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As I've just passed 2 months as an Inspector at CN BCU @MPSCamden & @MPSIslington, some thoughts so far....
I have already mentioned I'm enjoying being back in front line policing. "A change is as good as a rest."
I have already mentioned I'm enjoying being back in front line policing. "A change is as good as a rest."
Sometimes BCU is regarded as bottom of the pile. Response teams definitely on the lowest rung of the ladder within BCU. Obviously I'm biased but they have always been the most important part of policing - and I've said that wherever I've worked. It's what the public see the most.
Plus many matters dealt with by the MPS start off with an interaction with response teams. There is no doubt in my mind that the work of the PC's on response is hard. The demand has changed from when I was a response Sgt. Their individual workloads have too
I know there are many things in place to reduce demand but I can totally get that if you're at the coal face, you don't see it. I've mentioned before the dynamics of response has changed too - however the enthusiasm levels are much better than what I encountered previously.
As for being an Inspector - it is a bit like a combination of my previous role (full time fed rep) and one role I shall keep forever - being a parent. You're usually the last person someone comes to with a question that everyone expects you will know the answer to.
And often you have to give people news (public and officers) that they don't want to hear & manage their expectations.
I do sometimes wonder when I'm walking down the corridor if Darth Vader is following me as everyone seems to stand aside (even in the widest of corridors!) and always says hello to you!
And yes a few times someone has called out Sarge and I've stuck my head up. Takes a while to get used to Sir, Boss, Guv, Guvnor etc.
Though most know I'm not precious - a PC called me mate the other day. Then walked past me again and was horrified 
. (Maybe I just looked tired on nights!)
. (Maybe I just looked tired on nights!)
It is definitely quite a lonely rank - @AaronTheClarke said that & that is very true. Especially when you are it - I.e. in the middle of night. There is no one else to ask....certainly immediately anyway.
I did like a comment from @MPSRajKohli which I think is an important one. You're there to make decisions and that is what is expected of you. As long as they are done in good faith it is no issue. Sometimes you might get them wrong.
Anyway, enough rambling. Back to my tea (decaf obvs - nights tonight).
