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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think the fictional character of the police detective who works all hours until the murder is solved is really unrealistic

58 replies

Fragmentedbrain · 31/07/2025 21:23

They'd sign off at the end of their shift like everyone else imo

OP posts:
ButtSurgery · 31/07/2025 21:32

Yes TV is unrealistic but I would work 80hr weeks plus call out on Major Crime quite regularly.

Not unusual for detectives. And police can't just down tools at the end of a shift if there's things happening, no.

Original poster
Fragmentedbrain · 31/07/2025 21:32

Ineffable23 · 31/07/2025 21:30

When my dad worked on a high priority crime team he would sometimes go off for an 8 hour shift and not come back til 48 hours later if something big had happened. He had other roles that were less bonkers but 3-4 hours late home was well within normal parameters.

How come now they're always off shift? "Sorry but the witness won't be available until September 4th due to leave"

OP posts:
TheCurious0range · 31/07/2025 21:32

Tell me you've never worked in policing.....

Ineffable23 · 31/07/2025 21:30

When my dad worked on a high priority crime team he would sometimes go off for an 8 hour shift and not come back til 48 hours later if something big had happened. He had other roles that were less bonkers but 3-4 hours late home was well within normal parameters.

Original poster
Fragmentedbrain · 31/07/2025 21:29

To be fair coppers get paid good overtime

But they should show the bit where they sign it off with the commanding officer before agreeing to do it

OP posts:
doodleschnoodle · 31/07/2025 21:28

I worked for the police and the DIs and above in particular put in insane hours, especially during a big case. I would arrive at 9 to start work (support staff) and they would have been there from 6am and they would still be working past 10pm, then in again first thing the next day. Partly the reason so many of them were divorced I think, they must have spent so little time at home.

Noshadowsinthedark · 31/07/2025 21:25

Are you a detective?

It would be interesting to hear from a detective what it is actually like.

Noshadowsinthedark · 31/07/2025 21:25

Are you a detective?

It would be interesting to hear from a detective what it is actually like.