Respect is due

[hertsbiker]

..to the senior Police chap who phoned me this afternoon regarding the complaint I made about the A127 enforcement 19th July.

I think we both gained something from the 45 minute chat about Police, policing, and society.

I can't quote directly, and you wouldn't expect me to do so I hope, but basically;-

a) the road block was in place so they could pull up the more dodgy types & give 'em some hints & tips how to stay out of trouble (bit of education??? wow!)

b) they do have guidelines they adhere to, and they are bound by the same laws we all are, and they don't like most of 'em any more than we do. But it is their job.. so do, or don't have a job. Simple choice.

c) More officers on the beat are what he wants too, but funds mean it's more economical to use cameras - but he's not keen on them!!! - reckons it makes the public "anti".

d) Only 10% of Essex Police are on traffic duty, and they are sick of the extra paperwork.

e) Good driving is very likely to lead to a verbal rather than a ticket for "excess speed"

f) He would love to see more people interested in extra training, and likes the "45ers" about as much as we do on PH.

g) More or less admitted that Officers ARE PAID to surf car websites, but so as to advise & befriend people - while NOT hiding the fact. Sort of trying to get on our level.

h) A return to the "old days" would be great, where we all knew the local bobby & we weren't plagued by cameras.

This honesty, and the integrity of the man impressed me. However there were some worrying points too;-

i) he admits that for "the forseeable future", limits will continue to lower, and the rise of the Gatso will mean a camera on every street.

This last point, I have to add, is NOT because of the semi-skilled pilot of quality machines, but the total numptism of 95% of road users.

Protecting the Numpty should be the new slogan.

Well, not all bad, but "i" is scary.

I thank the man for calling me back, and would have a pint with him anyday.

For some time now on PH, I have felt respect for the Law boys - now I know they have a tough job and thats from the top.



Keep it shiney side up folks.

Carl

[deltaf]

Thats pretty much what i would have reckoned. Its a pity that at the other end of the "reasonable" scale we have brunstrom undoing the good works of thhe likes of the officer you were in contact with.
Big ups to the good uns, two fingers up to the brunstroms.

[robp]

Just from reading that post tells me that I like this guy!

Interesting that he said "for the forseeable future".
I wonder what lies beyond all this scamera numptyness?

[hertsbiker]

Something else;- a bit of a dark hint, but someone pro-car needs to get into politics. Now that was from a senior cop??

Y'know, I suspect that sometimes they almost look for reasons to let you off, and if you're too numpty to think on your feet, you get booked. Maybe MC can comment?

[toad_oftoadhall]

hertsbiker said:

e) Good driving is very likely to lead to a verbal rather than a ticket for "excess speed"

Provably untrue. Camera don't even pull people over let alone take speed or driving style into account.

hertsbiker said:

g) More or less admitted that Officers ARE PAID to surf car websites, but so as to advise & befriend people - while NOT hiding the fact. Sort of trying to get on our level.

But since *everybody* on car newsgroups says get rid of cameras and catch burglars why aren't these paid to surf picking up on it? It's only useful if they listen!

hertsbiker said:

I thank the man for calling me back, and would have a pint with him anyday.

With all those 60 quids he should be paying!

[Flat in Fifth]

hertsbiker said:

Something else;- a bit of a dark hint, but someone pro-car needs to get into politics. Now that was from a senior cop??

Blimey! what I've been saying for years!
Trouble is within one of the major parties they'll be one voice and like as not our wonderfull media will lump them in with the idiots as opposed to those who seriously like to drive but do it properly. Not to mention the whips.

Single issue candidates do get elected from time to time, eg Richard Taylor Health Concern Wyre Forest, Martin Bell Ind. to name just two.

Why not a motorist party candidate standing in a constituency where there is a current New Labour anti car fart. Might just catch the mood of the moment?