I've only just seen this video about G20 and Ian Tomlinson. I was in a similar situation a few weeks back when asked to move a hostile crowd back after a huge kick off outside a night club. At one point my stick was out as the crowd came forwards. In the end I ended up walking some lads away with my arm around their shoulders. It's a tough call - We are personally accountable for any force we use, and in the finest traditions that means writing it up. That includes just getting your stick out, not just using it. I'm definitely mellowing out with age and experience, but I will still meet you head on if the need arises, with what I deem to be reasonable force.
Don't want to write anything else. That could have been me there in days gone by. In fact it could be me tomorrow, who knows. I was thinking of applying to be level 2 trained again because the doctor said I could, but now I'm not too sure. I think I know what's coming. You now understand why I preach Peace and Love, not a bad mantra to keep to. Sometimes this is a shit job.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hguo/3407718259/
About Me
- Stressed Out Cop
- I am a serving police officer in a large metropolis. Prior to that I was in the army and painted things green, before leaving as world peace had broken out. Shows you how wrong I was. You would be shocked at the amount of officers I've referred to Occupational Health Services. Is it something to do with the endless dictaks imposed on us? All I know is, if you're stressed you impose stress on others, it's a vicious circle and will take its toll eventually. Anyway it's good to talk - AND as I'm "NQR" I can always claim wibble if they come for me for writing this blog. This is just online therapy for me and my own personal ramblings, in what appears an insane world, devoid of common sense. No naughty swear words please.
I support
10 comments:
Not seen that clip before. It does rather look as if someone over reacted.
I didn't know that. They certainly don't seem to behave as if they're responsible for the force they use.
And the Jean-Charles outcome would make me think that in practice, that noble statement you make about personal accountability isn't worth the paper it's written on.
D'you remember the MayDay business a few years back, when they imprisoned people in Oxford Circus? I was there, just minding my business trying to walk home, and when I reached the riot police blocking my way, they explained it all, and they seemed very nice. I got chatting with them, you know, shared my chocolate with them, and everything. All very friendly. Then suddenly (for no reason I could see), they decided to do a baton-charge, and the same friendly chap I'd just been talking to suddenly started hitting me, and I mean really hitting me with a baton. I was too shocked and terrified to move, so he just kept hitting me. And then when I tried to run away, there was too much crowd, so I was stuck, so he kept on hitting me, even though I asked him not to, and I never once retaliated. Very unpleasant business, if I may say so, and this chap didn't seem to feel responsible for what he was doing in the least. To a small lone terrified unarmed woman. I was in shock for several hours after that, and bruised. What's my comeback? None.
Wibble mate.
The way Dandelion stalks you would certainly justify it.
To be honest SOC and Dandelion that does appear excessive, and passive protest should be allowed. ie. ignoring the dog, does take some nuts to do that.
Regards to you both and Dandelion please note that he wrote in on virtual paper so your own criticism is written on the same medium and therefore not worth the "paper" it is written on.
Give SOC credit for posting it, he didn't have to.
Whoever that "cop" is, he is a disgrace to the uniform.
Hitting someone when their back is turned and when they're trying to walk away? Unacceptable whatever the circumstances.
If he'd comitted a crime then he should have been arrested, not thrown to the floor.
All
Yeah all over the news today. That's the public satisfaction figures done for this year.
Dandelion - JC aside every bit of force used is down to the officer to justify. So even if a first strike is deemed reasonable then a second might not be.
It is an individual thing and I can only speak for myself. When you are pumped in a situation it's too easy to have a them and us mentality. I personally would judge who I let out of a cordon and if you'd bribed me with chocolate then you'd be walking girl. But then I am a supervisor.
That's not to say I'm an angel, there is a line and when the streets need reclaiming I will do it, but only using force I'm happy with. The IPCC will view CCTV and make judgements on force used even if a complaint has not been made. I always remember that.
Difficult one this - our way is to push and shove in this country. If this officer is in the shit then what about the similar push/shove to clear the climate camp?
CC - It's no secret I have been for years. It's just that I recognise it. I have also been that officer and understand his situation at the time. I'm just trying to be better and seek a different way, perfectionist failings.
suddenly started hitting me, and I mean really hitting me with a baton. I was too shocked and terrified to move, so he just kept hitting me. And then when I tried to run away, there was too much crowd, so I was stuck, so he kept on hitting me, even though I asked him not to, and I never once retaliated.
WaaaHahaha... that's after making my day. Maybe he didn't like the chocolate you gave him? Should have tried some donuts instead.
Why's that then Damo? Do you think unprovoked police violence is funny? What kind of a person are you?
Oh, and ps, I wasn't in a cordon. I was outside it, which is why my way home was blocked. I was just being friendly while waiting to see my way out of the crowd I'd accidentally and perfectly lawfully got stuck in.
It's sad indictment of the size of their egos that police people view the friendliness of the non-criminal classes as bribery.
Whilst we're onto chocolate. Why is it when eating a packet of revels all those raison ones seem to be last out?
Dandelion - I'll save you my last rolo.
Thank you SoC, I shall look forward to that.
But Revels? Now there's a connundrum. It must be because they're the heaviest, though I find that hard to believe. I have to say I'm only in the mood to buy them when I feel like playing russian roulette, because the experience can be truly ghastly.
Post a Comment