Report
from the Senior Observers Training Day
Tulliallen
Police College
27th
April 2008
The
format for the day was as follows:
-
Morning Overview of the Role of the
Senior Observer
-
Low speed maneuvering – car park
exercise
-
Afternoon Road work in groups
-
Conclusion / AOB
INTRODUCTION
There were a few points that are worthy of
further review. It was fairly clear that all
groups operate in slightly different ways.
The first point was that there seems to be 2
methods of observer / associate matching on
training runs, with the first version being
Nominated to an observer for the duration of
the training, and the 2nd being
described as “Pot Luck” . Our group operates
a different method where it is best
described as “Tailored Matching” and this
basically ensures that the needs of the
Associate are being met with the appropriate
choice of Observer, eg to ensure good
progress is being made and that the group
standards are being applied in an manner
that has been cross checked through the
various different observer and associate
pairings. It also improves our social side
by meeting more people.
The aspect of how many checks are performed
pre run varies from group to group but some
ask for copies of Driving Licences,
Insurance certs etc.
So far we have only ensured that we apply
the disclaimer to each associate and confirm
that they understand the rules that apply.
At the mock test stage we explain the need
for the documents to be presented to the
examiner and hence by this prompt we have
covered the aspect to a degree. We also do
the eyesight test so that the candidate is
suitable for test. The question is should we
do more and perhaps the eyesight test on the
1st night rather that the
penultimate run.
The IAM view on the use of radios and how
they could be construed as giving
instructions was very relaxed and there was
considered to be no issue in this regard.
Our own policy on this needs to be
developed.
SLOW SPEED EXERCISE
This was performed on a Buell on loan from a
local dealer. This was very interesting and
the characteristics of the V twin engine in
such a small bike are unique, sorry but I
cant think of another way to describe the
combination of vibes, lack of engine grunt
below 2000 rpm, then the slack and
tensioning in the belt drive coupled with
the fairly wide bars, rear set pegs and
other styling features make for a very
different bike indeed. However in the hands
of a a dozen or so observers they eventually
managed to cook the clutch where it failed
to engage and was slipping under any power
setting by the afternoon. Taken back by the
RAC van.
ROAD WORK
Approx 100 miles shared between 3 Snr Obs
all acting as associates and getting
observed by one of 6 Police Bike Examiners
and Instructors. Ie groups of 3 +1 on the
road swapping positions en – route. Good
feedback was offered to all and again the
view is that we are veryu much on the right
lines with the training we provide.
The exercise was attended by myself, Ian
Capperauld, Ewan Watt and Andy Forrester,
and George Epsworth ( although George
unfortunately suffered a puncture and could
not attend around 10 miles from the Police
College )
Jim McCulloch 29-04-08
.
