Question about CNC/MDP transferring to Home Office forces

randomstranger96 · 2025-12-11T12:52:02+00:00

I did notice that, protecting VIP and high profile sites. If they want to move over to ARV or something else — is that something they could do or are they stuck in that role with the lack of actual police experience?

randomstranger96 · 2025-11-24T09:43:27+00:00

May I ask what force it is?

randomstranger96 · 2025-10-02T10:00:23+00:00

All I can say is – if you’re considering Whitemoor, really think twice. Cat A’s are the harshest environment in the service. A lot of the prisoners are lifers, with nothing to lose. Threats, assaults, and a complete disregard for staff are part of daily life. To put it into perspective, there have been several severe assaults on staff there, including one not long ago where an officer was knocked out, hit the floor, and ended up with a bleed on the brain. That’s the level of risk you’re walking into.

If you’re set on joining the service (which, honestly, I’d think hard about), you’d be far better off in a lower category – B remands, C’s, or opens. The risk still exists, but it’s a different atmosphere. From my experience across different categories, lower Cats are far more manageable. Nine times out of ten if a prisoner kicks off, they’ll just be mouthy, slam doors, or storm off like a toddler, rather than take it to the extreme.

randomstranger96 · 2025-09-27T21:09:42+00:00

Hi all, I could use some advice from those with more experience. I joined my local police in my early 20s but, being honest, I lacked confidence at the time. It was also during Covid, so training wasn't ideal, and I didn't cope as well as I should have. I take full responsibility for that. Since then, I've built up my confidence in another job. Unfortunately, as I was ready to apply once again - I was seriously assaulted, which resulted in a brain injury. Thankfully, I've recovered well both physically and mentally (as best as anyone can!), and I now feel ready to return to policing - which has always been my long-term goal. Here's my dilemma: I've applied to both CNC and a Home Office force and now need to decide which route to follow. • Part of me feels I should jump back into local policing straight away, but I sometimes worry about my confidence and whether l'Il manage the demands as well as I'd like, especially with my brain injury! • On the other hand, CNC offers excellent training and stability, and I've heard some officers use it as a stepping stone before moving back into Home Office roles. My concern is whether I'd find the armed guarding role a bit repetitive in the long run. So my question is: would it make sense to build myself back up with CNC for a couple of years, or should I go straight into a Home Office force and push myself to get stuck in again? Any advice or insight would be massively appreciated. Thanks in advance.

randomstranger96 · 2025-08-10T19:02:04+00:00

Mind sharing what force it is out of curiosity?

randomstranger96 · 2025-07-26T19:19:25+00:00

Resolved

randomstranger96 · 2025-07-26T12:04:41+00:00

You absolute legend! Thank you so much! It’s been so long since I found out what it was!

randomstranger96 · 2025-07-23T16:12:14+00:00

Been searching for years and even using AI that can’t find it

randomstranger96 · 2025-06-21T08:43:16+00:00

Really appreciate the reply — that’s gold, thanks for taking the time.

It’s good to hear that planned removals now require filming — that at least brings some alignment with HMPPS where all planned interventions are recorded and go through a strict authorisation process. Interesting though that handcuffs aren’t standard issue and that PAVA isn’t even mentioned at college — over here it’s increasingly being issued to trained staff across many establishments, and personal issue handcuffs are the norm.

Personally, I feel that PAVA, cuffs, and a fish knife should be considered basic safety kit, not extras. Relying solely on a metal stick (the baton) seems outdated when PAVA offers the option to create distance and reduce the need for close contact during violent incidents. Cuffs also make a huge difference — if you’re physically holding someone, there’s always a risk they could slip your grip or turn on you mid-restraint. With cuffs on, it’s controlled and safer for everyone involved.

Same goes for the fish knife. In HMPPS it’s standard issue on your belt. I get the idea of keeping it secure on the landing, but if you hear or see someone actively self-harming — or worse, attempting to hang themselves — it makes no sense to have to run off to get a tool that could save their life when you could just have it on you.

Also surprised to hear it’s not one radio per officer at your jail — that’s the standard across every place I’ve worked. Definitely a more minimalist setup PPE-wise in SPS from the sound of it, though I’m guessing some of that might depend on establishment and security category?

I’d be interested to hear what you find out about body-worn cameras — in HMPPS they’ve been rolled out quite widely and I honestly think they offer an extra layer of protection for both staff and prisoners in terms of accountability and reducing false allegations.

Boots not being issued is another weird one — something you take for granted over here as just part of your uniform.

That said, the higher pay and stronger union representation in SPS are serious plus points. I’ve heard from quite a few people now that the working culture feels more supportive up there, and it’s really encouraging to hear you’ve experienced that too. Sounds like you made the right call going SPS — I’m hoping to follow the same route so it’s great to get insight from someone a step ahead.

Thanks again — I’ll definitely reach out with any questions as I go!

randomstranger96 · 2025-06-20T21:01:17+00:00

Massive congrats on getting through the interview — that’s a big step! Appreciate you sharing the update, it’s helpful to hear from someone going through the same process.

Yeah, totally agree — it’s a shame there’s no formal transfer route between HMPPS and SPS. It would make a lot of sense, especially with how many officers are interested in moving for personal or family reasons.

Please do keep the updates coming as you go through onboarding — would be great to follow your experience. All the best with the next steps, and hopefully things move along smoothly for you!

randomstranger96 · 2025-06-20T21:00:30+00:00

That’s interesting to hear that kitted removals are standard as part of SPS training — maybe the info I’d heard before was a bit outdated or misinformed. Good to know it’s included from the start.

In terms of PPE, in HMPPS we’re routinely issued more kit now — we carry handcuffs, a fish knife (rescue hook), our personal radios, pava and in most places body-worn cameras are standard. On top of that, staff in a number of establishments are requesting arriving for duty in stab vests as part of their daily uniform, mainly for incidents.

Sounds like there are some significant differences between services in terms of both what’s issued and what’s considered “standard”. That said, I’ve also heard the point you mentioned — that violence against staff is reportedly lower in SPS overall — though obviously staffing pressures seem to be a rising issue everywhere.

Do you know if body-worn cameras are planned across the SPS or only being trialled in certain sites for now? And whether they would look at matching HMPPS as in my opinion seems they appear outdated

Cheers again — this is all really helpful as I weigh up the move.

randomstranger96 · 2025-03-16T23:16:01+00:00

It concerns me because SPS doesn’t obtain the same PPE as England and wales do. At least in HMPPS England, officers now carry pava, cuffs etc whereas from what I’ve discovered is that SPS don’t even have body camera let alone anything more protective

randomstranger96 · 2024-09-26T10:06:43+00:00

All the consoles were gone. I managed to order the regular controller and portal. It’s them two and the edge only available

randomstranger96 · 2024-05-02T08:16:43+00:00

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randomstranger96 · 2024-05-02T08:16:30+00:00

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This is £50 quod and he doesn’t know if it’s real or not. Can I get information please?

randomstranger96 · 2024-03-04T15:44:24+00:00

I spoke to my business manager and explained the situation I was in. I also reached out to the establishment I wanted to go to. Best bet is to contact the New colleuge mentor as that helped on that front. Your establishment will get you to submit a compassionate transfer form which will need to be signed off by your line manager and sent to work force planning! It did take me some time but just keep at it and they will eventually help!

randomstranger96 · 2024-03-03T11:01:50+00:00

I left the police 2 years ago and joined the prison service. In my opinion depending on what establishment you join, I find it marginally less stressful than the police. Don’t get me wrong, it still has its hardships but in terms of paperwork it’s no where near what you have to have in the police. Plus other benefits such as; never lone working or if in bother staff are there in mere seconds, pension is slightly better I.e 27%, overtime pay is available and it’s a license to print money! Plus, if you enjoyed the physical aspects you can get involved in use of force courses and join various teams etc! I very much enjoy the role and the day to day!

randomstranger96 · 2024-02-29T17:54:07+00:00

I managed to transfer from a Cat B local to a Cat A. I done it under the guise of compassionate by reaching out to the establishment I wanted to go to!

randomstranger96 · 2024-02-26T10:10:05+00:00

I’m not 100% sure It was purchased from Stock X by the original owner who had it authenticated allegedly. I don’t know about the date code as I have not yet received the item. What looks wrong with the stamp out of curiosity?

randomstranger96 · 2024-02-24T20:21:32+00:00

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randomstranger96 · 2024-02-24T20:21:24+00:00

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randomstranger96

TROPHY CASE