Policing Perspective

It is common to hear these days that a distrust of the police is unfortunate and not a true reflection of society's attitudes. But I think it is the norm and I have a fervent wish that it were not so. I read recently of a survey carried out by Geoffrey Gorer, an anthropologist/sociologist in 1950/1. He wanted to know what people thought of the police and expected (naturally, bearing in mind his 'specialities') that there would be a great deal of hostility. There was however an overwhelmingly positive response, with less than a fifth registering any criticism and these usually minor.

The manner of the individual officer garnered respect and because of that respect the police did not need to seek to abuse their powers. The situation created today by the social workers who run the police has of course completely eroded any ability to gain respect. Which is why (and at the same time they rename a force as a service) they now resort to an ever more dictatorial stance. Laws are written as generalities and police officers have in the past used their common sense to apply (or not) those laws to actual, specific circumstances. An authoritarian 'service' however realises that the absolute enforcement of rules in every instance increases power and usefully, raises more money. Why would fairness or justice (let alone common sense) matter to someone who has been given 'power'?

The police today do not prevent crime and they are pathetic in its detection, so when does this expensive bureaucracy earn its place? Oh yes, in attacking countryside marches on government orders. In protecting and not pursuing politicians (except in support of a left wing party).