Why don't the majority of people help Police Constables ?
Discussion
Toss up between general gassing and sp&l here, but it does have copper content, although in a nice way.
In this story the person who didn't actually need any assistance was a copper, but it could just as easily have been any of us.
Coming back from Welsh Wales, Aberystwyth in particular, I'd chosen off piste routes, and on one with sheep sleeping on the roads I came across a Marked Police estate car by a cattle grid, parked up in darkness with its bonnet up.
I stopped, reversed back, there was a Constable in the car ( a nice older fellow who'd been left with the car), and largely they'd been going somewhere and hit a badger, he'd been left with the car awaiting recovery.
Given that it is a little out of the way (about as much in the middle of nowhere and still be on a road as we get in that area), phone reception can often be no service rather than emergency calls only, he shocked me a little when he said he'd had about twenty cars go past him, and I was only the third that had bothered to stop.
If that had been the other way around, Police cars driving past a stranded member of the public in an area like that and not offering assistance, there would be uproar.
So why ?
There is very little if any danger given it is a Police car, a few years back if you broke down (any of us let alone a recognised service like the Police), most people would stop to see if you needed assistance.
In this story the person who didn't actually need any assistance was a copper, but it could just as easily have been any of us.
Coming back from Welsh Wales, Aberystwyth in particular, I'd chosen off piste routes, and on one with sheep sleeping on the roads I came across a Marked Police estate car by a cattle grid, parked up in darkness with its bonnet up.
I stopped, reversed back, there was a Constable in the car ( a nice older fellow who'd been left with the car), and largely they'd been going somewhere and hit a badger, he'd been left with the car awaiting recovery.
Given that it is a little out of the way (about as much in the middle of nowhere and still be on a road as we get in that area), phone reception can often be no service rather than emergency calls only, he shocked me a little when he said he'd had about twenty cars go past him, and I was only the third that had bothered to stop.
If that had been the other way around, Police cars driving past a stranded member of the public in an area like that and not offering assistance, there would be uproar.
So why ?
There is very little if any danger given it is a Police car, a few years back if you broke down (any of us let alone a recognised service like the Police), most people would stop to see if you needed assistance.
What sort of assistance did he require?
If I'd have seen that, I'd have assumed it's the police, they organise recovery for stuff all the time, they'd just get a tow truck ordered, and a guy would need to sit with it playing snake for an hour until the recovery truck arrived.
Out of the possible vehicles out there, something like that would be something I'd have thought would certainly have some sort of recovery/breakdown assistance, same as if I saw a bus with an engine hatch open.
A regular hatchback might be 50/50 whether they have some recovery system in place, but a large organisation would be something I'd assume would have it covered.
If I'd have seen that, I'd have assumed it's the police, they organise recovery for stuff all the time, they'd just get a tow truck ordered, and a guy would need to sit with it playing snake for an hour until the recovery truck arrived.
Out of the possible vehicles out there, something like that would be something I'd have thought would certainly have some sort of recovery/breakdown assistance, same as if I saw a bus with an engine hatch open.
A regular hatchback might be 50/50 whether they have some recovery system in place, but a large organisation would be something I'd assume would have it covered.
I wouldn't stop.
They've never helped me. And i've had nothing but negative dealings with them.
The majority of coppers are probably decent, but all the ones I've ever had the displeasure of talking to have been absolute bell ends which puts me off having anything to do with them.
ETA; The PCSO's around here seem to be much more approachable and 'friendly'.
They've never helped me. And i've had nothing but negative dealings with them.
The majority of coppers are probably decent, but all the ones I've ever had the displeasure of talking to have been absolute bell ends which puts me off having anything to do with them.
ETA; The PCSO's around here seem to be much more approachable and 'friendly'.
Edited by justanother5tar on Sunday 1st November 12:37
TheEnd said:
What sort of assistance did he require?
If I'd have seen that, I'd have assumed it's the police, they organise recovery for stuff all the time, they'd just get a tow truck ordered, and a guy would need to sit with it playing snake for an hour until the recovery truck arrived.
Out of the possible vehicles out there, something like that would be something I'd have thought would certainly have some sort of recovery/breakdown assistance, same as if I saw a bus with an engine hatch open.
A regular hatchback might be 50/50 whether they have some recovery system in place, but a large organisation would be something I'd assume would have it covered.
He didn't on that occasion, but given the location unless they carry sat phones in those areas now, he could easily have been grateful for a lift somewhere, or me getting somewhere and calling for assistance for him, he could easily have been hurt and have no radio reception.If I'd have seen that, I'd have assumed it's the police, they organise recovery for stuff all the time, they'd just get a tow truck ordered, and a guy would need to sit with it playing snake for an hour until the recovery truck arrived.
Out of the possible vehicles out there, something like that would be something I'd have thought would certainly have some sort of recovery/breakdown assistance, same as if I saw a bus with an engine hatch open.
A regular hatchback might be 50/50 whether they have some recovery system in place, but a large organisation would be something I'd assume would have it covered.
It strikes me as common sense to stop, but we all have different life experiences.
I drove past a fellow in the 90's, he was off the road in a crashed car and I couldn't/didn't see him, on the A449 between Worcester and Kidderminster so not exactly remote, he was found dead the next morning but according to the coroners report was still alive at the time I went passed him ......... always stuck with me that one.
I wouldnt have stopped either. I know full well that it would have been in hand and no help would have been needed.
If he was rolling about on the floor with someone I'd have helped, sadly the majority of the public would stand and watch whilst filming it on their phone ready to upload onto social media as thats more important.
Edited to add: it is good that you did stop though. Had he been at the end of my drive I'd have made him a brew and offered him use of the toilet if he was going to be stuck there a while.
If he was rolling about on the floor with someone I'd have helped, sadly the majority of the public would stand and watch whilst filming it on their phone ready to upload onto social media as thats more important.
Edited to add: it is good that you did stop though. Had he been at the end of my drive I'd have made him a brew and offered him use of the toilet if he was going to be stuck there a while.
Edited by Greendubber on Sunday 1st November 12:57
justanother5tar said:
I wouldn't stop.
They've never helped me. And i've had nothing but negative dealings with them.
The majority of coppers are probably decent, but all the ones I've ever had the displeasure of talking to have been absolute bell ends which puts me off having anything to do with them.
ETA; The PCSO's around here seem to be much more approachable and 'friendly'.
I wonder what the common theme is in your dealings with the police.They've never helped me. And i've had nothing but negative dealings with them.
The majority of coppers are probably decent, but all the ones I've ever had the displeasure of talking to have been absolute bell ends which puts me off having anything to do with them.
ETA; The PCSO's around here seem to be much more approachable and 'friendly'.
Edited by justanother5tar on Sunday 1st November 12:37
Zoobeef said:
I wonder what the common theme is in your dealings with the police.
Nothing interesting.One was a S.59 against me, at the time of the report my car was on the drive and hadn't been used that day. They had no proof other than a 'report from a concerned member of public', but I had no proof it wasn't me. (I knew who it was, and the car they drove, but they weren't interested. They had my name and address with a form already filled in.)
Second (actually multiple, but all the same thing.) was repeated theft of car parts. Its not a secret that Fiestas had parts liberated from them, many owners forums prove this. I had a couple of bits go missing from my old Fiesta but thought nothing of it, didn't even realise they were gone for a while, judging by how dirty the bits under the parts had gotten. But when I got my ST it got interesting, Google it and see just how much gets nicked from them. It happened multiple times, reported every time, never heard a thing. Clearly visible fingerprints in the dirt around the removed parts, and there were at least 5 ST/ZS within a couple of streets affected so had to cost a fortune to owners/insurance.
I wouldn stop and help da police. They had only ever not done nothing but target me.
Shoplifting-got nicked.
Burgled a house - nicked.
Had a scrap and knocked some guy out-got nicked.
Doing 75 in a 30 - got stopped.
The only time they didn't do me for nothing was when I was not doing nothing wrong.
They is only out to get people's like me.
Shoplifting-got nicked.
Burgled a house - nicked.
Had a scrap and knocked some guy out-got nicked.
Doing 75 in a 30 - got stopped.
The only time they didn't do me for nothing was when I was not doing nothing wrong.
They is only out to get people's like me.
Nigel Worc's said:
TheEnd said:
What sort of assistance did he require?
If I'd have seen that, I'd have assumed it's the police, they organise recovery for stuff all the time, they'd just get a tow truck ordered, and a guy would need to sit with it playing snake for an hour until the recovery truck arrived.
Out of the possible vehicles out there, something like that would be something I'd have thought would certainly have some sort of recovery/breakdown assistance, same as if I saw a bus with an engine hatch open.
A regular hatchback might be 50/50 whether they have some recovery system in place, but a large organisation would be something I'd assume would have it covered.
He didn't on that occasion, but given the location unless they carry sat phones in those areas now, he could easily have been grateful for a lift somewhere, or me getting somewhere and calling for assistance for him, he could easily have been hurt and have no radio reception.If I'd have seen that, I'd have assumed it's the police, they organise recovery for stuff all the time, they'd just get a tow truck ordered, and a guy would need to sit with it playing snake for an hour until the recovery truck arrived.
Out of the possible vehicles out there, something like that would be something I'd have thought would certainly have some sort of recovery/breakdown assistance, same as if I saw a bus with an engine hatch open.
A regular hatchback might be 50/50 whether they have some recovery system in place, but a large organisation would be something I'd assume would have it covered.
It strikes me as common sense to stop, but we all have different life experiences.
I drove past a fellow in the 90's, he was off the road in a crashed car and I couldn't/didn't see him, on the A449 between Worcester and Kidderminster so not exactly remote, he was found dead the next morning but according to the coroners report was still alive at the time I went passed him ......... always stuck with me that one.
To stretch the situation to "the majority of people not helping a police constable" is quite fantastic and perhaps betrays something you would like to believe was true but isn't.
But difference between stopping for a broken down car, and helping with a DP kicking off. The majority of people are still more than willing to stop and help a cop, generally as they are able to see the bigger picture. I have been eternally greatful for some of the assistance I've been given by MOP's. Most of all was a boy who stopped to help me with some guy fighting with me. I'd arrested that boy a couple of months before hand...and he still stopped to help me out. I won't forget that.
Mk3Spitfire said:
But difference between stopping for a broken down car, and helping with a DP kicking off. The majority of people are still more than willing to stop and help a cop, generally as they are able to see the bigger picture. I have been eternally greatful for some of the assistance I've been given by MOP's. Most of all was a boy who stopped to help me with some guy fighting with me. I'd arrested that boy a couple of months before hand...and he still stopped to help me out. I won't forget that.
I'm absolutely certain that the majority are. Your first-hand account perfectly illustrates the false and wishful premise of the OP.One of the favourite moments of my career so far.
Chasing a lad across a park, wanted for the offence of running away from a police officer. He runs towards a group of 4-5 16 year olds, one of them sees him coming and floors him with a combined flying kick/clothes line, then sits on him until I catch up while struggling to maintain my composure.
Chasing a lad across a park, wanted for the offence of running away from a police officer. He runs towards a group of 4-5 16 year olds, one of them sees him coming and floors him with a combined flying kick/clothes line, then sits on him until I catch up while struggling to maintain my composure.
SteveScooby said:
One of the favourite moments of my career so far.
Chasing a lad across a park, wanted for the offence of running away from a police officer. He runs towards a group of 4-5 16 year olds, one of them sees him coming and floors him with a combined flying kick/clothes line, then sits on him until I catch up while struggling to maintain my composure.
Sounds like you were chasing him for the offence of running away from you...Chasing a lad across a park, wanted for the offence of running away from a police officer. He runs towards a group of 4-5 16 year olds, one of them sees him coming and floors him with a combined flying kick/clothes line, then sits on him until I catch up while struggling to maintain my composure.
Some years ago I was visiting my Mother in Govan Glasgow...the Alsation dogs were ony allowed on patrol in pairs...came across a Police car in Brighton Street with two officers changing a wheel, looking flustered.
I asked if I could help - I had a big Citroen but maybe the jack or the spare might help?
Thanks Pal - just been in there at a 'domestic' - the locals have knifed TWO of our tyres - what are you doing in Govan?
I told them my Mother lived over there in Copeland Quadrant and I was staying the night ...
'If we are on tonight we'll keep an eye on your motor...but count your wheels in the morning before you try to drive!.
I have had years of help from Trafpols in the IAM and RoSPA preparation and tests...would help them anytime!
BOF
I asked if I could help - I had a big Citroen but maybe the jack or the spare might help?
Thanks Pal - just been in there at a 'domestic' - the locals have knifed TWO of our tyres - what are you doing in Govan?
I told them my Mother lived over there in Copeland Quadrant and I was staying the night ...
'If we are on tonight we'll keep an eye on your motor...but count your wheels in the morning before you try to drive!.
I have had years of help from Trafpols in the IAM and RoSPA preparation and tests...would help them anytime!
BOF
TheEnd said:
What sort of assistance did he require?
If I'd have seen that, I'd have assumed it's the police, they organise recovery for stuff all the time, they'd just get a tow truck ordered, and a guy would need to sit with it playing snake for an hour until the recovery truck arrived.
Out of the possible vehicles out there, something like that would be something I'd have thought would certainly have some sort of recovery/breakdown assistance, same as if I saw a bus with an engine hatch open.
A regular hatchback might be 50/50 whether they have some recovery system in place, but a large organisation would be something I'd assume would have it covered.
This. They will have better comms and better official assistance than I could ever offer. I would also expect a copper that wanted public help would have no problem flagging a motorist down.If I'd have seen that, I'd have assumed it's the police, they organise recovery for stuff all the time, they'd just get a tow truck ordered, and a guy would need to sit with it playing snake for an hour until the recovery truck arrived.
Out of the possible vehicles out there, something like that would be something I'd have thought would certainly have some sort of recovery/breakdown assistance, same as if I saw a bus with an engine hatch open.
A regular hatchback might be 50/50 whether they have some recovery system in place, but a large organisation would be something I'd assume would have it covered.
If it was an ordinary MOP then its a different matter.
People were scared to stop in case they 'fell down the cattle grid'?
In all seriousness, no help required, people would know that. And your point about coppers driving past MOPs broken down, well that I've seen happen several times in my driving years. Similarly, they figure it is in hand and have better things to do.
In all seriousness, no help required, people would know that. And your point about coppers driving past MOPs broken down, well that I've seen happen several times in my driving years. Similarly, they figure it is in hand and have better things to do.
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