Monthly Archive for December, 2007

Predictions for 2008 in response to the question in the Daily Telegraph

written by Trainee Exile from Plan B - Fleeing the Country

I predict that in light of the fear of erosion of civil liberties and freedom and the bias of anti discrimination, even more draconian yet ineffective laws will be passed and found only to be an efficient deterrent against law abiding citizens going about the legitimate business.
Many more people, vulnerable through age, illness or position in society will be harassed to an untimely death, perhaps taking with them some of their dependants in the most horrific circumstances as society rings its hands and shouts that something should be done.
I predict that Police services will be shown to be more effective next year but police officer will be more demoralised by the petty treatment dished out, probably in revenge for the Miner’s strike of the 80s and the ever increasing restrictions, legislation and bureaucracy.
1.9% when MPs awarded themselves 2% with £10,000 increase of allowances.
PCSOs will continue to embarrass themselves with only those who have yet to experience their ineffectualness and those who dare not speak the truth for fear of the repercussions. Without denigrating individuals some of whom would have made, some who will make good constables, why would you employ a group of people who have to patrol in pairs, which makes them more expensive than a single police officer, have very limited police powers, little training, are allowed, no encouraged to run away from confrontations, are not obliged to deal with anything. Ending up fighting on Westminster Bridge over whose turn it is to carry the radio. But PCSOs got their 2.5% backdated to September. They get paid more than an ITU nurse
The NHS will continue to be an open financial sore, attracting some of our brightest and best, then jaundicing them, creating a dependency culture focused on improving the care and conditions of its staff without equal improvement for its patients because there is no natural motivation in the target led bureaucracy laden empire that saps moral idealism as it does national resources, than to meet targets by whatever means available. Everybody knows it’s a lie no one will admits it because the whole pack of cards would collapse if they did ending up with the Government itself. Supervisors bump up their figures and get a pat on the back. Soon their colleagues are doing it too, because their managers aren’t interested in anything but good news, and it spreads.
The armed Services will continue to be exploited and underfunded. Injured servicemen will be abandoned. The MOD budget will continue to bloat ensuring Civil servants have the correct computer chairs, whilst the armed services will struggle for funds for essential equipment and make do with poorly designed equipment chosen by civil servants who will never be called upon to wear or use it in combat.
Schools will continue to meet targets and improve their performance whilst pupils will continue to leave ill prepared to deal with life and protected by the Benefit Systems from any dire consequences for their indifferent educational achievements.
The Social Security system will continue to cause stagnation in the employment market removing the mobility that initially drew the current unemployed’s forbears to the inner cities during the industrial revolution. Rewarding single mums and the irresponsible absent fathers whilst punishing working families.
I tell people about a conversation I had at a party with a man who was of Cypriot origins and had recently returned to visit his family. It usually raises a look of horror on their faces. He had been clubbing with his cousins and was standing in the street at 2am chatting with them, when they were approached by a police officer. The Officer enquired what they were doing there. They said just chatting. The officer told them to go and chat at home. I asked what he said to that. He said nothing, you don’t argue with the police there.
But should groups of people gather and chat. One group maybe innocently chatting another may not be so innocent. All large groups might be perceived to be intimidating especially if they’re a bit boisterous. They might also be seen as a target by other groups, especially particularly young groups. By surrendering a minor freedom that the vast majority would not wish to exercise, society in general can enjoy the freedom of not feeling dread as they walk the streets or fear in their own homes if groups congregate outside it.
Of course there need to be an effective means of dispersal. And this is where I write myself off as a crank in eyes of the intelligentsia. But then if you took the time to think, it’s “not nice people” who are committing the offences for whom all these superficially draconian laws would be an effective deterrent. Who thought an ASBO would cure anything. It’s not fines, because only those in employment or whose parents are in employment will be obliged to pay them. It’s not prison because it doesn’t reform anybody. Just protects society and punishes which are both necessary and laudable but ultimately futile if used against too many people in society. It’s what most working and lower middle class grandfathers told you about with a tear in their eye. You know the one about the local PC giving them a thick ear, taking you home and then your father giving you a thick ear because you brought a police officer to their door.
Oh dear all the problems it would cause. All those professionals by passed and now superfluous, not that there are currently, nor could we ever afford to employ enough of them anyway as the demand would be ever increasing. All those magistrates who would have time on their hands. All those probation officers, The Youth offending teams, Social Services, etc who are doing such an effective job at present with time on their hands to deal with those they might make an impression on if they could dedicate sufficient time and resources.
As for the NHS privatise it by giving it to the staff. Hey suddenly they are motivated by having an interest in their business as well as their ideals and freed of the meaningless disruptive targets imposed by Government. Give patients the choice of which hospital they wish to go to. Give patients their own budget and a choice of which GP they go to. So the better the GP the more income they attract. Let The Dept Health operate as an insurance company instead of a supplier. Bad hospitals would close. New hospitals would open where there was demand. Staff would be paid according to the market as opposed to whatever Gordon Brown feels like paying them this year.
Skooling. Sorry but bring back corporal punishment as an option of last resort prior to expulsion. If parents don’t like it then make sure your children behave or face all of your benefits being stopped.
Lets also think of different ways of solving societies problems other than giving people money. Oxfam understand it with their “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day, give him a net and he can feed himself for a lifetime” sentiment. Meanwhile we let the gobbie idiots persuade the government that anything but giving every greater amounts of money to ever greater numbers of people is demeaning. We are encouraging the growth an underclass who have never known anybody who has been in employment. Have no educational aspirations. Have no ambition in life except to have a good time. Are unable to rationalise when the adverse occurs and retaliate against the society which they perceive is failing to provide for their needs.
Still turned out nice again.

The original post can be found http://pcwannabee.blogspot.com/2007/12/predictions-for-2008.html

The 12 days of Chavmas

written by PCFrankyFact from PC Franky Fact. His views on policing are lacking in tact.

The original post can be found http://pcfrankyfact.blogspot.com/2007/12/12-days-of-chavmas.html

911 Call

written by PCFrankyFact from PC Franky Fact. His views on policing are lacking in tact.

I've been looking for this one for ages.

A belated Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you all.

The original post can be found http://pcfrankyfact.blogspot.com/2007/12/911-call_31.html

Think Back. Move Forward. It’s time.

written by bawpc from WPC In the making

That message is on the board at The Ground Zero where the Twin Towers once stood. I'm one one for these sort of messages but I somehow found this one very touching and rather sensible. It made me think back to the day when my folks split up and the reasons behind it. It made me think about how difficult I made it for my dad and how I didn't speak with him for over 2 years. I held a grudge against both of my parents for a very long time, too long to tell, and looking back now I can see what a waste of time it was. Life would have been so much easier if I had behaved differently...Anyhow, moving on...what I also found very moving was the display around St Paul's Chapel, opposite The Ground Zero...so moving that I found hard to hold back the tears in there...maybe I was just a little emotional, I don't know. I'm not a religious person at all but I took a moment to light a candle and think about those that gave their lives on that day. Once I had returned to my good old self, after a cup of coffee, I visited the New York City Police Museum and felt like I was at home...There was even a couple of hats that were given to them by our very kind British bobbies...My new profile picture shows the wall where the badges of all NYPD officers killed on duty are displayed, too many of them, unfortunately!
I also went to a little 'Irish' pub called Bravest, named in honour of those killed during 9/11, where I had arranged to meet someone I met in the course of my tours. He's a fireman with lots of experience and stories to tell. He lost two close friends in the attacks...He is a lovely bloke and we shared a midnight dance in the subway station, where a busker was playing The Way You Look Tonight...I don't think I'll ever forget that song now! We're supposed to be going out on New Year's Day...let's see what comes out of it.

Last night I decided to go out to mess about with my camera, after I'd watched Avenue Q (terribly funny!). I had put my love for photography aside, what with everything else that's been happening, and I never got a chance to mess with a new digital SLR that I bought quite a few months back so I thought I'd dust the old passion and go out for a few night shots...Unfortunately it wasn't very productive because it was sleeting and very, very cold (and I couldn't be bothered to live through it) so that was me back to my cosy room!
Tomorrow is New Year's Eve and I'm not really looking forward to the crowd that I'll find around Times Sq but seeing as I'm here it feels like I have to see the ball drop! Besides, the it's supposed to be made of Swarovski crystals this year so who knows what I might get :-D!!! So it's gonna be a long, tiring, cold and possibly wet New Year's Eve but at least I get to rock'n'roll at Planet Hollywood for the after party!!!

TUPC, what do you mean just to say hello? Not even a quick drink? I am truly offended now!!!
Make that your New Year resolution...but stick to it!

The original post can be found http://bawpc.blogspot.com/2007/12/think-back-move-forward-its-time.html

Season’s Greatings – póg mo thóin

written by Alf Ventress from ASHFORDLY POLICE STATION

Well that's it more or less... The first part of the annual seasonal mayhem is done and dusted and now we only have the bringing in of the new year left before it's back to normal. To those who have worked all over Christmas commiserations and to those who managed time with family and friends, I hope you had a peaceful and enjoyable time. No doubt the January credit card bills will evidence the

The original post can be found http://ashfordly-police.blogspot.com/2007/12/seasons-greatings-pg-mo-thin.html

Sympathy and an ……

written by Officer Dibble from Tales from the Metropolis

Another officer will not see 2008 due to just trying to do his job

The MET officer has been named as Chris Roberts a father of three.

My sympathy and best wishes goes out to his family,friends and colleagues at this time.

An opinion.

The MET/MEDIA seem very keen to stress that his death was due to natural causes.According to the Mail article a Scotland yard spokesman seemed keen to stress that although Chris was involved in 'effecting the arrest' of this individual he was not assaulted by him.

Heaven forbid there may be any aspersions on the ex-partner involved

I have been involved in 'effecting the arrest' of a number of people over the years. Whilst in some I could never claim to be directly assaulted I was left like others,tired,out of breath with adrenaline pumping as they are detained.

Early days in a tragic loss...I know the investigating officers will look at all options concerning the individual concerned. What happens to him is out of our hands.

Again, best wishes to those close to this brave officer

The original post can be found http://officerdibble01.blogspot.com/2007/12/sympathy-and.html

Above and beyond……

written by Joe90 from You want to be a hero?

Yesterday Police Constable Christopher Roberts fell in the line of duty, he was 47 and had three children.

On April the 18th 1995 a young Police Officer attended a disturbance at a house in Ilford, when confronted by three men he bravely attempted an arrest. He managed to apply one handcuff, but was shot in the chest.

This man was Police Constable Phillip John Walters, age 28.



On May the 21st 2004, a married Police Officer, father of one daughter, responded to assist other Officers who were trying to detain a man who was armed with a knife. He pursued the man along a canal path, and as he attempted the arrest he was stabbed in the heart and fatally wounded.

This man was Detective Constable Michael Swindells, age 44.



When you think of the men and women who have died in the line of duty, there is one thing of which you are certain, it is that to these brave Officers you pail in comparison, because they faced what you would flee from.

'Heroes never die. They live on forever in the hearts and minds of those who would follow in their footsteps.'

Emily Potter

The original post can be found http://hero90.blogspot.com/2007/12/above-and-beyond.html

Police officer dies after arrest

written by Response Plod from Response Plod

From The BBC

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a policeman died on duty in north-west London.

The 48-year-old police officer collapsed trying to arrest a man following a domestic incident at Brinkburn Gardens in Wembley.

Police were called to the address at about 1745 GMT on Boxing Day.
A post-mortem examination will be carried out later to establish the cause of death. The man arrested is in his 30s.

Other deaths

Home Office minister Tony McNulty said: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of a police officer while on duty with the Metropolitan Police.

"Events such as this highlight the dangers that our police officers face every day when protecting the public."

The Association of Chief Police Officers also offered its condolences.

Two other police officers have died on duty this year.
On 6 May Pc Richard Gray was shot by a man after attending a domestic incident in Shrewsbury. The man then committed suicide by shooting himself.
In June 36-year-old Pc Jonathan Charles Henry was fatally stabbed in Luton. A man is awaiting trial accused of his murder.

My sincerest thoughts and condolences go out to our colleague's family and friends at this difficult time.

The original post can be found http://responseplod.blogspot.com/2007/12/police-officer-dies-after-arrest.html

I’ve Got It!!!

written by The Thin Blue Line from PoliceCameraPaperwork

No, not a nasty dose like the one I wished on Jacqui. And by the way, I still haven't seen her on Sky News having a crafty scratch "down there". Bloody Santa not making my wishes come true!

Anyway, what I have got is the answer. 

But what's the question? Well, if you also wear the Cloth, you'll know how we keep being issued with kit that's completely useless. It just doesn't do what it says on the tin. What's the phrase? Oh yeah, "not fit for purpose". 

For example, my fleece lets all the cold air and water in and after wearing it twice the word Police started to fall off it. 

My strides are itchy and uncomfortable and, on the odd occasion I get to chase somebody like in The Bill, I can't jump over fences without worrying about scrotal damage. 

And my shirts are OK as long as it's not too cold. Or hot. Or wet. Or unless they're taken out of the packet. 

I noticed that our PCSO's had been issued with some really nice looking strides. They were like combat trousers, but a bit shiny and smooth to the touch. I knew I'd never be issued any, because I'd only get them dirty and my Inspector would have to sew patches onto them. But I thought I'd treat myself to a pair. I phoned up our clothing store and asked who the supplier was (some company in Derby) and then phoned them direct to make an order. 

I spoke to a lovely lady who explained that they were £70. I told her she was mistaken, that I only wanted one pair and not one each for everybody I know. But apparently it was I who was mistaken. Because they were £70 a pop! In the end I went to Millets and got two (slightly less shiny but still very smooth pairs for £30. And they were fleece lined!)

So, that's the answer. Instead of Forces spending inordinate amounts of money on kit that either won't get used, because it's crap, or won't get issued because it's too expensive, I've decided to suggest a complete overhaul to the system. 

Basically, we all get issued with £300 worth of vouchers to go and spend at Millets during the Boxing Day sales. We get kit that works and the economy gets a little boost. 

And then we get our Inspector to sew the Force badge on what we buy. 

The original post can be found http://policecamerapaperwork.blogspot.com/2007/12/ive-got-it.html

Finally here…

written by bawpc from WPC In the making

So I have had my first day as a tourist (yesterday won't count, I was too tired)! As it was Christmas day I decided to take it easy and enjoy the day in Central Park. The weather was beautiful and the day couldn' have gone better although I misjudged how big the park is and after about 5 hours of walking I had just about covered three quarters of it. Ok I'm a slow walker and I was doing the touristy thing of taking pictures of every stone and tree but it still took me a long time to cover that much. I walked and walked and walked and then I got lost, phoned my mum in Brazil, my dad in Italy and my housemates in London, had a coffee, fed the ducks and walked and walked and walked till I found one of those bicycle tours place to ride me back to where I started because I was tired. I came back to my hotel with the intention of having a shower and then finding somewhere nice to eat something decent...but I had to settle for some fries from McDonalds as everything else was fully booked, damn Christmas day!
Tomorrow I'm getting my stab proof gloves ready for when I go back on the beat in the new year and I'm going to see Mamma Mia on the Broadway in the evening...other than that I haven't a clue what else I'll do, not that I don't have options...let's just see what tomorrow brings!





P**S: Santa brought me an Itouch for Christmas...damn I must have been good!!! :-D
P**SS: I know the lovely people of England need no more encouragement to call the police (even if it's a case of changing their baby's nappy) but I thought this was really brave of NYPD...I guess it's because they have guns, real guns, so people don't mess with them!
P**SSS: MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

The original post can be found http://bawpc.blogspot.com/2007/12/finally-here.html