Comments on: Why aren’t these people working to protect us?

By: Ashok

Ashok — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:39:51 +0000

I gave it some more thought, and this crowd-sourcing thing shouldn't be too hard (technically). We just need to pick a term and start flagging things. How about #policehide ?http://ashok.org.uk/2009/policehideIf we can encourage people to do this, we'll then have to figure out how to submit the complaints, but that's a later problem.

By: Stringer Bell

Stringer Bell — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 23:59:47 +0000

Hello Tim, hello all;there is actually a site I saw recently where they log police ID codes so you can find out what unit and depot they're from. I'll have another look for it.Bases of operationsThe TSG operates from five bases located throughout London:

By: Manic

Manic — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:55:19 +0000

Hello, Stringer Bell, and welcome to Bloggerheads.I know of at least one police officer present at G20 event who doesn't regard that event or any event like it to present a heightened risk of officers being singled out by those being policed:http://tinyurl.com/cjh9xxAnd if it's still/really easy for a member of the public to discover a policeman's personal details using their badge number alone, then we have more than one potential institutional failing to deal with here.Ashok: I like the sound of the first part of that very much indeed.Larger badge numbers on issued clothing numbers may also be a good idea; the authorities seem pretty insistent that I not obscure my number plate with a trailer etc. when I go driving because I'm expected to clearly display the data that differentiates me from the other vehicles on the road. Further, that 'badge number' for my car is designed specifically to stand out like dog's balls when photographed with or without a flash.

By: Ashok

Ashok — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 07:53:02 +0000

Anyone fancy a bit of crowd-sourced detection of when police officers remove their numbers?It wouldn't be too hard for us all to trawl through available pictures of police and mark the ones where the officer isn't wearing their numbers, especially where they are raising a baton.Ideally I think we should put their numbers in much larger text on their actual clothing - https://twitter.com/ashok/status/1482100103 - I'm sure it'd cost more but fuck it, I'd like some more accountability.

By: Stringer Bell

Stringer Bell — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 03:08:13 +0000

re. badge numbers and so on;from way back when, (Miners' strike etc.) coppers local to the action would obscure their badge numbers and other ID to prevent reprisals to their homes and family. Might be an explanation. Might also be an explanation as to why the PC in question was bally'd up. Dunno. This is not to excuse it by the way.

By: Sim-O

Sim-O — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 21:09:00 +0000

re numbers: "it really isn't that hard to find out."If it's not that hard, why did the Met need the copper involved to own up and not find him previously?

By: Manic

Manic — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:01:14 +0000

Well, for starters, the social services didn't hint to friendly broadsheets that Baby P might have been asking for it, but I do see your point.But I'm working very hard not to tar widely here and in the post I feature, JackP says in #4: "That isn't to say every officer needs to automatically be replaced, but the existing command structure has proved not to work, and needs to be replaced."My position on #4 began as flexible, but it hardens with every moment that passes when they are clearly taking the piss at the highest level.I'm sensing some dark cynicism. Contempt, even.I'm hoping I've simply missed a statement from police from yesterday or even today about their position on the practice of concealing badge numbers (accidentally or otherwise) at demonstrations and gatherings of a similarly/potentially confrontational or chaotic nature. To me, a zero reaction to the hiding of badge numbers is more alarming than a single officer on the ground somehow getting the idea that its OK for him to do it… because that's obviously how he got that bloody idea in the first place. Kettling has to come to an end, too.[edit]: Peace, love, and chocolate bunnies right back at you.

By: Guy Gooberman

Guy Gooberman — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:21:23 +0000

My concern is still that the police are to the blogging left what social workers are to the right.A target.I do agree that the act was a terrible one and a serious one deserving of the highest punishment but the idea of disbanding the Met, or sacking officers left, right and centre stikes me as too much and too far.And imagine such a proposed 'cull' in any other public sector? The implications would be massive and the idea that this should and could be on the table is unrealistic at best.I get the feeling that many, perhaps not yourself, are tarring all police officers with the same brush. How many of us have done high stress jobs like this? Not many. But as someone who has some experience of high stress, confrontational situations as a YOT worker and working in prisons, making judgement in the cold light of day is easy but in the moment, trust me, it is a difficult process with no margin for error.Most of us do not live this kind of life.I'll be open, I volunteer as a Special, give my time to help police communities in London and the idea that a minority (and I am certain that is what it is) can sully the name of an entire professions seems unfair.If it were social workers we wouldn't and didn't allow it over the Baby P nonsense.I think that swinging to extremes only makes us look as bad as those that do the same on the right, the best course of action is usually some kind of middle way.Of course, we should judge the police by the highest standards and expect the very best from them at all times but we should also remember the humanity, the errors that will be made and a job where such errors will have terrible consequences for the officer and for any possible victims.Peace.