There is a very good letter in today's Times (12 Dec 07, p16: last letter) by Lt.Col.Richard Bartle (Ret'd) from the BAFF available via the link below.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/global/article3036284.ece
I am rather bemused that the police seem to think that because their job may be dangerous (for the minority in the front line) their pay should be take precidence over other public sector employees, including service personnel whose lives are in more immediate peril. I think they should be allowed to strike. That way many people might discover that it makes little diference to their lives (as they are not protected already) and apply political pressure for efficiency savings in the police force itself. It does seem paradoxical, after all, that as police numbers have risen, we see fewer of them patrolling the streets and criminal prosecutions on the wane for crimes which householders think are important, such as burgulary. Roll on contracting-out (where the police are unwilling on "conscience" grounds to offer a proper service: eg to racial minorities and gays), the local pay conditions that apply to other public sector staff and the full implimentation of the Sheehy Report!
End of rant!
Head down awaiting incoming! EEK!
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/global/article3036284.ece
I am rather bemused that the police seem to think that because their job may be dangerous (for the minority in the front line) their pay should be take precidence over other public sector employees, including service personnel whose lives are in more immediate peril. I think they should be allowed to strike. That way many people might discover that it makes little diference to their lives (as they are not protected already) and apply political pressure for efficiency savings in the police force itself. It does seem paradoxical, after all, that as police numbers have risen, we see fewer of them patrolling the streets and criminal prosecutions on the wane for crimes which householders think are important, such as burgulary. Roll on contracting-out (where the police are unwilling on "conscience" grounds to offer a proper service: eg to racial minorities and gays), the local pay conditions that apply to other public sector staff and the full implimentation of the Sheehy Report!
End of rant!
Head down awaiting incoming! EEK!