Most police uphold high standards
The public's confidence in the police has been dented by a series of factors including the so-called "plebgate" affair and the results of the Hillsborough inquiry, according to Leicester East MP Keith Vaz.
The Home Affairs Select Committee, which he chairs, will next month begin an inquiry into issues such as police training, accountability and integrity.
Mr Vaz has also called on David Cameron to host annual summits with senior officers and for a "new Magna Carta" for policing.
It is perfectly reasonable that the Home Affairs Select Committee should hold this inquiry. Its purpose is to act as a watchdog over matters such as policing.
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However, we would sound a cautionary note about the current media and political focus on the police force.
We do not know to what extent public confidence has been shaken. However, it should be pointed out that what we are talking about here are some isolated examples of behaviour which are not remotely representative of the conduct of the vast majority of officers.
Most policemen and women observe the highest standards of integrity in a job which is often highly pressurised and sometimes involves considerable danger.
And they face a range of demands which make their job more complex and difficult than ever before.
They have to navigate their way through a maze of legislation, red tape and targets which successive governments have heaped upon them.
And their role has expanded over the years from fighting crime and keeping order to one in which they also play a significant part in dealing with a range of difficult social issues and supporting communities.
They have also to deal with the complexities of modern criminality, ranging from cyber crime to international fundamentalist terrorism.
When police officers behave badly they should, of course, be held to account. And it is entirely right that such an important public service should be scrutinised by MPs.
However, it should also be borne in mind that Britain has one of the best police forces in the world which upholds on a daily basis the very highest standards.
Comments
by Kohelet
Monday, December 31 2012, 11:00PM
“Things were far worse when there was cover up as a way of life. All established forces, medical, church, politics. military etc, could get away with all sorts. Now as there is progress, albeit to slow, being made in bringing things out in the oepn and engendering greater accountability, things are not as bad as they were. But still a long way to go”
by JayBe11
Monday, December 31 2012, 7:03PM
“Look no further than the attempt by the Met to cover up the unlawful killing of Ian Tomlinson.”
by rhino
Monday, December 31 2012, 6:48PM
“Its time this police force is looked into but can we trust the outcome?
In the past we have had police subjected to internal investigations etc but it seems to fade away and get forgotten! and nothing ever improves.
Its plain and obvious to a lot of us who realise whats going on in this corrupt country that its NEVER BEEN SO BAD!!!!”
by AntiWinsor
Monday, December 31 2012, 5:49PM
“To learn the still hidden details of the dreadful police failings at Hillsborough search 'Hillsborough, The Man Under The Table'.
Plebgate has been very thoroughly investigated at the blog, skwalker1964. The lies are uncovered there.
All police on duty tonight should be aware of the provocateurs who have been paid to attempt to get a violent reaction. Tonight, with our cameras, we must protect the constables.”
by CGLee
Monday, December 31 2012, 5:02PM
“Thank you, LM, it's nice to see a section of the press sticking up for the police.
Our police don't always get it right, of course. They are human, after all. Hillsborough was a disgrace. Or, at least, what followed was. The incident itself was a terrible mistake, the lies and cover-ups after the event turned a mistake into something far worse. Please remember, though, that it was over twenty years ago, and that most officers involved are no longer serving.
The Andrew Mitchell incident seems to have been built up by the press, first one way and then the other. Clearly Mitchell abused officers on duty, he has admitted doing so. Two officers appear to have lied in an attempt to support those on duty at the time. They are wrong to do so, and will be punished, quite rightly.
While these isolated incidents are widely reported in the press, remember that there are thousands of decent, conscientious officers going about their business protecting us all from lawbreakers on a daily basis.”
by daveb0360
Monday, December 31 2012, 1:41PM
“In my experience, most complaints levelled at Police are the result of Policing Policy, not officers individually. Although, with all organisations, public and private, there will always be 'bad apples'.”
by Graham_LE8
Monday, December 31 2012, 1:04PM
“When you consider the 'improprieties' carried out by members of the Police (as a percentage of their total number nationally, and activities that they engage in) compared against the occupants of Westminster in recent years, scaled up accordingly, it does make me wonder whether Politicians are not necessarily the the most creditable of scrutineers...”
by Bob491
Monday, December 31 2012, 12:23PM
“I agree. In general our police have been remarkably good.”