Prison Officer

redhotdevil

Congrats to everyone who passed yesterday.:) Best of luck to everyone starting on Monday

does anyone know when the next PCT will be because I should be defo called for that one(hopefully)!!!!!!

portumna

redhotdevil wrote: »

Congrats to everyone who passed yesterday.:) Best of luck to everyone starting on Monday

does anyone know when the next PCT will be because I should be defo called for that one(hopefully)!!!!!!

The next class is due to start on 12th July so i'd presume there'll be a PCT before then!

redhotdevil

Nice one portumna,I'm placed 108 so I should be called for the next PCT and was hoping that the 12th of July class wasn't filled yet!!!!!

dorothymantooth

hi, i passed the PCT in may and was placed 50 after the interview. im getting a bit worried now about not getting a call when some people who were placed higher were called straight away and asked to start:(

Taxipete29

dorothymantooth wrote: »

hi, i passed the PCT in may and was placed 50 after the interview. im getting a bit worried now about not getting a call when some people who were placed higher were called straight away and asked to start:(

Maybe your clearance is not back yet?? Give the IPS a buzz on Monday, im sure they will be happy to let you know

darkmark79

dorothymantooth wrote: »

hi, i passed the PCT in may and was placed 50 after the interview. im getting a bit worried now about not getting a call when some people who were placed higher were called straight away and asked to start:(

I dont know what the story is with the ips cos i was asking Jason Keogh after we completed our pct how many had security clearance and he said he hadn't got them all back yet so i'd take Petes advice and ring them first thing on Monday morning.


We heard on Friday that all the places had been filled out of the 8am group so it was a big shock to have them ringing .
I think the very short notice didn't suit everyone.

Taxipete29

darkmark79 wrote: »

I dont know what the story is with the ips cos i was asking Jason Keogh after we completed our pct how many had security clearance and he said he hadn't got them all back yet so i'd take Petes advice and ring them first thing on Monday morning.


We heard on Friday that all the places had been filled out of the 8am group so it was a big shock to have them ringing .
I think the very short notice didn't suit everyone.

You gonna start on Monday??

darkmark79

I think so Pete ,we spent all day trying to find a childminder for our 3 boys at such short notice but one came back to us this evening and said she will take them so roll on Monday.

Got the contract today in an email its very vague on allowances and im not sure what to make of (
Part of the training course will involve role orientation which may be at any Institution which will be classed as your home station during that period. This placement will be for a period of one week and you will have to make your own travel and accommodation arrangements at your own expense. )Dont like the sound of that .

Taxipete29

darkmark79 wrote: »

I think so Pete ,we spent all day trying to find a childminder for our 3 boys at such short notice but one came back to us this evening and said she will take them so roll on Monday.

Got the contract today in an email its very vague on allowances and im not sure what to make of (
Part of the training course will involve role orientation which may be at any Institution which will be classed as your home station during that period. This placement will be for a period of one week and you will have to make your own travel and accommodation arrangements at your own expense. )Dont like the sound of that .

Yeah little or nothing about allowances. I assume we will find out more about these during training.

Maybe a serving officer can advise us if the week placement is usually in a Dublin prison or can you literally be sent anywhere??

Lawros Tache

It's usually (almost exclusively) in a Dublin jail (i have heard of a day or two in Midlands but think that was only to provide cover for an officer's funeral and also to cover reserve duty due to low staffing levels but was strictly stand and observe) so you can safely assume that you will be sent to one of the Dublin jails, either M'Joy, Patricks, Cloverhill or Wheatfield.

You WILL be expected to make your own way there every day and to cover all expenses (fuel, accomodation etc.). To be honest i dont know how you would expect anything else? I dunno if it has changed but it used to be TWO weeks in Dublin then back to training, are you sure it's just one week?
if you feel it will be a problem for you financially then i suggest you dont take the job. The financial aspect of the job has been done to death on here, the money starting out is crap and going to get worse after the agreement of the deal yesterday, and it will be years of doubling up with rent and mortgage and/or long travel before it gets anyway better.
If i was starting out now there is no way i would take the job. **** from prisoners, worse from management and worse again from government and the private sector.

Leo Demidov

The orientation is on the same terms as your future employment, any prison, any time.

Best of luck monday lads.

jason99

I wonder how the new recruits are getting on today.
Any news for the rest of us?

bonesie22

Im from the 08 recruitment, i finished 66th after the interview stage and done my physical last friday which i passed. I rang ips and <mod snip> rang me back saying im waiting on security clearence before i can be offered the job, theres nothing that can be done about it to hurry it up or anything, all i can do is wait.

Julius32

Hey guys,

The next PCT is arranged for July 2nd!!! And a class commences on July 12th

Julius32

Does anybody know what the take home pay is with increments, allowances and overtime for a Recruit??

limerickguy

how do you know that julius?

Julius32

I called them and asked Limerick as I have had my medical and I have been security cleared!!!

portumna

limerickguy wrote: »

what happened to all the new recuits that started on monday, do they not want to use this site any more? At least give us a heads up and let us know what to expect

I'd say 1 of 2 things happened.

1. They are just so laden with the workload that they don't have a minute to spare,

or

2. They've been having drinking bonding sessions each evening to get to know each other.

portumna

limerickguy wrote: »

Hey portumna, with the world cup on... My guess is that it's the second one

That would be my guess too cause if it was the 1st one they'd be on here in a heart beat giving out about it telling us not to take it!

sandyo

limerickguy wrote: »

what happened to all the new recuits that started on monday, do they not want to use this site any more? At least give us a heads up and let us know what to expect

theres a reason why new recruits aren't on this PUBLIC website- u'll understand when ye start training yourselves. best of luck

spursfan79

the next pct is on the 2 of july, u correct juilius so you are probably right about a class starting on the 12 july.

has anyone got some feedback on how the training goin now???there was loads of guys on here who got into the last class and no word since.....obviously they under pressure but any info would be much apprieciated...thanks guys

ps. im in the 120's and told ill be in for next pct if that helps anyone

user1999

You are told when you join the IPS that you are not allowed to post info on public sites. thats why any of the ones that start last week havnt been posting. Anyone can see these pages, and any info posted could be given to the wrong hands. Harmless as it may be, but its a fact. when you start you will be told this. Word of warning, always keep the info brief, and never reveal to much info about yourself and never reveal anything that may have an effect on sercurity.

LoanShark

spursfan79 wrote: »

the next pct is on the 2 of july, u correct juilius so you are probably right about a class starting on the 12 july.

ps. im in the 120's and told ill be in for next pct if that helps anyone

Just wondering where did you hear about the next PCT being confirmed on that date?

Leo Demidov

I rang and while a date was not confirmed, i was told to get training, pct will deffo be before 12th in order to fill a class. They are pushing to get it done asap to give people a chance to make arrangements.

Of the 100 odd tested so far, 38 have started so the rest of the next class has pretty much been filled with the rest of the places more than likely going to those who are repeating part of the pct. Anyone doing the pct for the first time will have to wait for a further class.

redhotdevil

wexfjord wrote: »

Of the 100 odd tested so far, 38 have started so the rest of the next class has pretty much been filled with the rest of the places more than likely going to those who are repeating part of the pct. Anyone doing the pct for the first time will have to wait for a further class.

If the next class is already filled,does anyone know when the next class might be starting coz I'll defo be called to the next PCT

jason99

I guess letters for the pct should be out this week.
fingers crossed.:)

limerickguy

Last time Jason they got about ten days notice, so if there is a pct on the 2nd, one would think you will have you letter by Wednesday

brackenltd

hi only new to boards.ie could any1 tell me bout the fitness test for the prison service ??? thanks

Crocop legend

Guys I spoke to Ips.There is a physical on july 2nd(letters will be received this week) with a class starting on july 12th in bellad in portlaoise so keep an eye out for the postman

Crocop legend

brackenltd wrote: »

hi only new to boards.ie could any1 tell me bout the fitness test for the prison service ??? thanks

Did a pre test this morning in the gym.It really isnt hard to be honest if you have a basic fitness background.
Runnin tests;
(Aerobic)-40 x 15 metre shuttle runs up and back in under 210 secs 3 and a half mins
(Anaerobic)-7 x 15 metre shuttles in under 35 secs
(Fire Extinguisher/Carrying test)-2 x 15 metre shuttle holding a 14kg weight in under 30secs
Strength test;
Seated bench press-5 measured bench presses averaging 34kgs or higher
Seated bench pull-5 measured bench pulls averaging 34kgs or higher
Grip strength;
Squeeze as hard as you can,2 goes on each hand
dominant hand-min 32kg non dominant hand-min 30kg
Shield hold;
hold a 6kg weight in a stipulated position for a min of 60 secs

brackenltd

Crocop legend wrote: »

Did a pre test this morning in the gym.It really isnt hard to be honest if you have a basic fitness background.
Runnin tests;
(Aerobic)-40 x 15 metre shuttle runs up and back in under 210 secs 3 and a half mins
(Anaerobic)-7 x 15 metre shuttles in under 35 secs
(Fire Extinguisher/Carrying test)-2 x 15 metre shuttle holding a 14kg weight in under 30secs
Strength test;
Seated bench press-5 measured bench presses averaging 34kgs or higher
Seated bench pull-5 measured bench pulls averaging 34kgs or higher
Grip strength;
Squeeze as hard as you can,2 goes on each hand
dominant hand-min 32kg non dominant hand-min 30kg
Shield hold;
hold a 6kg weight in a stipulated position for a min of 60 secs

fair play chap much appreciated

Crocop legend

Postman just walked by the house again today.Anyone else get a letter?

Julius32

No Letter today either guys!!!!!!

How would a person train for the strength/grip test??

Crocop legend

Julius32 wrote: »

No Letter today either guys!!!!!!

How would a person train for the strength/grip test??

Strength test I would suggest going to your local gym and puttin the asked weight for pct onto the smith machine and doing a few repititions for practice,also the same on the seated back extension machine.
For the grip test the best thing I can suggest is to hang out of the chin up bar with arms at full length and hold til failure.Keep trying this and try and improve your 'hanging' time.This will increase your grip strength and you will also be holding much more than required for the test.Piece of cake!!!!
Hth

portumna

Crocop legend wrote: »

Postman just walked by the house again today.Anyone else get a letter?

The letters for the other 2 PCTs didn't arrive until the Wednesday so i wouldn't fret yet. If he walks by tomorrow then i'd be ringing the IPS.

Julius32 wrote: »

No Letter today either guys!!!!!!

How would a person train for the strength/grip test??

There's no real need to train for these as anybody with enough strength to do a press up will easily pass the push and pull. As for the grip test it's just trying to squeeze 2 handles together and once again anyone with any moderate strength will sail through.

Crocop legend

portumna wrote: »

The letters for the other 2 PCTs didn't arrive until the Wednesday so i wouldn't fret yet. If he walks by tomorrow then i'd be ringing the IPS.



There's no real need to train for these as anybody with enough strength to do a press up will easily pass the push and pull. As for the grip test it's just trying to squeeze 2 handles together and once again anyone with any moderate strength will sail through.

I agree portumna but if a person isn't a regular gym goer or isnt sure about their strength,it gives them piece of mind to know they are going into the pct having practiced and done these things already.

portumna

Crocop legend wrote: »

I agree portumna but if a person isn't a regular gym goer or isnt sure about their strength,it gives them piece of mind to know they are going into the pct having practiced and done these things already.

That's fair enough but from what i saw while doing the PCT i would advise the females to practise the strength and grip tests as this is where they struggled but all the males should have no trouble. Of all the males in the PCT the lowest of the push/pull was 50kg average and the lowest on the grip was 40kg.

Crocop legend

portumna wrote: »

That's fair enough but from what i saw while doing the PCT i would advise the females to practise the strength and grip tests as this is where they struggled but all the males should have no trouble. Of all the males in the PCT the lowest of the push/pull was 50kg average and the lowest on the grip was 40kg.

You've done it already?cool!whats this concept II ergo metre that measures your strength?

user1999

Crocop legend wrote: »

You've done it already?cool!whats this concept II ergo metre that measures your strength?

The concept II ergo meter, is kind of like a rowing machine in the gym. You are sitting down with your back against a support and you pull the handle towards your chest and then push it out away from you as hard as you can. There is resistance when you try to push it away. You do 3 warm up ones, and then they measure the next 4. And your strength is based on an average of the 4 pushes. The Pull strength test is the same, except you have two handles that you push away from you, and then try to pull it towards you as hard as you can. Again an average over the 4 are taken.

As mentioned above, only girls really need to practice this. (im allowed say that because im a girl!!!) The lads dont have any truoble with this at all. Again the grip test isnt something you need to practice for. No one had trouble with this. I would suggest that you practice for the shuttles mainly. And not on a treadmill. You are better off setting out 15meters on a hard surface, and doing the 40 shuttles that way. The hardest part of the shuttles is the turning. Its hard on your legs and they go to jelly. If you do this everyday (once or twice depending on your fitness) you should be ok by the test. This is where i fell down on, missed out by a few seconds. Im not unfit, but dont go to the gym, and all the rest was grand and easliy passed, it was only the shuttles that takes a bit of training.

portumna

Crocop legend wrote: »

You've done it already?cool!whats this concept II ergo metre that measures your strength?

Just to add to what user1999 said above the average in the push and pull is done over 5 and not 4 but will be no hassle. I did no training for these and passed all easily.

For the shuttles i'd advise to practise on a hard surface and in a hall/gym with a timber floor if at all possible. I trained for it on grass and found turning very difficult on the timber floor on the day. I had to slow down for each turn and it adds on extra time doing this. Luckily i was pretty fit and was well under the time anyway but for people just under the time in training on grass it could be the difference between a pass and a fail.

youngsam

Portumna, do you know when they will inform us about the next class. I really have to give notice to my boss soon if the next class is on the 12th of july.

theirishlad

youngsma
there is a class starting mid july,prob the 12th of july...what number are you.im early 80s and i may not be starting for sure.there is no way to know if you will b starting then.what number r u???

Crocop legend

theirishlad wrote: »

youngsma
there is a class starting mid july,prob the 12th of july...what number are you.im early 80s and i may not be starting for sure.there is no way to know if you will b starting then.what number r u???

`
It all depends on how you do in the pct and how many the prison service are takin on in july.I'm 96 and was told i'd have a letter for the pct for july 2nd so i'm not too sure what the story is?

portumna

youngsam wrote: »

Portumna, do you know when they will inform us about the next class. I really have to give notice to my boss soon if the next class is on the 12th of july.

I was told when i was offered the place in the last class that there is a class on the 12th July. I was also told by officers in the training centre that there is a class starting on 12th July. I'm taking it that this is true and have told my work that i'm leaving in mid July and that as soon as i know the definite date i'll let them know.

If i were you i'd ring the IPS in the morning and talk to Jason in HR. He's usually fairly sound and he might be able to give you some idea if what i think is true!

youngsam

Cheers for that portumna. I will call him some time this morning.
Theirishlad, I just presume that I will be in the next class as when I could not start the last class because of the short notice, the person who offered me the position said I would be in the next class.

user1999

Did anyone get a letter today for the PCT on the 2nd??

jason99

Sorry for changing topic,but does anyone know what the shield test involves.Do you hold the shield close to you with elbows bent or do you hold it away from your body with your arms straight.

no letter here yet.......hopefully after lunch.

user1999

jason99 wrote: »

Sorry for changing topic,but does anyone know what the shield test involves.Do you hold the shield close to you with elbows bent or do you hold it away from your body with your arms straight.

no letter here yet.......hopefully after lunch.

The sheild test involves holding a shield at a 45deg angle in the air with your arms bent. Your elbows cant be touching your body. But u can prop the top of your arms against your chest for support (i.e. your biceps). You have to hold it like that for a minute.

jason99

Postman has passed by......no letter today.:(

theirishlad

youngsam i was told the same when i said i couldnt start the last class,i was told id be int he next class...but now from what i make out im being told i wont b in,because there is still people from 07 dloing the pct and they will b getting in this class...