andy_k
MB Enthusiast
before a "known criminal" gets entered into the system as known or wanted perhaps the Police could go around and actually knock on their door and see if they can arrest them rather than sitting at the side of the road waiting for them to drive past.
However, this doesn't happen that often, I've no idea how many people are currently on a "wanted" list but it must be a huge number. Every now and again the Police have a bit of a purge and make a few much publicised early morning calls to get these people off the streets. They should be doing them every day until ALL outstanding warrants have been cleared up.
I'd like to see the Police actually doing some of the Policing rather than relying on third party data, call centres to filter calls and public sector camera operators.
Targetting real criminals through proper Police intelligence would be a really good way of getting the public back on side.
Appearing to care or even give a damn would be another.
Example, we live on a quiet road with very little pedestrian activity as we are quite a way out of the town centre. Last Saturday, three lads went up the street at 11.30 pm and kicked the wing mirrors off twelve cars before being disturbed by someone taking their dog out for a walk. The Police were called (999) and the caller (my neighbour) was told this was not a matter that justified a 999 call and that he should phone the non emergency number. This number was called and he was told that unless he was a victim he couldn't report the crime so until someone who was affected directly dialled in there was nothing that could be done. So, one of the victims calls and they are told that "someone will be along to investigate shortly". 45 minutes later, the Police arrive, take everyone's name and address, drive around the block and say they can't see anything or anybody suspicious - Of course they can't. The kids that did it are at home, feet up and watching the TV!!!. That was it, the total investigation lasted about 15 minutes and achieved nothing. Because there was no real likelihood of picking up any DNA they weren't interested. What more could they have done? well, they could have turned up a bit earlier, they could have asked to look at the CCTV recordings from the houses with cameras (except they can't because that isn't allowed). They could have gone to the house of the main suspect who was named by the original "witness" but apparently as there was no proof of his involvement they couldn't do that either. Twelve "crimes", twelve "victims" yet no crime numbers because for those involved it wasn't worth pursuing, No insurance claims because it's just too expensive to claim for damage like that and No real action from the Police - clueless, hopeless, innefective and useless.
Earning the respect of the community would be another way to get some co-operation. For the most part this used to be the job of the "beat" copper. he would wander around and everyone would know who he was and how approachable he was. People could confide in him (or her) and tell them stuff which could be acted on quickly. Crimes could be reported quickly and easily (see above) and therefore more criminals could be arrested.
Databases for the most part make terrible Police forces. They are seldom 100% accurate even though the people relying on them tend to treat them as gospel.
I see both sides but I must say that this hi tech Policing is doing nothing for real crime detection and just as the speed cameras are a tax on people too daft to stick to speed limits the ANPR cameras just seem to be catching people who are too stupid to buy a tax disk or insure their car.
Andy
However, this doesn't happen that often, I've no idea how many people are currently on a "wanted" list but it must be a huge number. Every now and again the Police have a bit of a purge and make a few much publicised early morning calls to get these people off the streets. They should be doing them every day until ALL outstanding warrants have been cleared up.
I'd like to see the Police actually doing some of the Policing rather than relying on third party data, call centres to filter calls and public sector camera operators.
Targetting real criminals through proper Police intelligence would be a really good way of getting the public back on side.
Appearing to care or even give a damn would be another.
Example, we live on a quiet road with very little pedestrian activity as we are quite a way out of the town centre. Last Saturday, three lads went up the street at 11.30 pm and kicked the wing mirrors off twelve cars before being disturbed by someone taking their dog out for a walk. The Police were called (999) and the caller (my neighbour) was told this was not a matter that justified a 999 call and that he should phone the non emergency number. This number was called and he was told that unless he was a victim he couldn't report the crime so until someone who was affected directly dialled in there was nothing that could be done. So, one of the victims calls and they are told that "someone will be along to investigate shortly". 45 minutes later, the Police arrive, take everyone's name and address, drive around the block and say they can't see anything or anybody suspicious - Of course they can't. The kids that did it are at home, feet up and watching the TV!!!. That was it, the total investigation lasted about 15 minutes and achieved nothing. Because there was no real likelihood of picking up any DNA they weren't interested. What more could they have done? well, they could have turned up a bit earlier, they could have asked to look at the CCTV recordings from the houses with cameras (except they can't because that isn't allowed). They could have gone to the house of the main suspect who was named by the original "witness" but apparently as there was no proof of his involvement they couldn't do that either. Twelve "crimes", twelve "victims" yet no crime numbers because for those involved it wasn't worth pursuing, No insurance claims because it's just too expensive to claim for damage like that and No real action from the Police - clueless, hopeless, innefective and useless.
Earning the respect of the community would be another way to get some co-operation. For the most part this used to be the job of the "beat" copper. he would wander around and everyone would know who he was and how approachable he was. People could confide in him (or her) and tell them stuff which could be acted on quickly. Crimes could be reported quickly and easily (see above) and therefore more criminals could be arrested.
Databases for the most part make terrible Police forces. They are seldom 100% accurate even though the people relying on them tend to treat them as gospel.
I see both sides but I must say that this hi tech Policing is doing nothing for real crime detection and just as the speed cameras are a tax on people too daft to stick to speed limits the ANPR cameras just seem to be catching people who are too stupid to buy a tax disk or insure their car.
Andy
, not sure
If you have something to hide, the big brother state is not for you, if you are, and you probably are, a law abiding citizen who pays his various taxes and dues, then surely there is nothing to fear. If the criminal is allowed to use modern technology, a radio listening in on police frequencies
or a whistle a la Norman Wisdom
