Starting in Garnerville soon? Read this:

Nerves2016

@Shane - bulling of boots is gone, but they must still have good shine. lots of layers - some people do continue to bull, but got to be careful that they do not crack later in the programme.Uniform standard maintained with line down the middle of sleeve on shirt. Idea - keep one good shirt and one good pair trousers only for inspection. Change before and after show. Do not use lint rollers, only brown tape for tacking down
@Homer - fitness is crossfit type. mixed between cardio and weights. When weights, its big amount of reps but at your own weight. The PCA is achievable for all coming out after 23 weeks.
P.s Boards is great when getting into GV, but trust me, when you get to GV,  between social and work, boards is not even on your mind. When out on the ground, you will be so busy and tired from shift work, this website is the last thing you think off. Please don't bash old posters

blueboat

Nerves2016 wrote: »

@Shane - bulling of boots is gone, but they must still have good shine. lots of layers - some people do continue to bull, but got to be careful that they do not crack later in the programme.Uniform standard maintained with line down the middle of sleeve on shirt. Idea - keep one good shirt and one good pair trousers only for inspection. Change before and after show. Do not use lint rollers, only brown tape for tacking down
@Homer - fitness is crossfit type. mixed between cardio and weights. When weights, its big amount of reps but at your own weight. The PCA is achievable for all coming out after 23 weeks.
P.s Boards is great when getting into GV, but trust me, when you get to GV,  between social and work, boards is not even on your mind. When out on the ground, you will be so busy and tired from shift work, this website is the last thing you think off. Please don't bash old posters

How are you finding it?

Homer01

Nerves2016 wrote: »

@Shane - bulling of boots is gone, but they must still have good shine. lots of layers - some people do continue to bull, but got to be careful that they do not crack later in the programme.Uniform standard maintained with line down the middle of sleeve on shirt. Idea - keep one good shirt and one good pair trousers only for inspection. Change before and after show. Do not use lint rollers, only brown tape for tacking down
@Homer - fitness is crossfit type. mixed between cardio and weights. When weights, its big amount of reps but at your own weight. The PCA is achievable for all coming out after 23 weeks.
P.s Boards is great when getting into GV, but trust me, when you get to GV,  between social and work, boards is not even on your mind. When out on the ground, you will be so busy and tired from shift work, this website is the last thing you think off. Please don't bash old posters

Thanks buddy

My issue is the folk that come into the Boards late in the process and delete their account immediately upon getting their call.

Appreciate you nipping back in with an update as Garnerville does seems to be changing at every intake.

Did you stay in the first 4 weeks and if so would you recommend it?

blueboat

Do we get paid early in December for Christmas like other civil servants or end of month?

sparkylarky

Does anybody know what the pca at the end of GV is like? Is it the exact same as the entry one??

Homer01

blueboat wrote: »

Do we get paid early in December for Christmas like other civil servants or end of month?

Last working day of the month.
The question is do we get it earlier because it's Christmas?

Psni26

Yes the PCA is the exact same at the end

Pottergirl16

No still last working day of the month for pay!

blueboat

Any recommended reading when you get in, been looking at a few black stones student books but not sure if would be relevant?

Homer01

Pottergirl16 wrote: »

No still last working day of the month for pay!

Cool. Sure you'd only have spent on rubbish.

sparkylarky

Psni26 wrote: »

Yes the PCA is the exact same at the end

Thanks just wondering is there any orther fitness test you need to pass in GV or is that it?

Nerves2016

@blue boat -Not finding it, found it at this stage. I made it through GV this year. Time flies in there so enjoy it. Dont worry about blackstone book at the moment - its only the student notes that you need and online material when they register you for it. A few modules to do before registering. Sadly, its worth actually reading this stuff and not ticking the boxes.

@Homer - I stayed in GV for the 23 weeks. I got on really well with room mate which helps alot as rooms are small. I know some people had to give up room because they lived too close who hated giving up the room, and i know others who didnt mind giving them up as they are really small. Stay if you can is my advice. You have more time to do work, train and socialise. A trainer stays overnight so good opportunity for informal chat.

GV rules were changing all the time when i was in there. They do continue to tweak the "new regime", but for all the right reasons, so just go with the flow.

@Sparky - the only fitness test you need to pass is at the end. Although they do a fitness test at week 10 to see if your progressing from week 1. The last thing you want is the PT putting you on a "special" training list. The fitness side of things is easily achievable

blueboat

Thanks very much for that nerves, really appreciated. Glad to hear you made it through!

shanevendrell

Thanks, nerves2016 - great insight.

Few more questions if you're ever at a loose end.

What % of your class size would you say roughly stayed those first four weeks and what % roughly after that?

Do room inspections still take place? Presumably there's people who've never spent a night there so I reckon it would be strange if this practice was still in effect?

Did anyone fail/drop out at any stage?

Any other pearls of wisdom that may have been missed before in this thread or new ones post police scotland recommendations?

Pottergirl16

I'm not sure what squad nerves was in but it has changed. You are no longer entitled to a room at all unless you live over 35 miles away.

Yes room inspections take place.

Yes a few failed and were back squaded but no one in my squad left but I believe it happened in other squads.

The fitness test to monitor improvement is now also done at week 18ish.

Only advise I can give is just get on with it and enjoy it. There are things you will enjoy and things you will struggle with but you will get through it if you work hard.

letsdoit2013

Thanks for the insight and advice, getting nervous now with induction looming!

Banterbus28

You have all made this far and so all are capable of doing very well in GV. Apparently the only thing that let's people down is not believing in themselves. You have all EARNED your place there.

Chin up and crack on

RedPool2891

Giving this a wee bump for those who have received January calls and anticipating February calls because sometimes Christmas just isn't enough!
Such a great thread full of tips and laughs!

ColourArcade

I'm pretty sure i've read this thread about 20 times, never thought i'd be reading it again in order to actually prepare myself for G.V

RedPool2891

Haha - all the hard work starts now!  I love this thread!  This one and the "Top Ten Reasons People Have Quit On Day One..."

Homer01

How is everyone these days?
Garnerville is amazing, the weather is great, wish you were here

Seriously though this place is fantastic. We have a really good class and excellent trainers. The support across the college is very noticeable from the start. The squads above you, the trainers and even just other police that happen to be in that day. Everyone started here!
Don't get me wrong if you make mistake you'll be told but then you'll learn and move on. The person that pulled you will have forgotten about it long before you have; no grudges.

The kit list you get is pretty much what you'll need. Bring a couple packs of printer paper. You supply the printing paper (obviously work related printing only). You might want to add more things once you're here like bringing a box to organise your bits in your locker. Buy a padlock for said locker. Home Bargains do a combination one for £1.59. Not all padlocks fit all lockers.

For fluff removal lint rollers are the best in my opinion vs brown tape. Oh and get a watch if you don't already have one, your phone won't cut it. Most people leave their phones in the locker to stop the bad habit of checking every 5 seconds. You get plenty of breaks but you'll be more interested in loading up with food & caffeine and talking with your new police buddies to think about anyone outside these green walls.

The first few weeks fly in and everything starts to come together. You'll slowly build up your kit to the point where your locker is busting. There's barely room for that Justin Bieber poster!! Classes are both PowerPoint and group work but both very interactive.

Garnerville is an ever changing place and you can sense that quite quickly but it does appear to be for the best i.e. to make the best peelers.

Advice for induction; dress up as if going for an interview. Suit with tie for the guys and similar for the ladies. I think there was at least one tieless person at the January induction and it stood out. I would also recommend toning down hair and makeup, this includes shaving and tidy beards. You don't want to be an example of how not to have your hair/beard/make up. If in doubt ask Staff so you're sorted for your start date.

Advice to anyone starting soon is do your pre reads, do your kit and live the dream!!

I'm off to polish my boots, iron my shirts, get a PE session done It's all worth it when you put that uniform on, don the hat and head off for another day of learning

RedPool2891

Good to hear from you, Homer. Glad it's all working out. Can't wait to get going!

letsdoit2013

x2 what Homer said currently in GV at the minute and loving every minute. My advice would be get the head down and blend in! See you's all in Jan and Feb!

RedPool2891

Cheers folks - great to get a bit of a heads up. It's been a long wait as you're all aware so it's nice to hear it's everything you've hoped for.

Trainee bob

guys can you confirm if squad sizes are up again?how many squads can they have at a time?thanks

Drummer64

Sizes are up.

WittyName291

What is the pre reads that homer01 has mentioned and advised to do?

goodburger1

It's what you read before your class

WittyName291

Oh when you're in... i thought that meant we you're starting just

MayDupname

From what I've gathered, I think we're tested on the material we were given for our online learning. I believe we get access to it again, possibly with more modules added. Also we have to learn, word for word 8 or 9 "definitions". I presume these are different legislations, the oath etc.

This is my understanding from what I'm picked up on the forum so I could be completely wrong?

WittyName291

Sounds about right. What are the definitions?

MayDupname

Haven’t a clue. I’m sure we’ll find out at induction though. I’m thinking it’s stuff like the oath we take at attestation, “I am arresting you on suspicion of…” things like that. I wouldn’t worry too much about it over Christmas; I’d say it’ll be our last “quiet” one so make the most of it.
However if the mother in law starts getting lippy after a few sherry’s, you can always get a head start practising your Home Office approved restraint techniques.

Homer01

Induction online learning is very important as it gives you a good grounding in what's being taught. Once you start more in depth stuff opens up which you'll pre read prior to that particular class.

You're not tested as such on induction online learning but you don't want to look like a rabbit in the headlights when they ask the three main types of legislation for example.

You'll get access to definitions after induction. These are various powers and offences. The main one to know is your caution. Know these and life as a peeler will be much easier

pandabear97

Quick question for guys/girls who are there, how far in advance do you get your timetable? If you've to go in at weekends ect. is it short notice? Cheers

Banterbus28

If there is a public holiday then you will work the weekend immediately afterwards. A friend is in atm and the whole course is given to you, obviously particulars like classrooms etc may change.

pandabear97

Spot on mate cheers

Homer01

pandabear97 wrote: »

Quick question for guys/girls who are there, how far in advance do you get your timetable? If you've to go in at weekends ect. is it short notice? Cheers

You'll get the latest timetable every 5 weeks not all at once.

Saturdays are rare e.g. the college closed the Monday when storm Ophelia was doing the rounds so they came in on Saturday.
You will get the odd late night in your first few weeks but it's all on the timetable. Then you'll have plenty of late nights of your own free will lol

sparkylarky

Homer01 wrote: »

You'll get the latest timetable every 5 weeks not all at once.

Saturdays are rare e.g. the college closed the Monday when storm Ophelia was doing the rounds so they came in on Saturday.
You will get the odd late night in your first few weeks but it's all on the timetable. Then you'll have plenty of late nights of your own free will lol

Do you normally get weekends off?

Homer01

sparkylarky wrote: »

Do you normally get weekends off?

The course is Monday to Friday but in exceptional circumstances they might require you in on the weekends.

The course has so much going on that to miss a day (such as with Ophelia) it could screw things up.

pandabear97

What is the take home pay as a student officer?

BlueCop8790

pandabear97 wrote: »

What is the take home pay as a student officer?

https://www.joinpsni.co.uk/your-pay-scale

pandabear97

BlueCop8790 wrote: »

pandabear97 wrote: »

What is the take home pay as a student officer?

https://www.joinpsni.co.uk/your-pay-scale

Was more wondering about after tax/pension deductions ect.

jwhdkl5736

pandabear97 wrote: »

BlueCop8790 wrote: »

pandabear97 wrote: »

What is the take home pay as a student officer?

https://www.joinpsni.co.uk/your-pay-scale

Was more wondering about after tax/pension deductions ect.

Tax is unique to every individual. Some people have student loans. Some people in precious jobs will have pushed themselves into a higher tax bracket etc. It’s nearly impossible to talk about take home pay.

£1200-1300 very broadly though.

Banterbus28

If you will find that money tight though you can opt out of the pension scheme for the duration of the course and then opt back in once attested.

MayDupname

You don't happen to know what percentage of salary will be matched by employeer for pension contributions?

Banterbus28

21.3 %

Banterbus28

Student officer salary you will pay in

£188 of basic salary into pension pot per month, NITA is pensionable as well so add 12.44% of (3195/12)

Employer puts in £323 per month

Probationer pay

You £219, plus the 12.44% NITA, per month

Employer £375 per month

Banterbus28

Public sector is the way to go for pensions

MayDupname

Thanks for all the info mate. Yea, it seems to be! Just hope I can afford to max out contributions.

Trainee bob

is the 4 weeks residential stay still in place ?