That's a good strong post, Pete. I'm still unconvinced though. There are those who say that by privatising large swathes of the force, it would be possible to spend substantially more money on actual policing than is spend now and still make huge overall financial savings. Primarily because of...

It is indeed.

That's hardly a compelling argument, Pete. Requirements can be modified, training can be replicated. I don't know the answers to the financial question, but every time the police force is cut by one, the tax payer can save hundreds of thousands on pension payments alone. These are the kind...

adultfriendfinder is the way forward for free accom in London.

I wouldn't have to put down the readies. A selection and training budget would have to be included in the tender you put forward to win the contract. What I'm saying is that I don't see any reason why people like you couldn't train up people who could do the job just as well, if not better...

I don't disagree in principle but I think you're generalising the issue. In this instance we're looking at a very specific role involving relatively few personnel. Let me put it another way: Could you, or other people you know in the private sector, train people from scratch and make them fit...

Rhea, that's pretty much reading the news, mate. Do you have an opinion, or take a side?

So people who are ex those units aren't capable of bringing what they know into the private sector to build a training package that can produce better quality operators than they were and evolve the profession? If that is the case, why is it the case? It's not the case in any other walk of life...

Okay. So if we hypothetically take them at face value for a moment. Do you agree with them that the private sector is currently incapable of producing personnel who are up to the job of augmenting the Met protection teams?

My point is that this is really an issue of budgets, empire protection, and profits - not capability. The competency issue is only being brought up because the MET are desperate. Blurting out what amounts to "G4S are crap, look at the Olympics fiasco. Give them the job of protecting the PM and...

I worked with women on the doors long before the SIA came into existence. I think every large venue should have at least one female DS if possible. Just as with the blokes though, there are some right knackers knocking about, the licence in itself tells you nothing.

Having dealt with the police on many occasions I can confirm that the public sector is unfit for purpose too. This is just the Met angling for a budget increase. Jumping up and down saying "I told you so, I told you so" in support of their assertions is a clear demonstration that the real intent...

Ivan, wills are dirt cheap to have written up (compare with most other service solicitors provide) because they make their money after you've died. By the time you're done and dusted with probate you'll be looking at (or more precisely your family) an average solicitor's fee of five grand or...

If they have, at least we know there's a decent broadband connection in the afterlife. Seriously, like Ivan67 suggests, just get to a solicitor and get one knocked up (a will, not a solicitor...that would cause even more headaches). You're going to die one day, may as well make it...

How old are you Nick? It might not be what you want to hear but given what you've said you're interest in (CP / dog handling) I think the best advice anybody can give you is to consider joining the forces. I am confident that the vast majority of those on here who did a full stint in the...