Did 30+ in the Met with the handicap of having an IQ of 156. I came to despair of many (not all) of the people who held positions of rank. Illogical, short sighted, stupid decisions littered their careers. To be 'too quick' or 'too clever' in their company was, lets say 'not optimal'. They scrambled to strategic ranks, away from the dangers of tactical decisions and their consequences.
Fortunately, the Met (like the Army) was actually run by sergeants, so the strategic incompetent's buffoonery could be somewhat mitigated. I wouldn't be surprised if those senior officers felt the same way about us, as the Politicians calling us Plod.
You are correct. I do speak to new officers and remind them that we are the holder of the office of Constable. That means you stand in the middle and favour no-one. We are not on the victim’s side or against the perpetrators. We are neutral. But that means helping everyone. That might be helping to access justice or helping to be dealt with by justice.
So you are correct. Looked upon by suspicion from all sides. And unless you get it, Policing will be a mystery to most.
A new driver on Prot attended OST and demonstrated a degree of proficiency with handcuffs which the assorted SB officers found risible. The impressed OST instructor asked him he was a trainer to which he said “Nah, mate. 11 years on the front line at Carter Street does that for you”. From above the heads of the various bemused Branch ‘tecs a deep crystal clear and well enunciated RP came the thought most of them had kept to themselves “Well, perhaps one would like fuck off back there!” Posh cops can be bloody hilarious.
...and, of course, we had a well-bred gentleman, a scion of the titled aristocracy, in the Branch (before your time), who took every opportunity to incur overtime and use the title for various schemes. He eventually went full Tonto, was eventually found after several days of enquiries by two dedicated and conscientious officers, prior to his resignation (ahead of a certain sacking) and subsequently appeared in the Assistant Commissioner's Consolidated Instructions, to be avoided at all costs.
All so very true and eloquently put. The only thing I’d argue with, is that 15 is much more diverse these days… BUT only at the, “grunts” (to extend your theme of classist delineation) end of the rank structure. I’m divided on the lack of necessity to have earned the letter, “D”, in front of your rank, in order to join.
Did 30+ in the Met with the handicap of having an IQ of 156. I came to despair of many (not all) of the people who held positions of rank. Illogical, short sighted, stupid decisions littered their careers. To be 'too quick' or 'too clever' in their company was, lets say 'not optimal'. They scrambled to strategic ranks, away from the dangers of tactical decisions and their consequences.
Fortunately, the Met (like the Army) was actually run by sergeants, so the strategic incompetent's buffoonery could be somewhat mitigated. I wouldn't be surprised if those senior officers felt the same way about us, as the Politicians calling us Plod.
You are correct. I do speak to new officers and remind them that we are the holder of the office of Constable. That means you stand in the middle and favour no-one. We are not on the victim’s side or against the perpetrators. We are neutral. But that means helping everyone. That might be helping to access justice or helping to be dealt with by justice.
So you are correct. Looked upon by suspicion from all sides. And unless you get it, Policing will be a mystery to most.
A new driver on Prot attended OST and demonstrated a degree of proficiency with handcuffs which the assorted SB officers found risible. The impressed OST instructor asked him he was a trainer to which he said “Nah, mate. 11 years on the front line at Carter Street does that for you”. From above the heads of the various bemused Branch ‘tecs a deep crystal clear and well enunciated RP came the thought most of them had kept to themselves “Well, perhaps one would like fuck off back there!” Posh cops can be bloody hilarious.
...and, of course, we had a well-bred gentleman, a scion of the titled aristocracy, in the Branch (before your time), who took every opportunity to incur overtime and use the title for various schemes. He eventually went full Tonto, was eventually found after several days of enquiries by two dedicated and conscientious officers, prior to his resignation (ahead of a certain sacking) and subsequently appeared in the Assistant Commissioner's Consolidated Instructions, to be avoided at all costs.
All so very true and eloquently put. The only thing I’d argue with, is that 15 is much more diverse these days… BUT only at the, “grunts” (to extend your theme of classist delineation) end of the rank structure. I’m divided on the lack of necessity to have earned the letter, “D”, in front of your rank, in order to join.