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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

For getting pissed off with having the piss taken out of me because of the job i decide to do???

60 replies

babybuttercup · 17/07/2008 19:32

Im fed up with it and i know i don't have to take it. I joined the Police last year and have nearly finished my training. Since people at work found out what i was doing, it has been non-fucking-stop comments of "your just filth", "cant believe you have become a pig" etc etc etc. It's mainly from 2-3 people which isn't bad out of about 50 people on my shift but still wtf! Why oh why does it matter what job i'm planning on doing - what has it got to do with them! I have got a sense of humour and can laugh at myself, which i have done with regards to some less offensive comments but it's starting to get to me now. They then seem to make it sound ok by saying that i will deal with a lot worse on the streets and that if i cant take their "minor" comments then im going to be shit dealing with the criminals. I know i could take it further and speak to HR but do i really want people to think that they are getting to me and that i cant handle it??

I dont know what to do for the best - any ideas??

OP posts:
EffiePerine · 17/07/2008 19:34

they are obv crims

once you start you will realise why they are being so unpleasant when you arrest their grannies

EffiePerine · 17/07/2008 19:35

oh and do speak to HR:saying 'you're filth' is abusive and you shouldn't have to put up with it

(betcha they're crims though)

margoandjerry · 17/07/2008 19:35

I do always wonder why it's deemed ok to call police pigs. FWIW, I have a lot of respect for your decision and I am always amazed at the patience the police have to show in the face of provocation from ignorant and/or drunk people.

I'm guessing when you are in uniform it will give you a sense of ownership of your new role and perhaps it won't affect you so much plus you will have the camaraderie of your colleagues.

nickytwotimes · 17/07/2008 19:35

Ignore them. They are acting like twats.
They are probably just a bit wary and immature.
You will be the one with the good job and income, so sod them.

Original poster
babybuttercup · 17/07/2008 19:36

yeah they probably are crims! "filth" seems such a strong word to me - i wasnt sure if i was being over sensitive!

OP posts:
EffiePerine · 17/07/2008 19:37

You aren't. Complain.

Will you still be working there once you've qualified? I assume not...

jammi · 17/07/2008 19:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Wilkiepedia · 17/07/2008 19:37

Rise above it and ignore it. You say you have nearly finished your training so just stick it out, IMO you will make it worse going to HR which is wrong but I am sure it will.

My sis is a copper and I am very proud to say that she is. She does a bloody good job that I know I couldn't do. She is also married to a copper and although certain people raise their eyebrows when I tell them, I just laugh and say 'So what've you got to hide then? Why does it bother you so much?'

Well done for choosing a difficult job to do and I hope it is a great success for you!

cc21 · 17/07/2008 19:38

Good on you I say!

I wish I had joined the please, fwiw I think they do a great job against a lot of sh*t in todays society.

I'm sure you'll be a great asset to the police well done

Hecate · 17/07/2008 19:38

A cold glare and a calm "I find that offensive. Stop it."

Original poster
babybuttercup · 17/07/2008 19:38

Thankyou - its nice to know that some people do respect the police as what ive seen and heard so far it would seem like we are the most hated people going!

OP posts:
cc21 · 17/07/2008 19:39

That would be police, not please.

If it bothers them so much maybe they have something to hide...

meglet · 17/07/2008 19:39

that is disgraceful behaviour. Ignore them as much as you can, but maybe you could have an informal word with HR to see how they might be able to deal with it.

flowerybeanbag · 17/07/2008 19:40

IMO the only people it bothers are people who might end up on the wrong side of the police for one reason or another.

How long have you got babybuttercup? I'd say if you can ride it out do. You have absolutely every right to complain to your manager and/or HR, but there is a possibility it might make things worse. If it's not for long can you ignore/tell them to 'give it a rest' yourself for a bit?

wrinklytum · 17/07/2008 19:40

Poor you.

As Effie says I would suggest they are
1)Criminal themselves
2)Jealous
3)Idiots

OR A COMBINATION OF ALL THE ABOVE.

You are going to be doing a very worthwile job soon.Good luck with it all.Am public sector worker but could never do policing-far to scary for me.

DO coontact hr,if you finish your training soon you will have nowt to lose by doing this.

Hecate · 17/07/2008 19:40

Are you training to be a special constable and will be continuing in your present job as well? Or will you be leaving your current job?
When they say you'll have to deal with worse, you could say "Yes. And I'll arrest them." followed by loooooong long in the eye!

CaptainUnderpants · 17/07/2008 19:40

Are you a Speciall Constable then ?

I would just ignore them . Even when in the regulars you will get comments ffrom the odd person aboput being a 'pig'. Unfortunately comes withthe job , however you are a more worthy perosn than those will ever be.

Hecate · 17/07/2008 19:41

long? look obv!

Sim43 · 17/07/2008 19:41

It always makes me really really angry when people pay such little respect for the police. I don't like the words they use, like filth and pig, it makes me cringe. They have a job to do and mostly do it well, most people who call them names like this do so because they have broken the law and are pissed off that they got caught! Good luck with your job, you should be proud of yourself.

flowerybeanbag · 17/07/2008 19:42

I know someone who absolutely hates the police with a passion, really bad. I asked someone why, and apparently it is because she was caught drink driving.

So, that's completely the fault of the entire police force then, nothing to do with her apparently...

pointydog · 17/07/2008 19:43

lol @ effie

You will always come across people who bad-mouth the police, you'll need to think of answers. Use this lot as practice. What are you going to say when this happens in future? Ask some of your police mates. I wouldn't go to HR.

Original poster
babybuttercup · 17/07/2008 19:43

Well ive actually joined as a "Special" and for those that dont know what that involves then i shall tell you. I have been doing the same training as a Regular officer and as of 3rd August i will have my warrant card and full poers of arrest. I will wear the same uniform and do the same job - the only difference is that it is a voluntary position! I will do a minimum of 14 hours a month and i will not get paid a penny except for allowances! I decided to go down this route and see how i get on before i took the step to join full time! So you can imagine the other comments "you are joing the filth and you are doing it for free"

OP posts:
CaptainUnderpants · 17/07/2008 19:45

When I was in the Police and people used to be abusive , when they had already been arrested and were trying to be clever I just used t say ' Carry on , I'm getting paid for this !'

Good luck to you _ I had a great time .

Original poster
babybuttercup · 17/07/2008 19:46

Well so far the only come back ive used is - i'd rather be filth than scum! Probably not the best and just makes me as bad as them!

OP posts:
flowerybeanbag · 17/07/2008 19:47

I admire you babybuttercup, I think that's brilliant.