I applied to join the Met a couple of years ago, via the DC direct entry pathway. I was assessed and rejected in a purely online process, without any human contact, including an excruciating automated 'interview' directly into my laptop camera. It was astonishingly shit.
I was once a fairly enthusiastic supporter of the police but today my hatred for them would be described as visceral. While part of it is physical - beards, tattoos, paramilitary uniform - I couldn’t quite work out how/why my view had become so radical. I think I do now.
As a retired officer I fully agree with the author ... sadly the police themselves don't see it. I guess that history is not important even if it's your own.
In Hampshire some of the most effective policing has been doing "producers" on every car in an area. They have turned up all sorts of criminals for minimal outlay.
Dealing with ASB in the young and Domestic violence at the outset could give the police a new focus and respect.
Cars painted up in campaign flags was never ever a good idea.
As usual Dominic another brilliant article and spot on. Coincidentally earlier on today I touched on some of the points you have mentioned during a WhatsApp conversation with some friends. I’m not in the least embarrassed to say that my contribution, which agrees with much of what you say here, was nowhere near as articulate, as comprehensive, or as erudite as your article. Well said and well done. 👏👏
I read the whole article and, although you’re clearly infinitely more informed than most readers on here (Including myself) I have a few questions…
Is it not true that successive governments have tried to tackle (real?) endemic faults in the force, such as sexism, racism, corruption etc? Hitherto ‘untouchable’ characteristics that really did need dealing with?
Secondly, now that you’ve outlined many of the mistakes successive governments made, can you suggest reforms (presumably not just paying more money and employing more coppers) that can move us towards a more effective/affordable/happy operation?
Thank you so much for an invaluable read.
I'm looking forward to Part II.
What a pity those in authority responsible for policing are not particularly interested in policing as a priority.
It's the same with the NHS. Those in authority seem to have more vital issues to focus on than health and well-being.
I applied to join the Met a couple of years ago, via the DC direct entry pathway. I was assessed and rejected in a purely online process, without any human contact, including an excruciating automated 'interview' directly into my laptop camera. It was astonishingly shit.
Excellent. Thank you.
I was once a fairly enthusiastic supporter of the police but today my hatred for them would be described as visceral. While part of it is physical - beards, tattoos, paramilitary uniform - I couldn’t quite work out how/why my view had become so radical. I think I do now.
As a retired officer I fully agree with the author ... sadly the police themselves don't see it. I guess that history is not important even if it's your own.
Engaging and informative. Like the jab at May over her ‘sense of humour’ - brought a smile.
In Hampshire some of the most effective policing has been doing "producers" on every car in an area. They have turned up all sorts of criminals for minimal outlay.
Dealing with ASB in the young and Domestic violence at the outset could give the police a new focus and respect.
Cars painted up in campaign flags was never ever a good idea.
As usual Dominic another brilliant article and spot on. Coincidentally earlier on today I touched on some of the points you have mentioned during a WhatsApp conversation with some friends. I’m not in the least embarrassed to say that my contribution, which agrees with much of what you say here, was nowhere near as articulate, as comprehensive, or as erudite as your article. Well said and well done. 👏👏
We get get the police the Home Office wants under the terms of the 1964 Police Act. Whitehall plays the long game.
I read the whole article and, although you’re clearly infinitely more informed than most readers on here (Including myself) I have a few questions…
Is it not true that successive governments have tried to tackle (real?) endemic faults in the force, such as sexism, racism, corruption etc? Hitherto ‘untouchable’ characteristics that really did need dealing with?
Secondly, now that you’ve outlined many of the mistakes successive governments made, can you suggest reforms (presumably not just paying more money and employing more coppers) that can move us towards a more effective/affordable/happy operation?
Thanks, in anticipation… 😉
I see you too have felt the cold sticky touch of CONNECT.