police rant: what a sneaker bunch of f****rs!!!!

[Gerry]

...or you could just not break the law

 

OK OK.. just cos you only dream of doing up to 30 in yours...

[Gerry]

My usual rant... doing hundreds of thousands (millions?) of otherwise law abiding people who stray above 30 / 40 or 50 is gradually turning the country into a police hating nation.

 

Especially when they seem to have bags of money for "traffic" and none for a simple copper to find the scum bags that pinch car radios and everything else that isn't bolted down.

 

I think most people feel it's "easy money and easy work" to do this but harder and not as profitable to catch the criminals who make other people lives a misery.

 

I try to be optamistic about the future, but when you see that new "big brother cameras" that not only film you down the town but can now tell you that you are being naughty, I'n not so sure...

 

It's sad....

[AndyT]

Recent press release said nearly all cameras are faulty / inaccurate. Police to expect huge demands for full refunds and points removed from licences. Keep an eye out for follow up mate.

Once saw a story where a hand held camera recorded a wall doing 58 mph. Nuff said.

[Supragal]

OK OK.. just cos you only dream of doing up to 30 in yours...

 

Indeed

[Mike]

I have 6 points on my license... 3 for doing 46 in a 40 zone and 3 for talking on my phone whilst sat in traffic... the latter 100% my stupid fault (I know the law), but a couple more of these and I'm banned..

 

..and I'm not a reckless driver.

 

Mr Gatso you have a good point... we had Charlotte's car window smashed and bag taken last year and they couldn't even muster a visit the following day?!

 

I think they're a waste of space... we could do without them.

[Kranz]

My usual rant...

 

 

doing hundreds of thousands (millions?) of otherwise law abiding people who stray above 30 / 40 or 50 is gradually turning the country into a police hating nation....

 

Its the Government's targets to crack down on speeding motorists. Police forces only enforce what they're told to.

 

Especially when they seem to have bags of money for "traffic"

 

Show me the money!!!! In my division (Shoreham to Chichester and as far north as the Hampshire border) you're lucky if there are 2 traffic cars on at any one time

 

and none for a simple copper to find the scum bags that pinch car radios and everything else that isn't bolted down.

 

Write to your MP. Police staffing levels are at the minimum allowable, sometimes lower. Budget cuts.

 

I think most people feel it's "easy money and easy work" to do this

 

The Gatsos are government mandated and are used in high accident areas (so I'm told). They and the speed camera vans with the tripod mount recording detectors are controlled & manned by civilians who work for a branch of our Force, but are not police. They are called Sussex safety Camera Partnership. I don't know ablout other forces. They are self funding (through fines I guess) and pay for the siting and operation of Gatsos, running of the vans & the wages of the personnel, and also driver education.

It may be easy money & easy work, but police officers don't do it!

 

but harder and not as profitable to catch the criminals who make other people lives a misery

 

Yes it is harder to catch criminals. We'll have to seperate offences, such as speeding, and crimes such as theft, burglary, rape, murder etc. Offenders for road traffic offences are easy to catch as you see them do it, they're guilty of it! Its an absolute offence.

Offenders for crimes are usually very hard to find if they are not found at the scene, but believe me a HUGE amount of effort goes into bringing criminals to justice. The public's view on this is often misguided by, dare I say, TV programmes such as The Bill and endless detective dross such as Midsomer Murders & Frost etc. If only life was like TV

 

I try to be optamistic about the future, but when you see that new "big brother cameras" that not only film you down the town but can now tell you that you are being naughty, I'n not so sure...

 

Big brother cameras in the town centre are actually the most proactive policing method, along with a great evidence gathering tool. We normally get called to incidents by the CCTV operators every day, and they are there for your safety too (as well as mine when I pitch up at a fight in the High St on my own with 10 to 15 people kicking the bejesus out of each other).

 

It's sad....

 

Sorry you feel that way. If you want to see what its really like why don't you spend a day shadowing a police officer (no, not stalking ...... the proper way by contacting your local force). You'll be amazed at how different it is to the way you see it at the moment.

[colsoop]

The government are on a huge campaign to make speeding the new drink driving but in this motorsport rich country i just can't see that ever happening.

 

I think the problem is the police are no longer able to do their job properly, due to huge amounts of red tape and paperwork they spend less time doing their job and more of it filling out forms now that is sad !

 

There was a policeman who wrote some articles that were picked up by the newspapers (i forget the pseudonym he used) but he gave an insight in to the lack of time he had to do his job properly.

[Kranz]

 

There was a policeman who wrote some articles that were picked up by the newspapers (i forget the pseudonym he used) but he gave an insight in to the lack of time he had to do his job properly.

 

http://coppersblog.blogspot.com/

 

Called himself David Copperfield. Has a book out aptly named "Wasting police time" LOL

[Todd]

if you saw this sign

 

http://www.dpsscreenprint.com/media/products/signs/danger_minefield.jpg

 

I'm pretty sure you would pay attention to it but because it's just this

 

http://www.equityphotographic.com/acatalog/22033-tn.jpg

 

It's the fault of the police

 

Sorry but if you go over the limit and get caught, no one to blame but yourself!

[Gerry]

Think you miss my point officer (K14) !

 

I'm sure that a few years ago the average person had lots of respect for the police, like I had.

 

They were in the same league as nurses, doctors etc, underpaid, overworked, did a great job etc etc.

 

If you mention the police now, I'm sure that the average person thinks straight away of the last time they or thier wives were pinched for speeding on the school run or on a Sunday out driving.

 

This is especially maddening if it happens on a big, quiet straight 60MPH road (I've never seen a GATSO outside a school where most people would think it was a good idea) !

 

As soon as they think of this, they compare it to the last time they or their family had something pinched from the car, thier private property vandalised and the response from the local police - usually disinterest.

 

In my area, if one of our customers has a steam cleaner pinched (up to £2,500.00 value) the police don't even want the details - they just give out a crime number & forget it. This happens monthly !

To our customer who has had some scumbag break in and go through their things it's completely crap attitude.

 

It's the same when someone smashes your car window and steals your radio or anything else in there - just a crime number.

 

I'm not stupid, I'm not anti-police and I'm sure that the "partnership vans" are as much pain to you as they are to us, my point is that whatever the reason - most people are now generally "anti" - which makes me sad.

 

May be the Government, may be the regional police chief, but as more and more people get fined or taken off the road, I think peoples attitude will get worse.

 

Sorry, still makes me sad...

[Gerry]

Todd... was going to reply...

 

But we all know how many times we all (except for you) break the 30MPH law.

[Havard]

Todd... was going to reply...

 

But we all know how many times we all (except for you) break the 30MPH law.

 

Oooh! This debate is getting interesting now!!

 

I must agree with Gatso. You can wrap it up all you want but there is a definite money grabbing policy of the Police and it always seems to be the soft option.

 

I have a lot of friends and neighbours in the force and it saddens me to have this general opinion of the Police and the system as the individuals I have got to know are great people.

 

It seems that the whole system has lost it's way. There is also the thought that YOU are not a bad person compared to most and therefore WHY? have I been done for speeding. A bit of common sense would not go amiss!!

 

H.

[Kranz]

Think you miss my point officer (K14) !.......

Sorry, still makes me sad...

 

Sorry you feel that way.

Obviously you're entitled to your own opinion, but is speed limit enforcement REALLY going to turn people anti-police?? I hope not.

I'd hope that the general public would have enough common sense to realise that by breaking the speed limit they are breaking the law, which they could be summonsed to court for and face losing their driving licence.

They should also realise that in breaking the law and getting caught that it is not the police officer/civilian staff/Gatso camera's fault.... its actually their fault!

 

And as for people's feeling that they have been treated unjustly or had a poor or non-existant service, I cannot comment on those cases as I have no knowledge of them. I can, however, assure you that all thefts, car breaks, burglaries etc DO get responded to where I work.

 

Now how many times have I heard someone say "Haven't you got something better to do, like catching murderers or burglars?". Well, in a word.... no!! I deal with the situation infront of me, and deal with it to the best of my ability and to achieve the best outcome for the aggrieved at all times.

I personally have very little time for or interest in traffic offences, however I will deal with them if they take the pi**, and will deal with them appropriately. The other week, 64 in a 30. Not something to ignore!

To be honest even if it was someone's wife/girlfriend/grandad and their house had been burgled the previous day and a police officer hadn't turned up, I'd still have to deal with it. They have still commited an offence/ broken the law.

 

And regarding people's attitude/opinion of the police, well we're being called to more and more jobs that we shouldn't be going to.... and given crimes to deal with that have been crimed over the phone by civilian staff that really shouldn't be investigated.

For example, the theft of a 41p packet of crisps from an off licence. I spent a total of 4 hours dealing with that, at a cost of £50 an hour to the tax payer. Nobody was identified, nobody arrested, the shop manager didn't even want to bother but it was 'Company policy' to report it, and its police policy to investigate it.

Some people call police (again and again) because of the way a neighbour looked at them, or spoke to them and they know it will be investigated. Years ago they would have been told to just ignore the neighbour, but nowadays its all about victim focus and reassurance. They use this to their advantage! By being used in these ways we have less time to deal with things involving people who really need us!

 

Its a shame some people have no respect for the police anymore, but some of it is down to a 'softening' of policing methods. Sadly police forces have in someways become toothless, no longer feared by criminals and kids (who know the law will do virtually nothing to them if they offend), and people see this and say "Why can't you do anything about it". Well, I wish we could. And believe me we try!

[Mike]

Sorry you feel that way.

Obviously you're entitled to your own opinion, but is speed limit enforcement REALLY going to turn people anti-police?? I hope not.

 

It's not the enforcing of speed limits they object to, it's the Police sitting in a van at the bottom of a hill when a car 'might' be slightly over the speed limit that pisses people off - or enforcing a stupidly low speed limit (like 30mph on a duel carriageway eg. Cardiff) and then littering it with speed cameras...

 

In short, the Police use sneaky tactics to leverage funds from motorists - and as long as they're making money, they have no interest in solving any crime.

 

For example, the theft of a 41p packet of crisps from an off licence. I spent a total of 4 hours dealing with that, at a cost of £50 an hour to the tax payer.

 

I'd probably keep quiet about that one

 

Nobody was identified, nobody arrested, the shop manager didn't even want to bother but it was 'Company policy' to report it, and its police policy to investigate it.

Some people call police (again and again) because of the way a neighbour looked at them, or spoke to them and they know it will be investigated. Years ago they would have been told to just ignore the neighbour, but nowadays its all about victim focus and reassurance. They use this to their advantage! By being used in these ways we have less time to deal with things involving people who really need us!

 

OK, Charlotte's car gets broken into by some local chavs and the Police couldn't care less... 'we' really needed you...?! ..and the chavs get away with it again and again... and who pays the most tax and ultimately your wage? well, motorists OK....

 

Its a shame some people have no respect for the police anymore, but some of it is down to a 'softening' of policing methods.

 

I don't think it is.. the Police are as sanctimonious as ever on every occasion... they just don't a shit anymore..?

 

I don't blame you personally mate, but this is how I (and I think a lot of people) feel about the Police.. very sad I agree.

[Gerry]

Apart from your first paragraph, I think we agree on a fair bit K14.

 

Re the first paragraph, it's happened already - just read the "B***ard police" threads on here and other car forums - and I'm sure we can't all be hardened hooligans on here.

 

Re your comments on what you have to do under the heading of "victim focus and reassurance" I'm sure you must be driven mad by the various PC things you have to do - I would be !

 

Think Havard has got it in one "common sense" is what's needed, it's a pity that we seem to be run by a Government (and some high ranking police officers) that think "spin" is everything.

 

We all (you, me and everybody) know that it's not common sense to send two officers to interview a ten year old who calls his mate a "puff" but it still seems to happen.

 

Funny old world....

[Kranz]

It's not the enforcing of speed limits they object to, it's the Police sitting in a van at the bottom of a hill when a car 'might' be slightly over the speed limit that pisses people off - or enforcing a stupidly low speed limit (like 30mph on a duel carriageway eg. Cardiff) and then littering it with speed cameras...

 

In short, the Police use sneaky tactics to leverage funds from motorists - and as long as they're making money, they have no interest in solving any crime.

 

 

 

I'd probably keep quiet about that one

 

 

 

OK, Charlotte's car gets broken into by some local chavs and the Police couldn't care less... 'we' really needed you...?! ..and the chavs get away with it again and again... and who pays the most tax and ultimately your wage? well, motorists OK....

 

 

 

I don't think it is.. the Police are as sanctimonious as ever on every occasion... they just don't a shit anymore..?

 

I don't blame you personally mate, but this is how I (and I think a lot of people) feel about the Police.. very sad I agree.

 

Sorry you feel that way Mike. I can only reiterate that

 

1) I personally have never seen these things happen. Mobile speed camera locations here are published in the papers and are on the radio. They are located in strategic locations where dual carriageways enter or are in built up areas near schools etc. TBH I often drive past locations where they frequent and have some in a BMW or similar fly past at 70 or 80, and I'm just wishing the van to be there as there are kids just coming out of the school where I pick my son up.

 

2) The 'sneaky tactic' speed cameras and mobile units are not Police, but a partnership with the local authority manned by civilians

 

3) All police officers I know have a great interest in solving crime and getting the offenders banged up. Its what its all about. Civilian speed management staff have little interest in nicking the offenders for crimes, its not their job.

 

4) Motorists pay the government lots of tax. The government makes police forces fund themselves by adding to your council tax bill. My wages are paid from home owners, and I haven't caught one (a house that is) speeding.... yet

 

5) "the Police are as sanctimonious as ever on every occasion... they just don't a shit anymore..?" - Not true from what I've seen, at least in my area. I've worked with a handfull that are possibly in this category, but they don't stay long. You can't have that attitude and keep your job!

 

I know you're not blaming me mate...... but I'd really like those people that feel this way to do something about it rather than moan. Please write to your MP, and say what you want done about it. You all have the power to change what you don't like.... that's what a democracy is all about

[pistonbroke]

I don't really want to aggravate this discussion any more but I'll just say this one thing thats already been mentioned.

 

If you think the police do nothing to help people who are genuine victims of crime, then come spend a 12 hr shift in the back of an area car with me. It'll be a real eye opener, I promise.

[Todd]

Todd... was going to reply...

 

But we all know how many times we all (except for you) break the 30MPH law.

 

Nope, you'd be wrong. I've done many leptons in areas where perhaps I shouldn't BUT if I get caught I'll hold my hands up and take the punishment.

 

Do the crime, take the punishment, simple.

[mathew]

Nope, you'd be wrong. I've done many leptons in areas where perhaps I shouldn't BUT if I get caught I'll hold my hands up and take the punishment.

 

Do the crime, take the punishment, simple.

 

but why take the punishment so easily? have a look at http://www.pepipoo.com there are loads of people on there who have contested it and won. its because of people paying up so easily that makes it simple for the police to get a result.

 

anyway only another 13 days before i find out, fingers crossed

[merckx]

if you saw this sign

 

[qimg]http://www.dpsscreenprint.com/media/products/signs/danger_minefield.jpg[/qimg]

 

I'm pretty sure you would pay attention to it but because it's just this

 

[qimg]http://www.equityphotographic.com/acatalog/22033-tn.jpg[/qimg]

 

It's the fault of the police

 

Sorry but if you go over the limit and get caught, no one to blame but yourself!

I agree totally!

 

Far too many drivers don't adhere to the 30 limit - the most dangerous roads of all.

[mathew]

I agree totally!

 

Far too many drivers don't adhere to the 30 limit - the most dangerous roads of all.

 

this road i happend to be caught on is wider than some dual carriage ways ive been on and it also has concrete walls along both sides with no nearby houses.

[DaveK]

I agree with Todd. I probably speed daily - although not as excessively as I used to. If people don't want to get caught / prosecuted etc. then don't do it! You're all aware of the speed limit.

 

I do agree that the world has gone mad with Gatso's etc. - but that's a government issue, not a police one. The times I have been done for speeding (admittedly not recently) I found the police extremely civil and fair. Only once did I get done (not for speeding) by somebody with a complete attitude problem - but you can encounter that anywhere (even on here, funnily enough). But compared to the number of times I used to get stopped, that's negligible.

 

I also still think that the police are overworked / underpaid - and that's not their choice. My ex g/f was a police officer - she earned far less than me, but deserved far more. I did learn that there is an awful lot of police time wasted by persistent offenders (interviewing serial shop lifters) - I think we should introduce the "3 strikes and you're out" rule.

 

And I also think town camera's are a good thing. I learned of a few instances where they made a big difference.

[Graham S]

I agree with Todd. I probably speed daily - although not as excessively as I used to. If people don't want to get caught / prosecuted etc. then don't do it! You're all aware of the speed limit.

 

I do agree that the world has gone mad with Gatso's etc. - but that's a government issue, not a police one. The times I have been done for speeding (admittedly not recently) I found the police extremely civil and fair. Only once did I get done (not for speeding) by somebody with a complete attitude problem - but you can encounter that anywhere (even on here, funnily enough). But compared to the number of times I used to get stopped, that's negligible.

 

I also still think that the police are overworked / underpaid - and that's not their choice. My ex g/f was a police officer - she earned far less than me, but deserved far more. I did learn that there is an awful lot of police time wasted by persistent offenders (interviewing serial shop lifters) - I think we should introduce the "3 strikes and you're out" rule.

 

And I also think town camera's are a good thing. I learned of a few instances where they made a big difference.

 

 

I agree with plenty of these comments..

 

But honestly, how many of us can put there hand on their heart and say they NEVER speed, I bet every single one of us does on a daily basis.. As for the speed cameras, they are put in the craziest of places.. Like on a dual carriage way where they always happen to park at the end of the road over the brow of the hill where you can't see till its to late..and there has never been any accidents there.. Yes, 30mph limits are for a reason and if you get caught then thats fair enough. Just luck really for the few of us that have a clean licence..

 

As for our personal thoughts on police, then after last weekend, quite frankly i'm no fan at all.. My neighbours friends car got broken into at 10pm, and his tomtom got stolen. He then called the police and got 'if there is any evidence we will come out' and then just gave him a crime number.. Basically that says to me, wear gloves, and your laughing.. It really does just give the impression they are more interested in catching speeding motorists than thefts etc.

 

I also think the 3 strikes and your out is a good idea.. But maybe 2 strikes, its obvious if your caught doing it twice your gonna do it again and again..

 

But on the other hand, matlee, i'm sure a friend told me they are not aloud to speed trap from inside the vehicle, and that there must be at least 2 camera warning signs before where you got caught..