Friday, March 16, 2012

The Death of the Police Service

The UK Police service, as we have known it since the 1800s, is dying. The process began with the administering of a lethal injection yesterday, with the announcement of the second part of Tom Winsor's recommendations into police pay and conditions. Some of you reading this will be old enough to remember the time, around 1987 or 1988, when then-Health Secretary Kenneth Clarke referred to paramedics in ambulances as "professional drivers". This moment, is right up there alongside Clarke in terms of bare faced cheek and outright ignorance. Is it no coincidence that Clarke is now the Justice Secretary?

Much of the media attention is, regrettably, currently focused on the issue of fitness tests and the BMI of police officers. I agree with the basic proposal that where possible, fitness should be assessed and maintained regularly. At present, there is a basic fitness test on application and it's never looked at again. However, there's a lot more to this issue that simply "fat coppers eating doughnuts". The sheer practical facts of a life spent working shift patterns, with the constant pressure to be publicly visible, means that a large number of officers will be eating from convenience stores, petrol stations, and kebab or burger vans. It's a proven fact that long-term shift work increases the likelihood of serious ailments.

In addition, there will be some officers who wish to continue working even after sustaining an injury in the line of duty. What about them? I can only imagine what would have happened to PC David Rathband if these proposals had been implemented during his working life. Presumably, he would have been sacked before the sound of gunfire had died away. In fact, its March 2012, so we are fast approaching the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. The crew of the Titanic, whether they died or not, had their wages stopped as soon as the ship sank. You really would think, 100 years later, that we were past that sort of thinking. Apparently, Tom Winsor isn't.

These issues are indeed serious, and merit examination in the press. The problem is that the mainstream media are fixated on it, and this is allowing Winsor and the Government to perpetrate a distraction burglary on the Police service. Whilst all the discussion about fitness takes place at the front door, the other more insidious proposals are sneaking in the back and making off with the TV.

Let's not forget that this stupid, naive, dishonest and disingenuous report also suggests direct entry to the rank of Inspector or even, God forbid, Superintendent. Police officers in supervisory ranks absolutely must have the bedrock of experience that starting as a probationary PC, and working your way through the system gives. It is the only way of gaining the necessary skills and knowledge of the tasks required. Cognitive knowledge is not sufficient. Otherwise, medical students would be able to qualify from University as surgeons.

Winsor complains that vacancies are currently too "over-subscribed" (meaning too many people apply) so his insightful solution is to reduce the starting wage for constables to a lower level than PCSOs. Yet at the same time, Winsor says that he wants the police service to attract "the brightest and the best". Really? Recently, within the last year or two, MPs said that the wages for an MP had to be set at £64k so as "to make sure we attract the right calibre of people into politics". Confused? Yes, me too.

You might wonder what my part in all of this is. I served in the Special Constabulary from 1998-2006, so I have a reasonable idea what goes on within the police service, yet I've also had a career in engineering which is now entering its 21st year. I like to think that my own viewpoint is a good one; I have the insights to know what the job is like, without being "institutionalised" into the current police way of life where sometimes people feel that the current way is the only way. I've had a life and career outside of the police too, making me arguably a more rounded person. I feel perfectly placed to see the sheer undiluted folly in Winsor's report.

Yet, despite my experience and qualifications, I would not be eligible for entry in Winsor's police service. I don't have any A levels, and Winsor says I ought to have three of them. Unfortunately for me, from school I did semi-vocational qualifications of National Diploma and Higher National Diploma.

I'm no longer actively involved in the police service, but I still feel very affectionately towards it. At the moment, I feel as though I'm watching the vet put down a favourite pet.

3 comments:

  1. Thank you Martin at least someone appreciates us

    ReplyDelete
  2. Indeed I do. There is still a large bedrock of support for the police in this country. Now we need the silent majority to find their voices.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Winsor's plastic police Inspector plan is particularly farcical.

    Will the plastics be expected to pass the same exam those who've pass the one currently set - or do they get a free pass?

    And what about all those Sergeants who've passed and "banked" the Inspector's exam - so they can get more varied Sergeant experience before taking the promotion?

    Does Winsor not realise that PCSOs are the non-commissioned officers of the police - and that many PC recruits are pulled from the PCSO ranks?

    Does Winsor also not realise that many PC recruits are university graduates.

    Please remind me - has Tom Winsor ever worn the Queen's uniform? Any specialist education or experience in British policing?

    Do the trains run on time?

    Anyone?

    Bueller?

    ReplyDelete