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Leaving the Police

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trainbobby88

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15 Oct 2018
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Thinking about a career change leaving the police in BTP after a numbers years to join the railway.

Any good career moves, ideas or possible job roles which would suit my background...
 
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Stigy

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Driver or Guard roles are well suited to former Police and other emergency services staff. There’s a load of good skills which transfer well obviously.
 

OneLowban

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30 Oct 2017
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Had two ex police on my driver course and heard of many more becoming drivers too.
 

Ladder23

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Surely a Mobile operations manager would be one of the good options, I work with a friend who was BTP, he yesterday got good news of getting a MOM job.
 

Owen2323

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There are many good roles in the railways, driver being the most obvious one and being BTP I suppose you have even better experience than regular cops when it comes to transferable skills etc to get you in. However, bear in mind you would have to undertake a pass or fail course so even if you get the job its not yours until you've passed!

I know the police has its problems but it is a job for life and leaving is a big decision which can bite you on the ass if you're not careful (I speak from personal experience - pm me if you want to discuss it further.....)
 

Halfway Boy

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There’s a handful of Ex-BTP who are now tube drivers having joined as night tube drivers and then moving to “full time”.

there’s another couple on the waiting list for training dates, however this route is going to be closed to externals who haven’t already applied, so you’d need to take another job on the underground and apply internally.

I know of others from BTP who are now mainline train drivers, signallers, MOM’s, working in network rail control, etc.
 

johnlh

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I left the Met in November and on a drivers course at the moment. My mate leaves next month. A few have left already. I also know of one driver at my new depot is ex-job.

Still early days but no regrets yet. Spent a week at my depot last week and it was great. The course is quite intense and there is a lot to learn but I’m sure it will all be worth it.
 

C J Snarzell

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I'm ex-police and I quit the job last year. I can't speak for BTP but I got fed up with the job and after 15 years I just said to myself I'd had enough and walked away. I have no regrets because the pressure and politics of being in the police were constantly grinding me down.

One thing I will say is my quality of life has improved since I finished. The 30 year career and healthy pension is all but gone now for cops (or ex-cops) of our generation, thanks to Theresa May and Tom Winsor. The point I'm making is it's easier to go for a career change and have no regrets. I actually left to go into a pretty lame job working for a leasing company at first, but money has never been an issue for me and although the salary of a top increment constable is now 40k, even that wasn't enough to keep me in the job at the end.

What I will say to you from my own experience is that being in the police is not a golden ticket to get any job in the rail industry. Its true we have transferable skills but you are still competing against very strong candidates with solid academic backgrounds for many jobs. I've had plenty of knock backs along the way - I've dipped at the paper sift many times, but got to interviews to find I'm one of ten for one job!!! Please be prepared go the distance and set your stall out.

There's no reason why you shouldn't get to where you want. I eventually managed it after many setbacks, but it was worth it and I'm now doing a rail job I enjoy.

All the best to you.

CJ
 

Stigy

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I'm ex-police and I quit the job last year. I can't speak for BTP but I got fed up with the job and after 15 years I just said to myself I'd had enough and walked away. I have no regrets because the pressure and politics of being in the police were constantly grinding me down.

One thing I will say is my quality of life has improved since I finished. The 30 year career and healthy pension is all but gone now for cops (or ex-cops) of our generation, thanks to Theresa May and Tom Winsor. The point I'm making is it's easier to go for a career change and have no regrets. I actually left to go into a pretty lame job working for a leasing company at first, but money has never been an issue for me and although the salary of a top increment constable is now 40k, even that wasn't enough to keep me in the job at the end.

What I will say to you from my own experience is that being in the police is not a golden ticket to get any job in the rail industry. Its true we have transferable skills but you are still competing against very strong candidates with solid academic backgrounds for many jobs. I've had plenty of knock backs along the way - I've dipped at the paper sift many times, but got to interviews to find I'm one of ten for one job!!! Please be prepared go the distance and set your stall out.

There's no reason why you shouldn't get to where you want. I eventually managed it after many setbacks, but it was worth it and I'm now doing a rail job I enjoy.

All the best to you.

CJ
You have a job at a TOC now? I didn’t realise (did you post an update?), congrats! Proof that perseverance pays off!
 

C J Snarzell

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Stigy

Yes mate - finally! Only the last fortnight though. Working in control - the job is demanding but definately worth it in the end.

CJ
 

ChiefPlanner

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Stigy

Yes mate - finally! Only the last fortnight though. Working in control - the job is demanding but definately worth it in the end.

CJ

Well done - a job that can be steady - and develop into high stress in no time at all ! (but you would know about these things I am sure)
 

sw1ller

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There are many good roles in the railways, driver being the most obvious one and being BTP I suppose you have even better experience than regular cops when it comes to transferable skills etc to get you in. However, bear in mind you would have to undertake a pass or fail course so even if you get the job its not yours until you've passed!

I know the police has its problems but it is a job for life and leaving is a big decision which can bite you on the ass if you're not careful (I speak from personal experience - pm me if you want to discuss it further.....)

+1 this

we’ve had quite a few failures on our drivers course in the last 3 years and weirdly, they’ve all been ex police.
On the flip side, we’ve had quite a few ex police pass too. I just wanted to back up the claim it’s not a turn up and pass type of course.
 

Brennars

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26 Nov 2019
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I’m currently in the Police but looking to leave with two live applications into TPE and Northern at the minute. Does anyone know what the average pass rate is for a drivers course as in what percentage of people pass/fail? I really would like a crack at it if I was lucky enough to get that far but am aware it is a gamble with no going back if I was unsuccessful.
 

Paulm36

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I’m currently in the Police but looking to leave with two live applications into TPE and Northern at the minute. Does anyone know what the average pass rate is for a drivers course as in what percentage of people pass/fail? I really would like a crack at it if I was lucky enough to get that far but am aware it is a gamble with no going back if I was unsuccessful.
Positive mental attitude mate, if you're lucky enough to get that far, apply yourself, show the right attitude, look listen, learn and don't be afraid to ask questions and you'll be fine. At that stage it's all up to you.
 

Dieseldriver

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9 Apr 2012
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I’m currently in the Police but looking to leave with two live applications into TPE and Northern at the minute. Does anyone know what the average pass rate is for a drivers course as in what percentage of people pass/fail? I really would like a crack at it if I was lucky enough to get that far but am aware it is a gamble with no going back if I was unsuccessful.
I'll be honest. If you apply, pass the application sift, pass the psychometric assessments, pass the structured interview, pass the managers interview and then pass the medical, with your work history you are suitable for the role. Most people who fail a Drivers course have a bad attitude, are arrogant, don't study enough, don't treat the job with the seriousness it demands or are just lazy. The same when you're out on your own as a qualified Driver, if you approach it with professionalism, make good lifestyle choices, keep up to date with rules, routes and traction, you'll be fine.
Basically, success in the Drivers course and continuing success as a Driver is down to an individuals attitude. Apply yourself and honestly, you'll be fine! Good luck with your applications :smile:
 

Ptrains

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21 Nov 2019
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I'm leaving after just shy of 19 years in the police, currently waiting in the depot driver talent pool. As previously said the wages and pension aren't bad, but not what they were (bear in mind we pay 13.3% into it each month), but it's the constant do more with less, politics, lack of support from the top and endless barriers that seem to be put up that make the job less and less appealing. I used to think it was a career in the police, now it's just a job. In my case, after making the decision to apply I had a good hard look at the options available to me - there are many different roles in the police and it can be an interesting and enjoyable way to earn a living if you find the right role. But there is a lot of competition for the 'best' jobs as lots of cops are desperate to get away from the front line and will apply for anything going.

Anyway, a year after that initial application went in and a fair bit of thinking and research into a career on the railways, I am 100% sure that if or when the offer comes I will take it. As for the worry of failing the course - well I'm fairly technically minded and can pick things up quickly, so I'm confident I'll be fine having looked into what the course involves. The TOC will be investing a lot of money in training me, so will want me to pass. If the worst was to happen and I end up without a job, I could always apply to re-join the police again as I believe that you can keep your original benefits if it's within 2 years.

I'd go for it - you've not lost anything but a bit of time at the application stage. Good luck....
 

Quin79

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11 Mar 2019
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284
17 years in Policing and DMI booked in January. It's come around very quickly and trying to swat up and prepare as best I can for the interview. Desperately want the job as a train driver and to get out of Home Office policing. All down to me now, don't want to think of failing as have jumped through so many hoops to get this far. Seems there are so many trying to leave "the job" which is a sad state of affairs
 

C J Snarzell

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Quin79

I left last year and probably joined around the same time as yourself (2003). Since I went, three former colleagues have jumped shipped from copworld, one of which is now a trainee driver.

Good luck with the application and honestly if you get through, you will have no regrets about leaving.
 

kickin aff

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16 Oct 2015
Messages
163
17 years in Policing and DMI booked in January. It's come around very quickly and trying to swat up and prepare as best I can for the interview. Desperately want the job as a train driver and to get out of Home Office policing. All down to me now, don't want to think of failing as have jumped through so many hoops to get this far. Seems there are so many trying to leave "the job" which is a sad state of affairs

Quin79
Last summer I became a trainee train driver after 17 years as a Police Officer. Thus far, the best move I have ever made. The drop in salary is a challenge but if you budget you will get through.

Best of luck.
 

Speedbird100

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9 Mar 2019
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I’m currently with TVP (16yrs) and sadly failed the two hand coordination test in March for GWR. Patiently waiting for another local TOC to advertise for my final attempt!
 

Mekiz79

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6 Jun 2018
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I'm currently in the last stages of getting a trainee driver job with Greater Anglia (had medical) waiting for start date now. Served 11 years with the Police, the job is awful now, cant wait to get out!
 

Quin79

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11 Mar 2019
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Quin79
Last summer I became a trainee train driver after 17 years as a Police Officer. Thus far, the best move I have ever made. The drop in salary is a challenge but if you budget you will get through.

Best of luck.
Should only be temporary during training though re salary. As after qualifying it's a very lucrative career and different story eh
 

IKB

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15 Nov 2013
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If you want to earn some proper dosh, apply to be a driver. The shift work is just as gruelling on the body, but you won't be stood out in the freezing cold arguing with drunken tossp*ts, or enduring enforced overtime.

Quit the police over four years ago. Been a qualified driver three years now, never looked back.

Plenty of ex-job, ex-fire and ex-military on the railway. You will have a good skillset for the role.

Do it !
 
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