It's A Fair Cop

Policeman sledging on their riot sheilds? Whatever next. Well, actually causing a bit of a problem on the crowded pavements around our bus stops to be honest, in little police groups of twos and threes as they chat up the local male youths that hang out there.

This little social repartee will form a circle, widish, because the police are not that comfortable, it is easy to tell that there is some unease underlying the jovials. This in turn causes a bit of an obstruction and has folk trying to navigate themselves around it, with children in buggies and heavy shopping loads. There are some rushing desperately for the bus and the bottle neck that ensues has actually led to what I will call pavement rage. As the crowd builds up there are some that barge past giving a wide berth to the uniform entourage and knocking anyone that is in the way. There was even a bit of red face and verbal the other day, but did the officers notice? No way, they were enjoying themselves by having a bit of bonhomnie with the naughty lads around. But is this really developing communication within the community or is it merely causing an obstruction? And should the sledgers have been formally warned for their unprofessional conduct or appraised for their public display of initiative and showing their 'human side'.

Well let's face it, we know that under the helmet and uniform they are human, we are not stupid. Once they are in that uniform however, they are publically displaying who and what they are, first and foremost law enforcers for the smooth running of our communities. This is their primary job role and there is no getting away from it, they cannot disguise themselves as youth workers or public do gooders so long as the helmets and dayglow vests remain along with the cudgels and handcuffs swinging at their hips. And really, should they be expected to?