There are many publications out there written by ex-police officers on how to join the police, say the right things in an interview, how to pass exams, and of course the memoirs of those who survived their 30 years of service in various roles. This book is different, this is a survival guide aimed at the new joiner who has already joined a Police Force and is nearing the end of their training. Or for those who want to know what it might be like in the Police, maybe to see if it is for them or not.
The knowledge contained within this guide has been gleaned from my own personal service of 22 years in both a City Police Force and a rural County force too. I also canvased Police chat groups from not just the UK but the USA and Europe too. It was surprising how similar the culture and advice was that I received from colleagues across the world, it appears that policing is policing wherever you are, the main difference is in armed societies such as the USA, but this is tactics, the main skills and behaviours of being a good Police Officer appear to be very similar wherever you are in the world.

This guide will explore situations you will find yourself in as a new student officer or as a person who is still young in service. It may even be a helpful reminder to those of you who have been in a few years and find yourself in a rut and you’re wondering how to reset the clock and start building yourself again in the image of a proactive and productive officer. I intend to take you through a journey of streetwise policing, we will also discuss the culture you are joining and how not just to survive in it but how to thrive in it.