Iain Watkinson
@IainWatkinson
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Personal account. Police Inspector. Post about the realities of policing, do a bit of running (10km 44:38/HM 1:41:39) & football referee
Berkshire
Joined December 2013
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Pinned Tweet
To the 4 males who just ran away from me leaving all this behind in their car, please contact me to get your stuff back. Call 101 and we'll arrange an appointment
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2/ He recognised me (been about 15 yrs since I last saw him). Found out he's turned his life around, father to 4 kids, clean from drugs, employed. We shook hands and wished each other good luck.
Treat people how you'd like to be treated yourself. People can change for the better
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My team dealt with a horrific incident tonight. They cracked on regardless with professionalism but it hit them hard later. After a debrief & some tears over coffee & cakes they seemed to feel better knowing they were supported in their actions. Tonight I was proud of my team 💪
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1/ As I left work today I walked past someone I recognised from my early days in policing. A heavy drug user, regularly in police custody or prison for theft, burglary, drugs. The sort of person that if he carried on was likely to have an early grave....
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As the duty DS tonight I was told of an apparent death by hanging, no life saving opportunities. I was ready to go & investigate but then found out response officers (trained medics) had attended. They cut the person down, performed CPR which led to a pulse being regained (cont)
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Last night I turned my phone off and drank alcohol. I've just read the humbling comments people made on last night's tweet, thank you. This morning I made a phone call & will get a coach to go for promotion again at the next opportunity. Still bitter, but slightly less so
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Sadly for the 2nd time I found out today I was unsuccesful in promotion. This is despite being well supported by my SMT with 2 successful acting opportunities on response & CID. I feel totally deflated & frustrated by the promotion process & I've got 3 more months as acting DI.🧵
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Recently I didn't apply for a new job role as I didn't think I'd be good enough for it. By the time I realised I'd be a strong candidate it was too late. Lesson learnt! Have faith & confidence in yourself & be mindful of "imposter syndrome"- you are good enough!
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Promotion results came out today. I waited for the news I was expecting for the 3rd time but this time it was different. Relief doesn't even come close when I found out I was finally successful and will now become a substantive Inspector.
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On another note, parents pls stop saying to police we'll take your kids away if they're naughty. 1 little girl burst into tears today when she heard her mum say that. I spent time explaining I wouldn't do that but would look after her. She got to wear my hat & left with a smile
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This photo was taken by me today in a police station! 🤣
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Just been out for a run to try & get rid of initial feelings of disappointment, anger, frustration. Despite passing my exam, a successful stint of acting, supported by my SMT I found out today I was unsuccesful in my promotion interview to Inspector. Time for reflection....
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& they were breathing on their own. This person remains gravely unwell but has a chance of survival thanks to the exceptional work of these officers going above & beyond. Thanks also to
@SCAS999
for their attendance
#joblikenoother
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Having attended too many sudden deaths, post mortems & passed death messages to remember in 20 yrs of policing I'd never had to deal with that sort of thing personally until when my Dad died peacefully at the weekend. I've been given a bit of compassionate leave for a while
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Been dealing with a GBH assault investigation this week & door to door enquiries identified a witness who saw the incident occur but declined to provide a statement because "there's nothing in it for me & he didn't die". This is what policing deals with on a daily basis 🙄
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Duty DS this weekend and as I'd got on top of my investigation reviews I thought I'd put my uniform on and go out. I managed to arrest a male who'd been wanted for failing to attend Crown Court 10 years ago! It would have been safer staying indoors.....
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I've worked hard to get here and continue to do so. Some thought I'd never get this far but, for at least the next 3 months, these are mine! Can't wait to be back in uniform on response but at a different rank (albeit acting). The hard work continues......
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For those not aware, Tuesday 15 March on ITV at 9pm, The Killing of PC Harper: A Widow's Fight for Justice. This documentary with Sir Trevor McDonald will be about his killing and the investigation. I'm sure it'll be a brutal but necessary watch
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I should add, the team Sergeant is very experienced and did a thorough debrief with his team afterwards and will manage their ongoing welfare & support
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Slightly frustrating to find out one of my team has had a file for charging advice rejected by the CPS with 1 reason being their email address wasn't on the MG3. I'm sure there's a good reason for this but the rejection was emailed to the OIC using their email address 🤔🤷♂️
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This week 2 of my PCs were badly assaulted whilst arresting a man for domestic offences. The 1 PC had to go to hospital after being kicked in the head. They are now both off work dealing with the physical & mental side of this assault.
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Just as one door closes another door opens....
After being unsuccessful last week with 2 DI applications, today I received a permanent posting to Inspector on response. This means I'll be swapping a CID shirt & tie for police uniform
#promotion
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Today I was offered & accepted a new job role as a Police Sergeant on response. For the 1st time in over 14 yrs they'll be no more ironing shirts as I'll be back in uniform, working shifts, driving marked cars & hopefully improving standards of investigation
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Went out with my team to arrest someone who's been wanted & hiding for a while. Unfortunately he declined to open his door when asked politely so this is what happened ⬇️ after a world record number of hits. I even got a blister 😒
Police 1. Bad guy 0.
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I'm so grateful & privileged to have been told that for the next 6 months I'll be an acting Detective Inspector in CID having been successful in my application. It's a shame my dad missed this news by 6 wks 🙏
#promotiondreams
#Police
#detective
#Inspector
#investigations
#CID
Well, application submitted so time to wait & see. Got to be in it to win it but this is me staying accountable to myself
#promotionaspirations
#Police
#detective
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Who said CID don't leave the office?! Plus my uniform still fits (just). Time to go on the hunt!
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If this doesn't make you proud to be British I don't know what does. In my early days of policing I was regularly involved in this ⬇️. I sometime wonder how many tourist photos I'm in around the world 🤣
#Windsor
#changingoftheguard
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I'm the duty Inspector today so thought I'd try and brighten up the place a bit. For those working this Christmas time, stay safe!
#ChristmasEve
#police
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First day back in CID today as the duty DS. No prisoners but a nasty GBH to investigate & get stuck into. Decided to wear a new pink shirt now that I have to iron my uniform again
#Police
#detective
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This is the room for the person I arrested this evening for drink driving after I witnessd his very poor standard of driving. In custody he provided a sample of 98 which is over 3 times the legal limit. It's not worth the risk 😡🤬
#Fatal5
#24hoursinpolicecustody
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Sadly me & my officers attended an apparent death by hanging today. Due to specific circs I had to pass the death message via phone. Welfare checked of all officers who attended. Important to investigate thoroughly before passing a report to the coroner
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Lovely to receive this personal touch and have a day dedicated for newly promoted Inspectors. Just waiting for my posting now....
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Today's late shift was not so uneventful with some great collaborative work by response & CID. Sadly 3 children are spending the night in a cell for a nasty assault. It's far from ideal but committing serious crime has consequences....
#Police
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Late shifts this weekend so last night I got the keys to a marked car, put my uniform on & went out looking for a wanted suspect. I love seeing the look on the faces of my response colleagues wondering why a DS is in uniform 🤣. I even managed to see my old team on nights
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I'm so proud that these female PCs were able to still arrest & get handcuffs on this drunk thug & it makes me so angry that some people in society think this is acceptable.
Thankfully this "man" has been charged & appeared in Court today for these assaults & other offences
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I know these officers and this was after the Andrew Harper death. PC Harper was attending a report of burglary and was killed by the suspects. Police attend incidents like this every day all over the country and take these risks every time. Every day is
#ResponsePolicing
week
A friend shared this & it really moved me. If I had a wish as PCC, apart from wanting officers to have superpowers to spot a crime before it happens, it would be for each member of the public to spend a week as a Police Officer. Ordinary folks doing extraordinary things -daily 💙
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Heard on duty:
PC: Sarge we seized the weapon used in the public order during a house search - great result!
Sgt: What was the offence?
PC: S.5 public order
Sgt: 🤦♂️so a summary only offence...?
PC: 😳.......
#ifyouknowyouknow
#summaryonly
or
#indictable
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1/2 Bodyworn video really is great. A very drunk person made a complaint against me a few months ago of racism & assault. Today the final report arrived with no blame against me largely due to BWV showing how drunk & abusive the complainant was to me for.
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Another anti-police narrative from
@BBCNews
gives the headline below rather than explaining that the car she was in a collision with was stolen & police arrested the driver
@PFEW_Chair
@policecommander
Girl, five, injured during police pursuit
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Sadly this person recently died but I hope the family were grateful that they had an opportunity to say goodbye first. Today I reviewed all the body worn video of their actions and it was my privilege to write a nomination for commendations for the officers actions
As the duty DS tonight I was told of an apparent death by hanging, no life saving opportunities. I was ready to go & investigate but then found out response officers (trained medics) had attended. They cut the person down, performed CPR which led to a pulse being regained (cont)
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This morning I managed to do something I haven't done for a long time. I went into an interview of a suspect arrested for GBH with 1 of my DCs
#Police
#detective
#interview
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Great work by response cops who arrested a bank robber as he ran away. Suspect tasered, money recovered, comment of "they f***ing left me" upon arrest. Great file prep by the DC OIC.
I know the duty DI that day (he can't take credit for the conviction 😉)
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Is it right that it all comes down to an interview (saying the right thing to strangers in approx 1 hr) that doesn't take other evidence/attributes into account? Do other forces do this differently?
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If only MPs, politicians, media etc covered every assault against police officers and made contact with Chief Constables and visited the injured officers......
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@TomPrescott85
Sometimes you need to do both. As an Inspector they come under my responsibility to manage but I also lead. Slightly disappointing that's what you took out of my original tweet though
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It's been a busy weekend briefing lots of officers about their roles, doing plenty of foot patrol, engaging with the public etc. My mum got to see me on duty in uniform for the 1st time in about 19 yrs.
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Today was not a day to have my duties changed to a late shift instead of early.....
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I've investigated paedophiles & now supervise these type of investigations. It's never easy & officers deserve huge credit for what they do. It's about managing risk & protecting children despite huge cuts to policing. It's not easy viewing but it's on Channel 4
#undercoverpolice
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Picked up another one yesterday to add to the collection
#Police
#PlatinumJubilee
#QueensJubilee
#QueenElizabeth
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This is not a good look from
@policeconduct
and could/should have been managed much better off SM. The CPS only make charging decisions when they receive referrals from a body saying they believe there is a realistic prospect of conviction and a public interest to prosecute
@metpoliceuk
@CPSUK
Hi
@metpoliceuk
, as you know a decision on whether to charge someone with a crime, whether a police officer or a member of the public, is taken independently by the Crown Prosecution Service.
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I've never been so nervous to get results. I was convinced I'd fail & had prepared what I'd say ready for this. However I'm so grateful to have passed the Inspector's exam. The time/effort, missed social events with friends&family were worth it. Time to think about the next steps
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Why is it so hard to gain promotion to Insp rank with so many people rejected in the application stage but not during the accreditation/WBA? Has anyone failed the WBA? Is the WBA fit for purpose?
I'll seek my feedback, learn and go again.
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Speaking from the heart because I care about what police officers do on a daily basis all over the country
Reading police officer 'deflated' after drug-dealers he caught are spared jail
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Well, application submitted so time to wait & see. Got to be in it to win it but this is me staying accountable to myself
#promotionaspirations
#Police
#detective
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Today is a good week!
1. Was told I've been put forward for a commendation
2. Been given a date for a new chapter at work to commence
3. Someone took it upon themself to have a career chat with me & will allocate me with a mentor/coach to assist in career development
#leadership
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I think arresting someone for offences of supplying class A drugs, money laundering & conspiring to acquire a firearm as part of drug dealing activity is well worthy of some 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 esp when they've deliberately evaded capture for so long (even if some don't agree)
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This day last year I'd had my shift changed from an early to a late. Little did I know what was to happen. It was a shift like I've never experienced however despite finishing late, I got to go home. Sadly 3 people didn't. I worked with heroes that day
#Reading
#ForburyGardens
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I'm not bitter towards those who got through - congratulations to all who were successful. However I feel police promotion isn't what it should be. PDR, application letter, support from SMT then interview as the last stage.
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Me & the officers who attended are all ok. I'm able to put this down to it being part of the job but it's important to treat the deceased & their loves ones with respect & compassion at what is bound to be a terrible time for them 💔
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@beverlymcfarl14
I don't believe that point was made by anyone and I certainly made reference to a number of different factors. Based on your response, can anything be proof of success? Are employed or substance users by choice somehow lesser? 🤔🙄
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Genuinely humbled & proud with this but am fully aware that sadly 3 people lost their lives & countless others were affected that day. There were so many heroes that day all of whom deserve awards
Sgt Iain Watkinson has been on
@SkyNews
this morning with
@skynewsniall
discussing the incident and
#PoliceBravery
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Unacceptable and mindless vandalism to one of our patrol cars tonight. Thankfully it wasn't being driven at the time. We now have 1 less car to respond to emergencies putting more pressure on an already stretched service
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So that's my role as a response Inspector over for now as my acting stint has come to an end. Time for rest days then back to CID in my normal DS role next week. Had a great time & learnt loads. Hope it will be worth it when the time for promotion arrives
#Police
#detectivelife
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This is why we do our job. A teenage girl handed this to 2 of my PCs in a park whilst out on patrol yesterday. Thank you for your appreciation; it means a lot and we'll continue doing what we do
#StayHomeSaveLifes
#Police
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It's been a week of landmarks for me. Yesterday was my 10th wedding anniversary. Today I've been a
#Police
officer for 20 years. I still wouldn't do another job
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Great result from my team today arresting a man for firearms offences after he threatened people with a gun. Man arrested by unarmed officers 1 hour after the 999 call & firearm found during house search. Thankfully no injuries to anyone & detectives now leading the investigation
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👏👏👏
BBC News - Thames Valley Police officers should be paid more, chief constable says
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"There is no doubt that the PC was responding to a life-threatening incident in Feb 2020. A jury, having considered all of the evidence, acquitted him of dangerous driving."
I fail to see what the public interest was to charge him under these circs & why a prosecution was sought?
A
@metpoliceuk
officer has been cleared of dangerous driving in court after crashing into three vehicles while on the way to the Streatham terrorist attack February 2020.
Read more here:
▶️
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I have 2 wks left as a response Sgt before I move to CID & become a Detective Sergeant at a new station having passed a board a few months ago.
I'm gutted to leave my current team but without doubt, going back into uniform after 14 yrs away is the best career move I ever made.
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My 7 year old:
"I hate the corona virus; it's got on all of my nerves and I've got no more nerves left".
The roads were eerily quiet as I dropped my children off at school. It's quite scary going to work now but needs must as a front line police officer
#StayAtHomeSaveLives
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First day in the new job and I even get my own office (shared with another DI). Busy start with reviewing a high risk missing person, all sexual offences reported in the last 24 hrs & lots of emails!
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Wow 😧. Police numbers and experience is being decimated. Retention is a real concern for what is still a great job. It would be interesting to learn why this is happening, i.e. reasons from those who resigned/transferred and not speculation.
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Some more great work from my team this week. 999 call to report a burglary in progress. Officers deployed. 2 men fitting description seen walking away & arrested within 15 mins of original call. Safeguarding completed for the vulnerable victim. This is why we do what we do👮♂️👮♀️🚨
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It was a change of clothing for me today from uniform to suit to give evidence at Coroner's Court relating to an investigation I oversaw as a DS in CID. First time I've been to Coroner's Court ⚖
#court
#Police
#detective
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Interested in people's view on police officers posting photos of them whilst on a cell watch of a suspect in custody. I've just checked a custody record & cell watch officers have to sign to acknowledge & agree "the use of mobile phones are prohibited". 🤷♂️
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Tonight I did my 1st suspect interview in custody in almost 6 years (I was non operational for a few yrs). I was assisted by 1 of my DC's and it's a great feeling being so involved. Now time to submit a file to the CPS for 2 suspects relating to almost 700 wraps of Class A drugs
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This afternoon I sat in a park with my kids. Yesterday others were doing the same. I'm lucky, others weren't 😔
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Last night I put my uniform on & went out for a bit. Deployed to a female shouting for help inside a house. Neighbours concerned. Knock on the door, man answers, female in tears. I'm thinking the worse until they say "are you here to get the spider"? Yes that's what it was about
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First night shift as an Inspector & I find out I'm flying solo as the duty & PACE/custody Inspector. You'd think all computer systems would speak to each other & get updated upon promotion wouldn't you? It seems my Insp "permissions" aren't in place yet 🤬
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@AbdulAbulbulA
One of the main aims of this account to highlight elements of policing. This highlighted I didn't succeed at something I wanted. That's life but I'll go again. My team already know & I have no problem with the public/"criminals" knowing either that I'm trying to improve & develop
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2/2 Good work identified was "patience demonstrated in the face of an abusive and aggressive person" including calling me a c***, and threatening to cut my throat and rip my head off.
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I had feedback today with my board chair following my recent unsuccesful promotion application. It was good to get the learning of where I went wrong in my interview to try & understand where I can improve to be better in the future
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I think my area does pretty well on welfare. I should've taken another photo of the free tea, coffee, sugar & squash for everyone as part of the welfare fund. It's the little things that make a difference (like not having to use a fork as a coffee spoon 🤣)
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@AndyGoode10
Red card definitely. Just like the ref said, it's a completely unnatural movement with the leg/foot that high
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Yes, I just smashed all of this and yes there is pineapple on it. Paid for with the overtime incurred last night. Now I need a lie down
#pizza
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The mental health system is so broken and under funded in this country. This week I've had so many police officers having to stay with people detained under S136 for hours & hours because there are no beds available meaning police couldn't perform their primary duties
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A busy night dealing with a report of domestic rape. Evidence secured, suspect arrested, scene watch on & complainant being safeguarded. Specialist domestic abuse unit will continue with this. Was good to use my detective skills & manage the initial investigation
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Dealt with a report of rape last night with named suspect. I stopped a male who gave his name. Turns out he was known to police so gave me false details....of the named rape suspect!🤦♂️He was arrested so was the original named male and passed to CID to continue the investigation
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Day 1 as an Inspector done. Bought cakes for the team, chatted to new team members, offered & made drinks, did a few investigation reviews, authorised some bail extensions & finished on time. Ready to do it again tomorrow
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@InspGadgetBlogs
Interestingly the headline actually mentioned "police and prosecution failings". Also the examples given in the article were of prosecution disclosure failings and not police but hey let's just focus on police 🤨🙄
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I just deleted some tweets about the PPO of a child. To be clear I wasn't & didn't criticise any agency. I understand the importance of partners working together even if things sometimes don't go to plan.
I try & tweet about the realities of policing. I'm now going for a run 🤬
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@Lil27582276
@chr15flip
Thank you Lil.
Chris, you're right and I agree with every word. I quite literally had nothing better to do as I was off duty at home replying and engaging with members of the public all for free without tax payers worrying. When I'm back at work I will start policing again 👍
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It's my last shift in uniform tonight before heading back into plain clothes on CID next week. PC Rain appears to be on duty tonight so I'm sure it'll be QUIET. Yes, I said it!
Hope the team enjoy the goodies ⬇️.
I've had an amazing time but a
#newchapter
awaits....
#NewJob
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The hard work paid off with detectives working some very long hours to ensure the suspect was charged in relation to yesterday's bank robbery and will appear in Court today.
Today was a busy day! Serious crime reported at a 🏦 and within 15 minutes police make an arrest and recover 💰. There are some long hours being worked by officers tonight but it'll be worth it
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1. Some days you just want to come home & have a beer to decompress. Today was one of those days.
A sad report meant the whole team raced out but were too late to save someone (they would never have been able to). Tragic circumstances finding someone deceased by apparent suicide
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It was dad's funeral yesterday and he died aged 88 so today I did a reflection run of 8.88 miles in 88 miles. Sometimes you've just got to get out there & let your mind run free 💙♥️🌥🌹✝️
#running
#MentalHealthAwareness
@runners_blue
@racecheck
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@SC__Dan
Let's focus on the positives. Good job on making an arrest and recovering a weapon 👍
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