1 | What happened to the FAQ on the main site? | All those Q + As were based on threads "answered" by our resident union rep GlynB. They were great but all the threads were linked back to the phpBB2 site which was surpassed in early 2008. | click here for further information if required |
2 | Salary? Benefits? Probation length? | Met PCSOs basic salary is £18,873
On top is a location allowance of either £1,623 or 3,000ish
Then there is a shift allowance of 12.5%, 15% or 20% depending on what shifts you do (this depends on your borough).
Probabtion for PCSOs is 1 year. | click here for further information if required |
3 | what do the public think of us PCSO's ? | To be honest I've had nothing but a very positive reaction from the public (right down to them sponsoring me for my patrol bike!!)
Except for a couple of scrotes in my area, however most of them are good and honestly don't know the difference.... and they just call me "the good cop" | click here for further information if required |
4 | should PCSOs be given additional powers?? | I think i would help if we had the power to stop & search, and be able to issue a few more FPN's for minor driving offences.
PPE..well i think it's should be top priority for health & safety resons to be issued CS, were dealing with public here, we don't know what's round the corner!! | click here for further information if required |
5 | How hard is the fitness test really?? | The fitness test is not a complete nightmare, The instructor that took ours last week said that "if there was an emergency in a supermarket and everyone ran out, 5.4 would be the average that most people would manage". It is that average that the instrutors look for. I am 26 years old, a smoker (most recently on 25 a day have only just cut it down to 10) and cannot be described as slim by any stretch of the imaginition.
I passed the first fitness test and did the training, and had to do it last week before we did had officer safety training. | click here for further information if required |
6 | ive got an interview after passing my competence test,its on the 8th dec,can anyone tell me what to expect and what to prepare myself for????????? thanks | For the MET it was basically just the ability to observe and write a report in pressured circumstances based on minimal events...watching a short video and then writing up what you saw. Not testing your memory, but your ability to write adequate reports etc. | click here for further information if required |
7 | We have just been informed that as part of our role in the future we have to rummage through bin bags to help id the fly-tipping offender. | Believe me I am not happy about doing this either but have been told that we have no choice, we must get on with it. Feeling even more like the general dogsbody of the police force than usual! Normally we do the work of the postpeople, delivering leaflets to street after street because the bobbies cant be bothered doing it. Now it seems we will take on the role of the binmen. Not feeling very loved and appreciated here guys. Looking for alternative employment. Shame really, been doing this job for a few years and used to enjoy it. | click here for further information if required |
8 | Hi im 17 and i was just wondering if there was any courses before you apply that would help you become a PCSO....
Also any advise for interview before they say you can start the training?????
Just want to be prepared... | a college local to me does a 2yr course in 'public services'. Its designed for people looking to join the armed forces, police, fire brigade etc. Its possible you might be able to find something like that where you live too. | click here for further information if required |
9 | Does anyone else feel a little miffed/missled about the shifts they are expected to do now they have started the job? | when i applied 2 1/2 yrs ago we did perminent 4-midnights this at the time i thought was great as all the disorder was happening when i was on duty...
we then changed to the NBM shift pattern & i was a bit miffed but i realised most of our shift were yes lates
and i thought what the heck am i ment to do on days but i got used to it and now have plenty of tea spots and still get the youth disorder on my late shifts. | click here for further information if required |
10 | I have a rough idea of the role of the pcso but could anyone enlighten me any further on what to expect on a typical day? | typical day for me would be something like:
Get in the office and check email/log entries for jobs which have been passed on to me, or to view overnight events that might be relevant. Make sure my pocket notebook (PNB) is up to date, complete any outstanding paperwork if possible.
Make for my beat area ... by walking, getting the bus or getting a lift. Do any jobs that need doing (see above,) visit community centres, local shops and the like - "walking and talking." (and accepting all cuppas when offered, too.)
Either go back to the office for bait or eat "out" in a community centre or similar.
More foot patrol, before going in for the end of shift. | click here for further information if required |
11 | Im a PCSO in london my take home pay after pension and all stopages etc is bang on £1600 pcm | joined Kent Police as a PCSO in March '07, and the starting salary was approx. £19.5k. The joining letter I recieved stated that the salary can rise to £23k but doesn't indicate when any such rise may come into force! Whilst on the PCSO training course I asked several tutors including Inspectors regarding when salaries go up. Sadly not one person could give me an answer!! If you join as a Police Constable there is a very clear pay structure with exact time frames when you can expect your salary to go up. On a happy note, work colleagues have told me that I should get a rise after 6mths, which I now believe may apply to all forces. My only concern is that as a PC your salary can continue to rise each year but as a PCSO in Kent the salary will never go beyond £23k regardless of your length of service. | click here for further information if required |
12 | Does anyone else out there who has a two tiered team of Police Officers and then much further down the pecking order - PCSO. Or a sergeant who refers to his PCSOs as useless, making suggestions that the P in PCSO stands for Pointless? | This is unacceptable behaviour, which shows a worrying lack of professionalism & knowledge. Is this a newly made up sgt or some old sweat?
We have a TOWBAR sgt who is a Grade A knob....I have also worked with old sweat sgts who's attitudes make me red with embarrasment.
The advice from Falkor is spot on. This is nothing short of workplace bullying NOT "just a joke". A joke is only funny if EVERYONE is laughing - the minute just one person stops laughing...it is no longer a joke. | click here for further information if required |
13 | How about unmarked PCSOs? No uniform, but a vest and radio etc with the same powers?
Would they be effective? | PCSO`s were created to be a hi visibility presence- what the hell is the point of having someone whose role 100% consists of being seen in plain clothes?
Considering that until PCSO powers are standardised properly they are all still a mish mash then no- a PCSO out of uniform is not going to be effective at his/her main role- which is COMMUNITY REASSURANCE. The community wont be very re-assured if they cant actually see you. | click here for further information if required |
14 | Unfortunately the role of a PCSO wasn't for me, after 6 months doing the job I knew it wasn't the career for me. I found the job and shifts very demanding and aswell as this I took some abuse because of my young age off my colleagues and the public. The morale went down as soon as I started getting the piss ripped by my colleagues! | Sorry to hear that Chippy - at least you gave it a go. It can sometimes be much more difficult to admit something is not what you expected or wanted. So hat off to you for having the courage to do so. Best of luck to you in whatever you do. | click here for further information if required |
15 | I have just got turnt down for being too thin, after passing everything. They were really harsh, I had 2 medicals and I had put on weight the second time. | I think its pretty easy to fall short on the weight. I am a healthy size 10 and I am not very tall. I still only managed 21 on BMI.
I agree that you ought to get some diet advice from your local surgery. You may not be eating enough protein and it sounds like you have a mega high metabolism. | click here for further information if required |
16 | Why does it take so long!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! applying to cleveland btw.
Any help or advice or if anyone in same position please reply. | It's the same in North Yorkshire mate...a few of us on this site have been put on hold (read the recruitment thread on this section) the thing to do is just hang on and stay positive as resilience is one of the core compenticies...lol | click here for further information if required |
17 | i was just wondering what ideas people have weather they have been used or not in helping the community. weather it be a new pcso on a new patch getting his/her face known. or just keeping relationships strong with the public, some ideas on things that are good for adults as well as youths and some for just youths. | Played footy on duty with local kids, entering a 5 a-side tournament police team and that has the kids interested who are also entering numerous teams.
Setting up a forum for some new flats that have just been built/open to residents.
After several complaints and making several reports, some mis-used and desecrated lock-ups have been boarded up.
Increasing relationships with PPO's has helped us keep track of them a little more.
More regular patrols where kids hang out etc has enabled us to gather more information as we form a firm but friendly relationship with them.
Generally more patrols in and out of blocks and where known street robbers hang about has seen the residential burlglary rate on our patch drop through the floor. | click here for further information if required |
18 | I went for my interview yesterday for West Mercia and I feel like I havnt done very well.
My brain had good answers, but my mouth didnt say them haha.
Did anyone else feel like this after their interview. | Yep I did I thought i'd totally blown it but I passed...lol I don't think anyone on my assessment day thought they had done well but all the people on here passed so don't worry!! when did they say you'd find out? I think we all found out 10 days after... | click here for further information if required |
19 | MPS PCSOs and Traffic Wardens retain access to free travel on/off duty, under following conditions:- | 1) they must show MPS identity pass with words "COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER" or "TRAFFIC WARDEN" embossed on the front with their photo clearly displayed;
2) it applies to BUSES ONLY - not any train, tube or tram service unless specifically agreed locally on Borough Commander's direction;
3) any PCSO, TW or police staff member attempting to use free travel on a BUS in London WITHOUT (1) will not be permitted to travel and may be considered as committing a serious discipline offence;
4) the free travel option is a privilege granted on the assumption that if something happens, the PCSO/TW will act as a professional witness and take any other appropriate action. | click here for further information if required |
20 | I CURRENTLY WORK IN LINCOLNSHIRE , EAST DIVISION.
OUR SHIFTS ARE TERRIBLE, THEY ARE 7 ON 2 OFF 3 ON 2 OFF AND SO ON AND SO FORTH.
BY THE TIME YOUVE DONE THE 7 YOU ARE SHATTERED AND REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO 2 OFF, BUT THEY DONT SEEM ENOUGH TO RECOUPERATE PROPERLY READY FOR THE NEXT 3,
(NO GOOD AT ALL FOR FAMILY LIFE). | I too am a Lincs officer, and we are setting up our own pattern to run "In House" This is with the blessing of our Boss. Once it up and running I'll let you know how its going...
The old pattern is awful....
If you PM me I give you my PTP so we can have a chat about it. | click here for further information if required |
21 | was just wondering... do you know what is going on with the fact that all pcso applicants have received letters from recruitment telling them that their application is on hold??
Only reason i ask, i received a letter about six to eight weeks ago, saying that my application was on hold, etc., which was really disappointing. | i've had the same letter - which i only got on 19th April!! better late than never as i knew situation for at least 6 weeks prior!!!! i've passed all the stages and had the medical - which i had on 1st March. i heard the rumours about the lack of funding so i rang recruitment and spoke to them. basically your medical is valid for up to 3 months after taking, and your interview is valid for UP TO 12 months. Sounds like you've dropped lucky if they're now inviting you for a medical? | click here for further information if required |
22 | I have just been chatting with a few Constables lately, and they seem to think there is no point in having CSO's. (They welcomed me very nicely tho and have always been very supportive)
Do you think a few years after out introduction we are achieving what the Government wanted to achieve in the first place? | We do the job we were intended to do, and have expanded the role by taking on numerous other tasks. More importantly, we have the respect of the law abiding public. Well done to everyone | click here for further information if required |
23 | I am hoping to become a PCSO and i'm currently at the filling out the application stage..... I know that in the next stage there is a examination which includes basic english and maths. I have a C in english, however a G in maths!!-and im obviously concerned this may prevent me being considered?!?!. ? | depends where you go,
My Numeracy test was easy, in fact it was an embarressment. IE a car park has 30 spaces, 30 cars use it in a month, how many cars use it in a year. Hellooo.
Where would Jack stand Over their or over hear, HELLOOOO
Get the drift mate | click here for further information if required |
24 | I received a letter to say my application was successful and that I would here from the MET regarding my next stage but it's been well over a month now. Should I call them or am I being too impatient?? | Hiya mate, welcome to the site!
Congrats on passing th paper shift! You should hear from recruitment any time now but there's no harm in giving them a call! | click here for further information if required |
25 | How many of you use your any person powers instead of powers of detention? This ofcourse depends on the situation.
| I work within gmp we do not have the power of detention if we see a known wanted person or someone who has just comited an offence we are told to radio and let a cop come and deal and not aproach we cannot issue fixed penalty are not allowed to patrol alone after 8pm your force maybe different but thats because your role as a cso is differant. i for one think national powers would not make a difference because you who have the powers will lose them and we who dont wony get anything anyway. we even work different shifts to the cops | click here for further information if required |
26 | Hi all iam hoping to be a PCSO and i have my Forms all filled in but iam stuck on the Competency Assessment section of the Paper :S can you help ? | You need to look at the Job spec and give examples of when you've demonstrated some of those behaviours/tasks....i.e. when you've dealt with a difficult member of the public.
Hope this helps..and good luck. | click here for further information if required |
27 | have just heard there are tutor pcsos in the west mids i just wanted to know are there any other roles in your areas that you have or of any roles that are going to be intoduced in the near future | In North Yorkshire, we tutor for 2 weeks and get 100 pound for each 1 we tutor. and as we are getting more and more in it can be quite rewarding
Joe | click here for further information if required |
28 | Ive just found out that my recent assessment day for a PCSO with Dorset Police has been successful.
However, I am slightly worried as my financial situation has not been great in the past and I have a poor credit record. My current situation has improved as I have consolidated all of my debts into one and pay this comfortably on my wages.
Just wondered if anyone knew if I'm likely to be credit reference checked as part of the vetting? |
vettings a nightmare take my word for it. Vetting is standard for everyone. However you will get checked including your financial status. if you go to the home office website they explain in detail. Your finances should be sensible and debt should be in proportion to acceptable levels and managed correctly. seems to me you have your act sorted out by consolidating into one sensible loan.thats a good sign! what you can do is go to garlik on the worldwideweb address as the webmaster blocks these key words. you can get a free insite to your file. it only takes 24hrs and they send you password in the post..and its free! | click here for further information if required |
29 | I've been lucky to be invited to interview for next week.
Let me tell you that i'm still worried about certain questions remained without appropriate answers. Which is why i plead with you to help me if you know one of these please:
1. How would you deal with a group of binge drinkers dancing in the street?
2. What would do to win the trust of housing estate residents scrared to give evidence about a violent assault?
3.How would you handle kids using a shopping centre as an indoor cycle speedway?
4. What would you do to rebuild the confidence of an elderly couple who were burgled last week?
5. What doyou think the role of pcso entails?
6. What would you do, if you see a colleague being bullied or harassed?
7. How do you keep yourself motivated? | Hi, I dont mean to be rude, but these are answers that are asked because they are looking for a centain type of person, someone who can deal with situations by using great communication skills.
The questions say what would YOU do, it will be you who is on the streets and therefor you who needs to be able to deal with these situations.
They do not expect a text book answer, as you have had no training but they need people who have the skills to build on.
Just imagine yourself in these situations, and say what you would do! thats all you can do, how would you deal with this if you came across it.
you have passed your initial application which means your answers for that were up to a certain standard
Best of luck at interview | click here for further information if required |
30 | I have been offered the post of a PCSO in Newham, London and when I asked Personnel whether the pay goes up every year they said informed me it didn't. They said there is no annual cost of living rise or appraisals. I find this hard to believe. Do they really expect PCSO's to stay on the same salary in a year's time as what they started on? If you know different please enlighten me. Thanks guys. | We get the inflation rise each year, i think thats about 3% But out salary once it gets to its top grade, after about year and a half thats the highest it goes to. | click here for further information if required |
31 | I thought national-PCSOs had closed down!? | national-PCSOs changed hands in February 2008. Following this more than 50 pages were deleted. However - some of the best pages were "saved" in a simple text form. | click here for further information if required |
32 | was just wondering how long people had to wait to hear what their start date was?
I've been waiting since December last year, is this normal or a bit too long? I'm going to give them a call today to find out what the status is. I don't think they have requested a reference from my employer yet
Maybe I am just being too impatient, as I really can't wait to get stuck in.
| it can take a while, it took about 2 months for me to hear officially thats with west mids, i rang them up and they told me, that all they had to do was get references, and bar anything wrong with them, they gave me my start date over the phone, obviously i still had to wait until it was in writing before leaving my old job, but it was good to know, so give them a ring | click here for further information if required |
33 | I've passed all the assessment centre just waiting for my employers reference and my medical. I'm worried that my employer will be annoyed with me when i tell them i'm going to leave and in return i'll get a bad reference. I work for a Care company and they are the most un-organised company that i have worked for, they treat the staff with no respect and that is one of the reasons that i am leaving. What shall i do? | Type up your resignation latter and just be honest with them.
It can't hurt to include a passage along the lines of:
'I have enjoyed my time with the company but I now have the chance to realise a life long ambition of becoming part of the Police Force. I wish both yourself and the company the best fo the future' | click here for further information if required |
34 | Hi everyone, i have recently received a letter telling me i have passed the interview and written test for hampshire but i failed the physical (dyno machine) they are giving me another go so can anyone give me some ideas about exercise that will help. I was kinda fit before i had my baby girl who is only 17 weeks but my fitness level seems to have dropped and i don't really have much time to work out! | I think you get 3 attempts, you could give them a call to confirm. I did bench presses to prepare for mine.
If you can get to a gym and tell them what you are doing they should give you the correct exercises to help you. Push ups are quite good to.
What area you hoping to work? | click here for further information if required |
35 | Hi all, just wondered if anyone knows the rules on tattoos as a pcso or pc?
Would it be acceptable to have part tattoo showing on your arm?
| as long as its not below the elbow ( force discretion otherwise ) or on your neck or face... and non offensive. I have 12-14 hours worth of tattoos , visible on my upper arms and back... no comments have ever been made....but it does make a good ice breaker with groups of youths ect.. | click here for further information if required |
36 | The doubt that is creeping into my mind is that since dropping out of my A levels at 17 years of age I was only gainfully employed from 1994 to 1995, apart from my current post which I started In 1998. I really found it very diffucult to find employment. | Don't forget you have experience gained from voluntary work, & life in general. The PCSO application is unlike most in that there is no concern with formal qualifications, also the criteria for making a good community officer are what counts, not your employment history.
The process is rigorous, all relevant.
Good luck. I had an 8 year gap by the way!! | click here for further information if required |
37 | I have just applied to be a PCSO, and i have suicesfully completed the application form. this means (as am sure you all know) that i am now going to be asked to attend a Interview, role play nad a writen task. Could anybody give me a little insight into this? | I successfully got through the aplication process for Cumbria early in the year and was invited to do the role plays. There were 4 situations and you were given either 1 1/2 mins of five mins (depending on how much info you had to read) to read about the situation you were entering. You then had 5 mins once entering the room to act out the role play. You go into a room where there will be an actor and an assessor and the actor will start talking to you straight away ( that knocked me cos i was expecting to have to start the conversation off!). The assessor is sat behind you, so you don't really notice that they are there, but it is still a bit off putting. | click here for further information if required |
38 | government have anounced after 2008 there will not be anymore funding for pcso's, if we want to keep them it will have to come out of tax payers money !!!! IS THIS THE END ? | I don't think it's the end at all. I think what will happen will be the reduction of the 24000 target number (which we've seen) and instead a lower number of PCSOs. A lot of the money mentioned is related to recruitment and training too, so they'll still be PCSOs about, just not as many coming through to swell the ranks. | click here for further information if required |
39 | Its great to be a P.C.S.O. but our limited powers dont help. Everyone is now becoming aware that there are lots of things we cant do. None more so than the kids out on the streets. I get more grief from them than the hard core trouble makers. | you DO have arrest powers shaun....remember...they are any person powers and whatever the CC says-can't stop you using them | click here for further information if required |
40 | Todays letter was asking for more info about what medical history i'd given and most specific about an episode of anxiety that i had 20 months ago! I had split up with my boyfriend of ten years,but was still living in the same house, but he became quite agressive and nasty towards me, resulting in me having a couple of anxiety attacks. I went to my doctor, who prescribed beta blockers to help. Instead of taking them tho, i just moved out of the house and took myself out of the situation (i didn't really wanna take any pills!). So, now becouse i have been prescribed medication for anxiety/depression within the last 2 years I'm now not eligible for the job!? | hi bear 1.
sorry 2 hear whats happend.. can you not tell the same story in writing and send it to recruitment and your doctor..im sure something as awful as domestic violance should not discriminate you from making a new life for yourself, weather or not you took medication...god it was 20months ago..
True! your doc dose not know weather you took them or not but im sure if you had, you may have been back for more!!! keep at them, and im sure you'll get in..
best of luck.
sponge | click here for further information if required |
41 | is there a "how to become a PCSO" CD?
[img]http://www.policecommunitysupportoffice ... ityh2b.jpg[/img] | Yes there is and a TEACHER CD [img]http://www.policecommunitysupportoffice ... herh2b.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.policecommunitysupportoffice ... cerh2b.jpg[/img]
and a Prison Officer CD | click here for further information if required |
42 | Hi there,
I'm lucky enough to have my interview and assesment in Lewes, West Sussex on Thursday afternoon.
Can anyone give me any tips on right things to say etc? I really want to be successful with this.
Thank you. | Hi Everyone,
In my current job i am a training instructor and the main things i was taught when teaching people is to maintain eye contact this helps both you and the person you are talking to maintain a good level of understanding (you can tell if peole are struggling to understand as their eyes start to go to the top of the head - this means they are searching the back of the mind to find a answer ) useless info i know but thats how people's minds work!.
Be polite on entering building as you dont know who the interviewer's are until you are introduced
during interview if possible try to sit at an angle to them -so as not to appear full on - move the chair slightly to a angle if possible | click here for further information if required |
43 | I wish to join as a regular officer within GMP but at the moment they have a recruitment freeze in place due to all the applications in the system I know i will be taking quiet a sizable pay cut by going into the police but would be willing to do this to get the job i have always wanted to do. My thoughts are i would join as a PCSO whilst waiting for the ''doors'' to open again at GMP. But just what is the net monthly pay (incl of shift allowance) ? | Depends on force.... starting at £17000ish plus 27% shift allowance... | click here for further information if required |
44 | Can I ask everyone how long their vetting (after the interview) took? Days, weeks, months?
It would be a great help, thanks. | Mine took 5 weeks, but I have an aussie PC who I work with which took 2 years for his whole application | click here for further information if required |
45 | I'm a martial arts instructor(study WingTsun) so am pretty nifty with self defence non violent restraint etc... Hope to maybe set up a school at the constabulary so after training, my fellow PCSOs can learn more to feel confident on the streets and how to deal with confrontation when it becomes violent!!
| no mean to rain on your parade, but police forces (mine especially) dont allow any techniques that officers have not been trained in, athough i deffinately feel CSOs need more self defence training.
one lad was told in my PC self defence to 'forget' his training in 'wadaru' (sorry for spelling) when he was on duty due to health and safety risks and other aspects such as reasonalble force. trained tactics are recognised as reasonable force when it is needed, you might find yourself trying to explain yourself if anything ever happened! | click here for further information if required |
46 | this may sound like a very stupid question but please bear with me!!
if a pcso can hand out on the spot fines for things like littering and dog fouling how do they go about enforcing them?
i assume you would need the name and address of the offender but what if they refuse to give their details to you? how can you force them to comply? | We issue many FPN's in our town, from section 5 public order right through to dog fouling and litter. There are many other offences on the tickets we can fine for, but I'm yet to use any of these.
Luckily nearly all the people except for one have given me details, proved who they are and gone merrily on their way. The one person who wasn't compliant, went to walk off so I called up a unit. He kicked off with them so ended up getting nicked anyway!
Don't be afraid to ask for back up/help if you need it. You'll find most Police Officers these days are more than happy to help out PCSO's. | click here for further information if required |
47 | Can anyone suggest the best footwear that people are wearing at the minute?
I've just got my contract through and start wioth Gwent on the 30th of June, (anyone else?), and would like some guidance on the best boots/shoes that will stand up to the welsh hillsides... any suggestions, (sensible ones obviously), would be gratefully received.
Also... what in the world is a "Push-Pull" and how does it work... yes, I am as green as I look!! | Here in sunny Northampton we're issued with Hi-tec Magnum boots. They're not overly expensive and they're lightweight, durable and have a contoured insole. The material of the soles is a bit soft, so they wear down quite quickly, but Timpsons can replace them with Vibram soles for about £40. You can pay up to £200 for a pair of Goretex & Thinsulate boots if you're rich, but they tend to be quite heavy.
I'm an ex-serviceman and I'm still using the Hi-tec Magnums I bought in 1989! I've lost count of the nubmer of times I've had the soles replaced, but the uppers are as soft as a baby's bum! | click here for further information if required |
48 | Does anyone know if you can apply to be a Special Constable and a Pcso with the same force at the same time? | Not in WMC, It is a strict no no and is written into force policy. A special has a duty of care and a warrant card and also holds the office of constable even when off duty, as such you could not conduct your duties as a CSO when holding this office. It would be a conflict of interest. | click here for further information if required |
49 | Hi guys.
I wounder if anyone call tell me whether you are paid whilst undergoing your pcso training? Thanks | Just take into account you may not receive a full months pay if you start during a month instead of a months end,this is the case with Lancs - this may differ with different forces? Maybe someone could shed a little light on the pay scenario in their force - they may tag it onto the following month, so just try to make sure you have enough fund in the bank to cover a full months bills etc
Andy | click here for further information if required |
50 | What happened to the FAQ on the main site? | All those Q + As were based on threads "answered" by our resident union rep GlynB. They were great but all the threads were linked back to the phpBB2 site which was surpassed in early 2008. | click here for further information if required |