Police should commute in uniform, says think tank

[Arch]

That was my first thought too!!!

Mine too.

They say it's for 'extra visibility'. Well what's the point of extra police being visible, if they aren't actually working. I don't imagine a copper saying "Sorry, can't help, not clocked in yet", if approached in uniform - or if they did, imagine the uproar! Jeez, it's a hard enough job without suddenly being on duty on your way home too.

They might as well have cardboard cutouts. Though I did once see one of those being carried down the street by our local utter piss-head and druggie. Laughing his head off he was, showing everyone his new mate.

(and that particular cut out is rubbish anyway. They chose a guy who photographs like a rabbit in headlights, he looks terrified!).

 

[Zoiders]

The local council estates used to have police housing with offices attached.

The last one in use was fire bombed.

 

[Brains]

Extra visibility

5 pints on the way home (uniform drinking in a pub) and being rather ill/abusive/aspllep on the train home what will the public think ?
Missed their station, need a dodgy uinlicenced cab to take you hiome for a fiver - in uniform! you'll be walking then.

Still, at least it won't open up the helmet debate, as they will all be wearing theirs on the bike.

 

[mangaman]

Mine too.

They say it's for 'extra visibility'. Well what's the point of extra police being visible, if they aren't actually working.

I don't want to get all serious about the fartings of a "right wing think tank" (think fish tank, but slightly less useful), but that's the point Arch - as I'm sure you're aware.


They're saying police should work longer hours for nothing - ie any crime that occurs between them donning their morning clothes and relaxing in the post-work bath are work time.

Next time I'm on a commuter train near a civil servant, I'll start haranguing them about the economy, even if they think they've finished work. See how they like it.

Although I'd probably get arrested by a police who's finished work but has to wear uniform on the train because of the above civil servant.

It's all about the Bigness of Society innit.

I'm confused by Dave whether to hug a Hoodie / lock them up indefinitely for nicking a pint of milk / go on another holiday?

The "dog at my homework" style excuses of the coalition and u-turns are amusing, if they weren't deflecting media attention from the cuts.

Still I'll follow Dave's preferred option and go on holiday

(nearly - 2 weeks to go)

 

[mangaman]

But it would probably be too exhausting for serving police officers to have to shag so many people anyway.

This is my other concern as a layperson

 

[Flying Dodo]

Surely if the police nick someone whilst coming into work, they can claim overtime for it? Or at least a double helping of doughnuts?

 

[fisha]

dont forget the coffee for the doughnuts

2-n-coo please.

 

[Arch]

I don't want to get all serious about the fartings of a "right wing think tank" (think fish tank, but slightly less useful), but that's the point Arch - as I'm sure you're aware.


They're saying police should work longer hours for nothing - ie any crime that occurs between them donning their morning clothes and relaxing in the post-work bath are work time.

Well yes, I am.

I like to think that a policeman, in an emergency, would step in, whatever they were wearing, and I'm sure most, if not all, would. But once they are in uniform, they are fair game for every little enquiry and hassle the public want to chuck at them.

I like my job well enough, but when I finish, I finish, and I think coppers ought to have the same courtesy.

If you want more visible police then a) have more police, and b) find a way of keeping them out doing what they ought ot be doing, and let others do the paperwork.

I was brought up to respect the police (well, for a start, they all had guns where I grew up), and while I'm well aware now that they have their failings, it's not a job I could do in a million years. (ditto paramedics, firecrew, etc etc)

 

[mangaman]

Well yes, I am.

I like to think that a policeman, in an emergency, would step in, whatever they were wearing, and I'm sure most, if not all, would. But once they are in uniform, they are fair game for every little enquiry and hassle the public want to chuck at them.

I like my job well enough, but when I finish, I finish, and I think coppers ought to have the same courtesy.

If you want more visible police then a) have more police, and b) find a way of keeping them out doing what they ought ot be doing, and let others do the paperwork.

I was brought up to respect the police (well, for a start, they all had guns where I grew up), and while I'm well aware now that they have their failings, it's not a job I could do in a million years. (ditto paramedics, firecrew, etc etc)

I agree completely.

Unfortunately as a worker in one of the "caring professions", if I ignored or mishandled a medical emergency when not working I would be liable which seems a bit harsh.

I'm with you - when I finish my job, I'm away - and should be free to do whatever I like.

 

[fisha]

Most police would step in I reckon in a real emergency. I think though that there is a difference between what you would step in for as already said. Big difference between stepping in for the preservation of life and getting moaned at cause the neighbour across the way is parking in a way they don't like. Which is what they would they would get

 

[captain nemo1701]

I've just returned from holiday with a mate who is a serving police officer and we talked about this. Apparently, years ago officers did go to work not in uniform, but wearing a special arm band. If there's a real emergency, they will step in (my mate carries his warrant card with him at all times). But he did point out that there are security & safety issues for officers going home off duty in uniform. They could be followed and their home targeted. Having said that, my mate did have to deal with a 'domestic' argument up the road from his house.

 

[snorri]

OTOH, it could result in the police being less troubled by trivialities, after all who would want to intercept an officer who might just be dashing home for his/her tea.

 

[albion]

I think they were tanked.