QUOTE (ossy1 @ Sep 30 2009, 11:48 AM)
http://www.policeoracle.com/news/Blame-The...Know_20375.htmlNow this is a good peice of writing and just about sums it up.
Interesting article, thanks Ossy.
Certainly it's a sad indictment on society that the culture of blame is to pin problems on the police and all the time take away the means for them to do their job. Of course the media and politicians will never take any form of responsibility and as it can never be an individuals fault any more, it leads to unnecessary pillorizing of an important institution.
My experience of 'the law' over here is a little different I guess. At my local Starbucks we often get 4 or 5 deputies and sherriffs grabbing a drink and a table for a bit. As a result they are present in the community, know many of their public by face and name and present a human face beyond the badge (and of course the gun). It's rare to see any of the local yobs disrespect them to their face (how much that is due to the gun I'm not sure
).
That they are afforded the time to take breaks in public together without being accused of wasting public money is a big part of this. When I read about similar breaks in the UK it's been inclusive of such a reference to 'waste' - I think even on these forums people have suggested that it's unreasonable for them to get a bite to eat while on duty!!
You can't ask/expect the police to be present in the community and yet deny them the opportunity to participate in community activities such as grabbing a coffee. Little thing, sure, but it all adds up.