Cycling friendly coppers

[Vikeonabike]

Judging by the number of complaints from forum members who don't think the Police will take complaints from cyclists seriously, it could be time to make a list of those of us who know a Cycle Friendly Copper.
I don't want you to put down thier name collar number address on a public forum. However if you are in touch with one who is sympathetic to our cause then put your own name down and the area the officer covers! A PM sent with contact details can then be sent with name of the officer / Station they work in! You should probably ask them first if you can give out thier details!

I'll start!

Vikeonabike - Peterborough / Cambridgeshire! (obviously I got permission from me first)

 

[lit]

An Officer at the Police Station at bottom of West Hill approaching the Wandsworth one way was pretty helpful when I reported a blue van for trying to force me off the road at a crossing island.

It serves both the Wandsworth and Putney area, can be a bit tricky to get in with a bike but not too bad, bit of a old building.

Anyway the serving desk officer took the details of the van, what and where it happened etc and said he'd put a information note against the vehicle so it gets pulled over next time a cop car sees it or something, pretty happy with that.

Reported it to roadsafe as well anyway.

http://cms.met.police.uk/met/boroughs/wandsworth/09contact_us/index

Wandsworth Police Station

146 Wandsworth High Street
London SW18 4JJ

 

[Jezston]

Afraid I don't know their name or number, but had an immensely helpful and understanding ex-cyclist (back injuries) copper come out to see me after I had an 'altercation' with a taxi driver. He certainly took my complaint as seriously as it deserve (i.e. not a HUGE amount, but ended up visiting the driver and having a word).

A month or two later I had a call from the local police asking for feedback and whether I was happy with the service I received. I told them the only concern I had was I never heard anything again after he took my statement and had a nagging suspicion he never actually did anything next. They looked up his notes and confirmed he did have a word with the driver, but if I was unsure they could get the officer to call me and talk to me more. I said no that's ok, that'll do!

Again wish I could tell you the name of the officer, but I feel I can at least say that in central Nottingham at least, such incidents are taken seriously.

 

[ianrauk]

There is another cycle friendly copper who posts on here.
North London based.

Does some of the FNRttC's

I will point him to this thread.

 

[Theseus]

A big thumps up to the Lothian & Borders officers who dealt with my case after I was nearly forced off the road by a coach.

After a very unsatisfactory call to the coach company (based in the same town I live) I went down to the local nick to file a complaint. The next day a couple of officers came to take a more detailed statement. They then went to have have a word with the company and the driver concerned. No action taken against them, but they told me they would make it plain to them that the incident would be on the record in case of any future repeats.

 

[jonny jeez]

Judging by the number of complaints from forum members who don't think the Police will take complaints from cyclists seriously, it could be time to make a list of those of us who know a Cycle Friendly Copper.
I don't want you to put down thier name collar number address on a public forum. However if you are in touch with one who is sympathetic to our cause then put your own name down and the area the officer covers! A PM sent with contact details can then be sent with name of the officer / Station they work in! You should probably ask them first if you can give out thier details!

I'll start!

Vikeonabike - Peterborough / Cambridgeshire! (obviously I got permission from me first)

Vike, I know you're in the job...but are you sure this is a good plan. My father used to be very sympathetic to people he felt were genuinely stuck. Once he helped a chap out by telling him exactly how to make a claim for damage to his car (after an uninsured driver hit it).

The guy promptly delivered a bottle of scotch to the desk the next week to show his appreciation....My father got into a whole load of shoot because of that.

members of the public sending messages to the desk sergeant about how lenient a local plod was, or how they were let off of something could well make these few sympathetic guys...suddenly very un-sympathetic

 

[Jaguar]

Norfolk Police: no, only joking. I've had many crashes/incidents over the last 20 years, and they have helped me on precisely zero occasions. The last time, I had a head-on with a driver in broad daylight (he turned across me without giving way).

The policeman said he "probably had a blind spot"

 

[Vikeonabike]

Vike, I know you're in the job...but are you sure this is a good plan. My father used to be very sympathetic to people he felt were genuinely stuck. Once he helped a chap out by telling him exactly how to make a claim for damage to his car (after an uninsured driver hit it).

The guy promptly delivered a bottle of scotch to the desk the next week to show his appreciation....My father got into a whole load of shoot because of that.

members of the public sending messages to the desk sergeant about how lenient a local plod was, or how they were let off of something could well make these few sympathetic guys...suddenly very un-sympathetic

No Problems....as long as the scotch goes on the Graturites Database.

As long as I treat each case fairly on it's merits then there won't be any problems. Most cops have their own pet hates where they are comfortable because of their knowledge of that particular legislation and interest in the subject. However I wold be just as comfortable telling somebody to forget about their incident if there is no chance of a prosecution!
However I did get into a bit of hot water when somebody wanted to hand me a Colt Navy revolver, a brace of cavalry swords and 3 muskets!