How does the British law enforcement differ from the US in treatment of criminal suspects?

Question

I've watched some drunk driver car chases from the UK, I've also watched some of those criminal shows with crimes being from the UK, and they don't treat criminals or criminal suspects half as bad as in the US, and how they conduct their police investigations is totally different than in the US, in acquiring search warrants and surveillance actually respecting the criminal suspects, I've seen some videos from the UK that would have gotten someone thrown down on the floor with a knee on his head in the US. Is it just me or do the police in the UK treat criminals a lot differently than in the US?

Answer 1

My understanding -- based on a casual survey of British laws -- is that what you see is a result in the difference the way police are held accountable for what would be civil rights violations.

In the US, the police are prohibited by law from doing many of those things, but the only penalty is that the evidence cannot be used against the defendant -- the police are not personally liable.

As I understand the British system, they don't block evidence and the police are allowed to use much more coercive and threating means -- BUT if the police are wrong, they are held personally liable for the harm done.

So, the US prohibits such abusive conduct, but police rarely get into trouble. Britain allows such abusive conduct, but individual police officers are responsible for their actions if the person is innocent. Hence, in Britain, there is more incentive to be polite, just in case.

Answer 2

I imagine it's much different because of different laws. I'm also sure you'll see much more coverage of the US police than you'll ever see from the UK. You'd have to make a judgment based on little information.

The UK is much more polite and mannerly?
They weren't when I lived there. What UK are you talking about? Even your answer is obnoxious and egotistical. Is that the kind of 'polite and mannerly' you're talking about?

Answer 3

They treat everyone differently there. The UK is a much more polite and mannerly place.
It's not just the criminals.

Answer 4

Youre watching way too much TV (and probably spending way too much on the internet)........get out there.......get personally involved. Cops and robbers are people too.