the industry I trained for (auto refinishing). Fewer people want panel work done to their cars so shops aren't looking to hire staff and some are even laying off workers.

Before I give up and go work at a supermarket, I've been thinking about other options. One of those ideas is the Police.

I've had mixed messages about what being a policemen is like, typically ranging between ok and shit. But I expect most jobs to be shit and from what I understand, policemen are paid well.

Do you think becoming an officer is worth pursuing? Or should I avoid this career path like the plague?

On their site to see if I've got what it takes, it says that I need a full NZ drivers licence. I've yet to get my restricted, though I'm confident I will get it soon. However I've had my bike full for almost 2 years. Would I be able to get in with my bike licence or have to wait a year and a half until I can go for my full? Ultimately I'd like to be a bikie cop, but I'm guessing I'd have to know people I don't and it's a bit of a dreamy idea. Unless someone can tell me otherwise.
don't be a dick mate, maybe you could start your own spray painting bussiness? lots of people would be looking for cheap touch ups.

[scumdog]

don't be a dick mate, maybe you could start your own spray painting bussiness? lots of people would be looking for cheap touch ups.

Yup, with all the KBers that bin you can't miss making a fortune...

[Coyote]

don't be a dick mate, maybe you could start your own spray painting bussiness? lots of people would be looking for cheap touch ups.
Don't have enough money to get started. There's a lot of regulations you have to conform to since you're dealing with toxic materials. I'm keen to do perk jobs at home, buy myself a cheap air compressor and gun to do wacky paint jobs on mates cars and bikes, but I won't be able to start a business for a few years yet. Plus I would need to gain a bit more experience, which is why I'm still keen on doing an apprenticeship. I do know my stuff, it's just I've got to perfect a few things.

Also I've been working on the bucket racer of mine creating the tank and tail to be made out of fibreglass. That's another dream business of mine in the future, making custom bits and pieces for bikes. Would also like to have a go making a car body shell (and possibly the frame cause I don't think any normal car frames can fit the body I want to make, my brother is studying fabrication so hopefully that's not too unrealistic if I get his help).

The force was just an idea I had been toying with if I had no luck anywhere else. I really only need a crap job to fill in time until the panel shops are back in business. But I'm reluctant to go back to a supermarket. Been there, done that.

[Coyote]

Yup, with all the KBers that bin you can't miss making a fortune...
I started refinishing since I binned all the time and couldn't afford getting someone else to fix the bike :p

[The Pastor]

get a job in a food type place - reduce your food bill :D

[Zapf]

I would suggest you getting some life skills / experience before joining the force. give you a much wider prespective of the socity and people in general before u have to deal with them.

[Hoon]

Go for it. I had a bunch of mates who were stuck in menial jobs with no career. A cop mate roped them into becoming Police and they're all lapping it up now. The pay is pretty respectable too. These mates told other mates and now they're joining up too. Seems I have more cop mates than non-cop mates these days.

Yep I guess I should mention that all these mates are ex or current serving Army (TF or Reserve they call it now). Soldiers seem to make good cops for some reason. I don't know if I'd bother joining the Army first though unless you REALLY wanted to join the Army as you won't get far unless your heart is in it.

[samgab]

I reckon you should go for it. You get paid whilst you get trained.
I work for the Police, but I'm not a sworn officer. They're a good bunch to work for. I've been out on the road with an I-car, it's great fun, very interesting. Also went up with Eagle to observe, and that was a blast too.
Once you've passed the training and spent 2 years as a probationary constable, you can pretty much choose your career path: traffic, serious crash, forensics, AOS, SAR, etc. The pay gets pretty good once you've been doing it for a few years.
While you're out on the road you get to speed legally too, when you have to blue-light it.
You will need your full driver's licence.
You'll never get bored, anyway.

[short-circuit]

Someone's gotta do I spose - rather you than me

[Patrick]

Scumdog, Patrick, Spudchucker et al - do you still think Police work is a calling?

Yup. 23 years later and still doing it. Major difference now is the department seems hell bent on being holier than thou, squeeky clean PC followers.... Like the porngate saga, as an example...


They're some of the most nihilistic, sarcastic, holier than thou people on this site..

Oi!!! :angry::scratch:

Which one am I then? Or am I all of the above?:shit:

[Gremlin]

Which one am I then? Or am I all of the above?:shit:
if you have to ask... :shifty:

[Patrick]

One, definitely...

One definitely not....

One I don't even know what it means.... :doh:

[Brett]

There are many many worse things you could do than become a cop, plus we need more good cops.

To be honest, it has always apealed to me as a career because of the excitment and action (sometimes). But yes, there are also boring aspects. My bro in law is a cop, so I organised to go for a ride with him on one night shift...hardly what i would call boring.

I have always thought that if I went into it, I would go into Armed Offenders Squad, Search & Rescue or Dive Squad...have looked into all 3 and they seem pretty fricken cool. Armed Offenders is a voluntary thing however...so bear it in mind if it interested you...

I reckon, look into it, go for a ride on a shift with some cops and if you still think it is for you...go for it.