So.What should I do...
Discussion
No, I haven’t been nicked for speeding, touch wood.
Advice is required on a different matter. Apologies about the long post.
Over a year ago, in at the start of September 2005, when I was living in Reading, I and 2 friends were subject to an attempted mugging.
It was attempted only because my friend gave the 2 bastards a hiding they almost certainly haven’t forgot. During this altercation, I was given a broken jaw in 2 places and had 3 teeth shifted in my mouth.
I was in the royal berks for over a week, and still have the metal plates in my jaw, which will only be removed if they turn septic.
In any case, the 2 gentlemen who committed this offence were actually caught, more by luck than judgement, and were sentenced for 18 months.
Things were pretty dodgy before they were nicked. These blokes and their mates were driving up and down our road looking for us, in one particular occasion, they very nearly caught me unawares.
In any case they were nicked and on remand for about 6months before their trial (as they were on bail for similar offences), so all things being equal, they will probably have been released by now.
The problem is this. The police were diabolical in the investigation. It was quite frankly a balls up. They never rang me, or the other victims once. When we rang them , we were told they were busy and had a lot of work on.
After they were sentenced, we received no word from either the police, or the cps about the result. As far as they know, we are none the wiser of the result. They were rude and unhelpful - it is only as a result of a contact I have in the police that I found out what the craic was.
No compensation was awarded at court for the scum that did this, I was informed to apply to the CICA for compensation. This was over a year ago. I recently received word from the CICA that they cant consider me for compensation until the police officially close the case. To date, they haven’t bothered.
So I rang up Reading nick to speak to someone about it, they never got back to me.
I wrote to a very senior officer a month ago at Reading nick, asking for an update as to what the situation was. No reply.
I emailed professional standards a week ago, explaining the situation, no reply.
To be honest, it aint about the money now. I'm not hard up, I don’t need the money. What I’m more pissed off about, is the fact that none at Thames valley police seem to give a damn. We were never officially told what happened to these individuals, the police were shoddy when investigating, and now, a year on, they haven’t even bothered to close the case.
It smacks of an "I don’t give a shit culture" - and I intend to make a point and find out what the hells going on.
My Grandad was in the police and had a successful career. My dad was also a senior policeman and still works as a civilian for them. I have the utmost respect for the Police and the job they do.
This is not a post knocking the police. They are excellent value and the very great majority of police do an excellent job. I am however less than impressed with the Thames Valley police.
They don’t appear to have a charter anywhere with regards to complaints. This is the graveyard shift I know, and it may not be seen till the morning. However, I know there are a few BIB around here, and I would appreciate some advice.
Advice is required on a different matter. Apologies about the long post.
Over a year ago, in at the start of September 2005, when I was living in Reading, I and 2 friends were subject to an attempted mugging.
It was attempted only because my friend gave the 2 bastards a hiding they almost certainly haven’t forgot. During this altercation, I was given a broken jaw in 2 places and had 3 teeth shifted in my mouth.
I was in the royal berks for over a week, and still have the metal plates in my jaw, which will only be removed if they turn septic.
In any case, the 2 gentlemen who committed this offence were actually caught, more by luck than judgement, and were sentenced for 18 months.
Things were pretty dodgy before they were nicked. These blokes and their mates were driving up and down our road looking for us, in one particular occasion, they very nearly caught me unawares.
In any case they were nicked and on remand for about 6months before their trial (as they were on bail for similar offences), so all things being equal, they will probably have been released by now.
The problem is this. The police were diabolical in the investigation. It was quite frankly a balls up. They never rang me, or the other victims once. When we rang them , we were told they were busy and had a lot of work on.
After they were sentenced, we received no word from either the police, or the cps about the result. As far as they know, we are none the wiser of the result. They were rude and unhelpful - it is only as a result of a contact I have in the police that I found out what the craic was.
No compensation was awarded at court for the scum that did this, I was informed to apply to the CICA for compensation. This was over a year ago. I recently received word from the CICA that they cant consider me for compensation until the police officially close the case. To date, they haven’t bothered.
So I rang up Reading nick to speak to someone about it, they never got back to me.
I wrote to a very senior officer a month ago at Reading nick, asking for an update as to what the situation was. No reply.
I emailed professional standards a week ago, explaining the situation, no reply.
To be honest, it aint about the money now. I'm not hard up, I don’t need the money. What I’m more pissed off about, is the fact that none at Thames valley police seem to give a damn. We were never officially told what happened to these individuals, the police were shoddy when investigating, and now, a year on, they haven’t even bothered to close the case.
It smacks of an "I don’t give a shit culture" - and I intend to make a point and find out what the hells going on.
My Grandad was in the police and had a successful career. My dad was also a senior policeman and still works as a civilian for them. I have the utmost respect for the Police and the job they do.
This is not a post knocking the police. They are excellent value and the very great majority of police do an excellent job. I am however less than impressed with the Thames Valley police.
They don’t appear to have a charter anywhere with regards to complaints. This is the graveyard shift I know, and it may not be seen till the morning. However, I know there are a few BIB around here, and I would appreciate some advice.
Edited by princeperch on Friday 13th October 00:02
Sounds like you have had crap service mate. The CPS have a duty to tell you what has gone on, so do the cops "the victims charter" is a new law that obliges you to be informed.
I wouldnt let it rest, if you have had the injuries you describe you are due a few ££££ and i would go for it.
Dont let it rest til you find out. Oh and I am a cop too but see no reason to defend somebody when they have clearly fcuked up!
I wouldnt let it rest, if you have had the injuries you describe you are due a few ££££ and i would go for it.
Dont let it rest til you find out. Oh and I am a cop too but see no reason to defend somebody when they have clearly fcuked up!
Perhaps attend the HQ and ask in person to schedulate a meeting with somebody senior to raise all the points? It's a bit difficult for them to ignore somebody in their offices.
On the CICA situation - I think they are slow at the best of times. I know somebody who was randomly attacked and had their whole face pushed backwards, and that took something like 2yrs to get sorted. The NHS did a good job of fixing it from a medical POV, I think he was planning to put the compensation award towards getting it fixed cosmetically, ie. bringing the bones forward to where they used to be.
Gareth
On the CICA situation - I think they are slow at the best of times. I know somebody who was randomly attacked and had their whole face pushed backwards, and that took something like 2yrs to get sorted. The NHS did a good job of fixing it from a medical POV, I think he was planning to put the compensation award towards getting it fixed cosmetically, ie. bringing the bones forward to where they used to be.
Gareth
Hi PP - I had a similar experience at Uni (in Bristol) - but can take the story a step further!
The guy who was convicted of assaulting me was told to pay me £350 in compensation. I received £35, and then a year later I received a letter telling me he'd disappeared!
Another year or so went on, and he was found - languishing at HM's pleasure. I received a further letter asking me if I wanted to exchange the compensation for a longer sentence.
I didn't bother replying.
To say that the victim is ignored by the system is a gross understatement.
I 'only' suffered a cracked eye socket and extreme concussion - forcing me to miss my 2nd year finals. My insurance company (Endsleigh) didn't want to pay anything either
A friend I was with suffered depression and was awarded an honourory degree in the end.
My greatest satisfaction is seeing the bastards arrested - the idiots attacked us on the opposite side of the road from a policecar - 100 yards from a police station!!!
The guy who was convicted of assaulting me was told to pay me £350 in compensation. I received £35, and then a year later I received a letter telling me he'd disappeared!
Another year or so went on, and he was found - languishing at HM's pleasure. I received a further letter asking me if I wanted to exchange the compensation for a longer sentence.
I didn't bother replying.
To say that the victim is ignored by the system is a gross understatement.
I 'only' suffered a cracked eye socket and extreme concussion - forcing me to miss my 2nd year finals. My insurance company (Endsleigh) didn't want to pay anything either
A friend I was with suffered depression and was awarded an honourory degree in the end. My greatest satisfaction is seeing the bastards arrested - the idiots attacked us on the opposite side of the road from a policecar - 100 yards from a police station!!!
eccles said:
"Another year or so went on, and he was found - languishing at HM's pleasure. I received a further letter asking me if I wanted to exchange the compensation for a longer sentence.
I didn't bother replying. "
why didn't you bother replying?
Because I knew my answer counted for nothing I didn't bother replying. "
why didn't you bother replying?

Thanks for your replies everyone.
Puggy - sounds like a right tale of woe you have there. With regards your friend - it does actually mess with your head a bit after such an incident. I guess it is a stark and painful reminder how many dickheads are in the world and just how vulnerable to their insanity one is. One year on of course and for me everything is in perspective - I’m just angry now…
As it happens apparently I have received a letter from the CICA at home in Herts asking for the same information (20 page booklet) that they were given by registered post some months ago. I don’t know if this is as a result of my attempt to communicate with the police or just a coincidence. In any case, its actually a step back from where I thought I was...
With regards to the police - still no reply of any sort, as of today’s post.
I think what I’m going to do is give them another week, then I’ll make a phone call and try to sort this mess out. I have deliberately not used my connections in the police to curry any favours, as I’m not that type of bloke and want to get it sorted off my own bat.
If I continue to be ignored however, I might have to use that option....
Puggy - sounds like a right tale of woe you have there. With regards your friend - it does actually mess with your head a bit after such an incident. I guess it is a stark and painful reminder how many dickheads are in the world and just how vulnerable to their insanity one is. One year on of course and for me everything is in perspective - I’m just angry now…
As it happens apparently I have received a letter from the CICA at home in Herts asking for the same information (20 page booklet) that they were given by registered post some months ago. I don’t know if this is as a result of my attempt to communicate with the police or just a coincidence. In any case, its actually a step back from where I thought I was...
With regards to the police - still no reply of any sort, as of today’s post.
I think what I’m going to do is give them another week, then I’ll make a phone call and try to sort this mess out. I have deliberately not used my connections in the police to curry any favours, as I’m not that type of bloke and want to get it sorted off my own bat.
If I continue to be ignored however, I might have to use that option....
All sounds pretty poor to say the least !
Did you send the letters via Recorded Delivery ? If something matters I will always do this - I know it costs but it stops people giving it the old 'must have been lost in the post' excuse.
The DPS will not reply within a week - it is probably only getting put on someones desk in that time .... I would expect a reply in another week or maybe two. Not ideal but about the normal time things seem to take to happen. No excuse though for not sending a simple acknowledgement letter to confirm they have yours and that they will contact you shortly!
I would suggest - as has been done above - that you consider writing to your MP or, the Independant Police Complaints Commission ..... www.ipcc.gov.uk/
Good luck and I hope they sort their act out and reply soon. Oh, and FWIW I am a serving police officer as well.
Did you send the letters via Recorded Delivery ? If something matters I will always do this - I know it costs but it stops people giving it the old 'must have been lost in the post' excuse.
The DPS will not reply within a week - it is probably only getting put on someones desk in that time .... I would expect a reply in another week or maybe two. Not ideal but about the normal time things seem to take to happen. No excuse though for not sending a simple acknowledgement letter to confirm they have yours and that they will contact you shortly!
I would suggest - as has been done above - that you consider writing to your MP or, the Independant Police Complaints Commission ..... www.ipcc.gov.uk/
Good luck and I hope they sort their act out and reply soon. Oh, and FWIW I am a serving police officer as well.
I'd also suggest making an official complaint about the officer dealing with the case. Try and speak to the duy inspector at the time. I went through a similar scenario when I had a car stolen a few years ago. Within days of making the two complaints, I had a phone call from a senior officer asking how they could remediate the situation. You shouldn't have to resort to that, but at the end of the day, you are entitled to a professional service from the Police.
Phone 08458 505505. Its our non emergency number.
Ask them to create a URN and give you the number, Give them as many details as you can, crime report number etc.
It will then be passed to the duty skipper or inspector and you should have contact made pretty sharpish as it will be logged as a complaint against police.
You should then have a few options avaliable, The duty inspector will contact the OIC in the case and he should also find out the disposal history etc and at least give some proper advice. If you wish to take matters further then it will be refered to PSD.
You can make the call whenever you like but do it soonest so you get a call back.
Also TVP do have a charter which only came into force recently (last 6 months ish) so you may find that your case being prior to the charter meant it slipped through the net and the case was finalised and thats it. Nowadays its not so easy ass we have to have victim contact and it must be recorded electronically.
If you need anything further then email me off profile. HTH
Ask them to create a URN and give you the number, Give them as many details as you can, crime report number etc.
It will then be passed to the duty skipper or inspector and you should have contact made pretty sharpish as it will be logged as a complaint against police.
You should then have a few options avaliable, The duty inspector will contact the OIC in the case and he should also find out the disposal history etc and at least give some proper advice. If you wish to take matters further then it will be refered to PSD.
You can make the call whenever you like but do it soonest so you get a call back.
Also TVP do have a charter which only came into force recently (last 6 months ish) so you may find that your case being prior to the charter meant it slipped through the net and the case was finalised and thats it. Nowadays its not so easy ass we have to have victim contact and it must be recorded electronically.
If you need anything further then email me off profile. HTH
Edited by ^Slider^ on Friday 13th October 18:19
^Slider^ said:
Phone 08458 505505. Its our non emergency number.
Ask them to create a URN and give you the number, Give them as many details as you can, crime report number etc.
It will then be passed to the duty skipper or inspector and you should have contact made pretty sharpish as it will be logged as a complaint against police.
You should then have a few options avaliable, The duty inspector will contact the OIC in the case and he should also find out the disposal history etc and at least give some proper advice. If you wish to take matters further then it will be refered to PSD.
You can make the call whenever you like but do it soonest so you get a call back.
Also TVP do have a charter which only came into force recently (last 6 months ish) so you may find that your case being prior to the charter meant it slipped through the net and the case was finalised and thats it. Nowadays its not so easy ass we have to have victim contact and it must be recorded electronically.
If you need anything further then email me off profile. HTH
Ask them to create a URN and give you the number, Give them as many details as you can, crime report number etc.
It will then be passed to the duty skipper or inspector and you should have contact made pretty sharpish as it will be logged as a complaint against police.
You should then have a few options avaliable, The duty inspector will contact the OIC in the case and he should also find out the disposal history etc and at least give some proper advice. If you wish to take matters further then it will be refered to PSD.
You can make the call whenever you like but do it soonest so you get a call back.
Also TVP do have a charter which only came into force recently (last 6 months ish) so you may find that your case being prior to the charter meant it slipped through the net and the case was finalised and thats it. Nowadays its not so easy ass we have to have victim contact and it must be recorded electronically.
If you need anything further then email me off profile. HTH
Edited by ^Slider^ on Friday 13th October 18:19
much appreciated slider. Might drop you an email sometime this weekend.
Edited by princeperch on Friday 13th October 18:23
bluepolarbear said:
write the chief constable, give him two weeks to respond then go to the local press and get a story in the paper about how you were beaten up and a year on the police can't be bothered. You'll suddenly find that he'll start ringing you up then.
Only problem with that woud be that the offenders were caught and convicted. He is better of doing as slider suggested. Paper will put them on the defensive more.
^Slider^ said:
Phone 08458 505505. Its our non emergency number.
Ask them to create a URN and give you the number, Give them as many details as you can, crime report number etc.
It will then be passed to the duty skipper or inspector and you should have contact made pretty sharpish as it will be logged as a complaint against police.
You should then have a few options avaliable, The duty inspector will contact the OIC in the case and he should also find out the disposal history etc and at least give some proper advice. If you wish to take matters further then it will be refered to PSD.
You can make the call whenever you like but do it soonest so you get a call back.
Also TVP do have a charter which only came into force recently (last 6 months ish) so you may find that your case being prior to the charter meant it slipped through the net and the case was finalised and thats it. Nowadays its not so easy ass we have to have victim contact and it must be recorded electronically.
If you need anything further then email me off profile. HTH
Bloody hell, you can't get better advice than that Ask them to create a URN and give you the number, Give them as many details as you can, crime report number etc.
It will then be passed to the duty skipper or inspector and you should have contact made pretty sharpish as it will be logged as a complaint against police.
You should then have a few options avaliable, The duty inspector will contact the OIC in the case and he should also find out the disposal history etc and at least give some proper advice. If you wish to take matters further then it will be refered to PSD.
You can make the call whenever you like but do it soonest so you get a call back.
Also TVP do have a charter which only came into force recently (last 6 months ish) so you may find that your case being prior to the charter meant it slipped through the net and the case was finalised and thats it. Nowadays its not so easy ass we have to have victim contact and it must be recorded electronically.
If you need anything further then email me off profile. HTH
Edited by ^Slider^ on Friday 13th October 18:19
Nice one ^Slider^MyJobsGoing said:
^Slider^ said:
Phone 08458 505505. Its our non emergency number.
Ask them to create a URN and give you the number, Give them as many details as you can, crime report number etc.
It will then be passed to the duty skipper or inspector and you should have contact made pretty sharpish as it will be logged as a complaint against police.
You should then have a few options avaliable, The duty inspector will contact the OIC in the case and he should also find out the disposal history etc and at least give some proper advice. If you wish to take matters further then it will be refered to PSD.
You can make the call whenever you like but do it soonest so you get a call back.
Also TVP do have a charter which only came into force recently (last 6 months ish) so you may find that your case being prior to the charter meant it slipped through the net and the case was finalised and thats it. Nowadays its not so easy ass we have to have victim contact and it must be recorded electronically.
If you need anything further then email me off profile. HTH
Bloody hell, you can't get better advice than that Ask them to create a URN and give you the number, Give them as many details as you can, crime report number etc.
It will then be passed to the duty skipper or inspector and you should have contact made pretty sharpish as it will be logged as a complaint against police.
You should then have a few options avaliable, The duty inspector will contact the OIC in the case and he should also find out the disposal history etc and at least give some proper advice. If you wish to take matters further then it will be refered to PSD.
You can make the call whenever you like but do it soonest so you get a call back.
Also TVP do have a charter which only came into force recently (last 6 months ish) so you may find that your case being prior to the charter meant it slipped through the net and the case was finalised and thats it. Nowadays its not so easy ass we have to have victim contact and it must be recorded electronically.
If you need anything further then email me off profile. HTH
Edited by ^Slider^ on Friday 13th October 18:19
Nice one ^Slider^
bluepolarbear said:
write the chief constable, give him two weeks to respond then go to the local press and get a story in the paper about how you were beaten up and a year on the police can't be bothered. You'll suddenly find that he'll start ringing you up then.
Its a her!
It will not be read by the CC. It will be read by the bag carrier and sent straight for local resolution by a Sgt or Inspector.
mg6b said:
bluepolarbear said:
write the chief constable, give him two weeks to respond then go to the local press and get a story in the paper about how you were beaten up and a year on the police can't be bothered. You'll suddenly find that he'll start ringing you up then.
Its a her!
It will not be read by the CC. It will be read by the bag carrier and sent straight for local resolution by a Sgt or Inspector.
Has the permanent post been appointed yet then ?
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