Yep, hence the title, not the same force.
It can be volatile, you’ll deal with the worst people, some of the most violent, esp if on drugs.
You’ll deal with decent people at their lowest, you’ll have to take clothing from necks as people attempt to harm themselves.
You’ll literally get shit thrown at you.
You’ll need to be thick skinned and pass officer safety training.
You’ll be responsible for safety of detainees and visitors, you’ll need to be in confined spaces to take biometrics with angry and emotional people.
We have a high staff turnover and in recent months five staff have quit, one after their first shift.
You have to log everything and you’ll also need to be a kind, friendly ear to people who are struggling, even if five minutes ago another spat towards your face.
You’ll need to take calls with genuine compassion from worried families. And know PACE rules and regs.
Shift work is a given, you’ll need to appreciate the impact of that on your health.
You’ll also need to be very aware of mental health needs and how best to make someone feel safe in an environment which is also very scary for them.
You need a strong stomach for the smells and you’ll need search people and persuade them to come out of the cell for the prison bus.
Teams are great, I love it, you’ll have lots of support but that will also depend how supportive you are, you must be prepared to assist.
You’ll leave some shifts (and your officer safety training) with bruises.
This is from a City centre Police station if that makes a difference?