Why is UK policing going down the toilet? and what can be done to fix it?

Question

This is not just a rant, I am deeply concernced by the lack of effectiveness of the UK police force I will explain why.

There have recently been a number of stupid arrests like the man found in possesion of an egg "with intent to throw" the person arrested for criminal damage for drawing on the pavement in chalk. This however is just the tip of the iceberg recently a colleague of mine was robbed he reported the incident then rang the police force a week later to ask if any progress had been made, he was informed that it would be two weeks before the matter is looked into. Next there are the people that were imprisoned for using imperial measurements to sell from their market stalls, they have been pardoned now, but why did I never see any lawsuits against big companys using imperial measurements to sell televisions and other products? It was also reported last year that they were not tracking drug dealers because they had met their arrest target in that feild.

Whats happening?

People say prison overcrowding, but they had room for market sellers using imperial measurements.

Jill Pinky : You have a very valid opinion and experience.

Answer 1

its not the police its the government,it as on the news last night and the police happen to agree,they have to meet the targets that the government have set,and it means people are getting arrested for the stupidest of things.
its no good having a go at the police you need to be lobbying the government and telling them how stupid it is.
the police last night said in an interview that they are having to sometimes let the more serious crimes go to concentrate on the petty crimes to stop the lack of anti social behaviour in the UK sucks doesn't it

Answer 2

Having worked for the police in the U.K. in a civilian capacity. I often see the other side. Our police spend too much time filling out needless reams of paperwork. (Government statistics have to be met - Police HATE doing this.) I have seen many a policeman spend endless hours putting a file together, only to be told by the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) that there is insufficient evidence to proceed. (Again - they have to meet government statistics - if they don't feel there is a good enough case to gain a conviction in court - in many cases they decide not to prosecute). Imagine how the police feel, when they eventually get a case to court, gain a conviction and then the magistrates' or judge gives a pathetic sentence. To sum it all up, the majority of police in the U.K. are totally demoralised and they get the full brunt from the general public. What the public should be doing is giving full support to the police and taking to task the CPS and the courts. I'll get down off of my high horse now.

Answer 3

Stop this ridiculous 'points' system. The officers are under immense pressure from Tony Blairs government to make a minimum amount of arrests whether the individual arrested is guilty or not. That's why innocent people like myself are arrested, beaten up and then faced with ficticious charges. It gains revenue for the courts and points for the officers. I even had to pay compensation to the dumb officer who made up a story about me breaking his arm.
I hope he enjoyed his week's holiday (at my expense) in some grubby, little hotel in the Canaries.
The police officers even spent time and effort ellaborating a story that was roughly based around the 1970's cult TV show Starsky and Hutch whereby the offender is chased on foot through the windy streets of New York. Had the three fat fuckers chased me on foot they wouldn't have caught me. I didn't even run because I was innocent.
Perhaps if police officers were given an I.Q. test before being given a job and a weapon we wouldn't be faced with the inaccuracies that make the Police look so stupid (e.g. Calling the Tonic bar in Nottingham the 'Toxic Bar' - idiots).

Answer 4

It's going down the pan because the present government keep on setting targets for arrests that they must comply with, regardless of the fact that this will inevitably lead to shoddy arrests. The government must let the police get on with there jobs without state interference, only then can policing in this country become less of a joke

Answer 5

I totally agree.
Unfortunately, we might just be to blame.
Consider the person who parks his motor car with at least two wheels on the pavement. What does the Policeman do? Ignore it.
Why do children cycle on the pavement? What does the Policeman do about it? Nothing.
Why is litter dropped in the street? What does the Policeman do about it? Nothing.

I could go on but someone might just get on a 'high horse' and think I was mad. No, I feel the Police have been neglecting their duties for some years and the public at large have some responsibility. Just to finish, some two years ago a Policeman called to see me but I was out. He said he would call again. I am still waiting.

Answer 6

That, my not so clean headed chum, is why God invented M-80s. One or 2 M-80s down the bathroom ought to clean that little clog clean as your backside after a evening of slimjims and PBR.

Answer 7

prison overcrowding
why bother with criminals when the justice system just sets them free ?
there is no where to send these ppl ...
if a paedophile can get off with just a suspended sentence then basically the criminals are given a free rein ...

Answer 8

god knows whats happening these days, it seems to be focusing on things, that are really not that bad, this, police numbers things is a joke, they should be going after the real criminals,hopefully something will change soon, all the best.

Answer 9

Going down the toilet is fine as long as they come up with the right ****,and still manage to smell of roses.

Answer 10

I agree...
http://ronniejacob.blogspot.com/2007/01/english-police.html