National Association of Retired Police Officers

WEST YORKSHIRE POLICE FEDERATION

http://www.narpowestyorkshire.co.uk

02:06 09-Sep-2010

Select from any of the above


Life Beyond the Force


Leaving the Force can be a huge decision. What on earth happens? The majority of police officers join convinced they are going to complete 30 years service and nothing more.

However, as that time approaches nearer, many reconsider their options and find it difficult to leave. If that is what you want, that is clearly your choice and there is absolutely no pressure to leave.

This is more evident as the compulsory retirement age for police officers is now 60 years of age. There is no need to apply for extensions to service. In fact, there is nothing to stop you developing your career laterally or by way of promotion way beyond your 30 years service if you joined in your late teens or early twenties.

Peter Scott, the Joint Branch Board Secretary of West Yorkshire Police Federation has commenced a number of seminars to assist officers in considering their options as they reach this particular time of their lives.

There were two pilot seminars where a total of 78 serving officers attended and this is to be followed by a seminar in February where the interest shown by serving officers has resulted in a capacity audience of 100, with the names of many others put to one side for the next seminar.

The seminars explore the reasons why officers reconsider their options and include

  • Feel undervalued and de-skilled
  • Enjoy doing their current role
  • Frightened of the world outside the police
  • Wives, husbands, partners do not want them under their feet!

One of the intentions of the seminars is to assist officers of all ranks to realise that they all possess many skills, from problem solving, communication, IT to supervisory skills and project management, and what these skills mean to prospective employers.

Along with other factors such as honesty, reliability, excellent attendance records, omni competent – they will not say, “That is not my job” and will muck in to get the task done, they will be there at 800am for a 9.00am start to ensure the are prepared for the day and will not be waiting to clock out at 5.00pm – these factors add to the employability ratings of people leaving the police service.

Although recognised as good planners, many police officers do not plan for their final days of service, and historically, there has been no assistance.

This is a further intention of West Yorkshire Police Federation and long term it is hoped to capture officers at key periods of their service, such as 25 years, to establish whether or not there are further areas of learning and development to consider, and keep this momentum up with continual support to their final day with the service.

Peter Scott has support and contacts with key people who assist with the presentation of the seminars, which develop from seminar to seminar as a result of feedback from attendees.

Employment after the service is one area which not only looks a skills that people have, but also officers are asked to consider what do they really want?

Is there something they have always wanted to do?

Do they have a hobby, which they would like to turn into a business?

Are there further areas for learning and development?

If so, who pays, is there funding available, is it free?

Amongst the speakers is a self-made millionaire who discusses the issues of being self-employed and having your own business, someone who discusses preparing or interviews and a recent addition is preparing C.V’s.

An important issue that is discussed is finance and there is a presentation concerning pensions, the value of this should officers’ carry on working for the police as police officers and how the commutation devalues with an individuals’ age.

Options with what do with the commutation, are also discussed which include a variety of options and include investments in stocks and shares to rental yield in property overseas.

Should you wish to find out more about Life Beyond the Force, seminars, job opportunities, financial options, or any of the issues you feel are pertinent as you reach the time to leave the Force, please do not hesitate to contact Peter Scott, the Joint Branch Board Secretary of West Yorkshire Police Federation by any of the following;

·         01924 208398

·         07977 103 811

·         secretary@wypf.polfed.org

·         pjoe290@hotmail.com

It is also recognised that there are many retired officers who have not had the opportunity for such advice and they are all more than welcome to either attend future seminars or ask for advice through the Joint Branch Board Secretary.