Blog 23\08\2017
Respect for Police Officers
From the standpoint of community Policing, there is nothing worse to see than a member of the public hurling abuse, assaulting or spitting at a Police officer whilst in the execution of his or her duty. Those who read my blogs know firsthand that we as Business Watch New Forest and myself as a Police volunteer actively promote and support the positive side of policing. The essence of community policing is to build mutual trust in both the laws and the police officers who put themselves on the line every single day to uphold said laws. If and when it works, the result is a “win-win” outcome for the police and the community for sure, less crime and less trouble for the Police and harmony for all. It is definitely not a “them and us” situation as most feel at times towards the Police, it is wrong full stop. The “Police are the public and the public Police” history tells you this. Understand the positive side of Police work and you will view things differently. I often quote “respect cost nothing” and that fact is so true. Respect is a two way thing show some you will get it back.
Without detailing too much I have experienced first-hand at grass roots level, professional police work, the protocols they are warranted to follow and the compassion they show in dealing with many very difficult cases. I was present one time at a tragedy on a New Year’s Eve whereby there was loss of life. For most of the night I was involved as a police volunteer alongside colleagues from two police stations. I consider myself privileged to see that side of Police work that the public never get to see. I can tell you now if those who flout the law, those who disrespect our police officers and those who do not understand Policing could have seen what I did, attitudes would change dramatically trust me. Sure I am a huge supporter and promoter of community Police work because I am involved but I am still a member of the public. Many forget that police officers are the same as you and me, they have lives, families and feel the same pain and sorrow we do. Communication and not being afraid to talk to them, ask questions, get up close and personal with your police team changes your attitude. When you have an emergency that involves, accidents, threat to life, domestic disputes, theft who do you turn too? When you need them they are there to help, that in my book commands utmost respect and understanding of what they do.
Police working with the public and schemes like ours,builds mutual trust develops partnerships opposing the law breakers,combating antisocial behaviour,Cyber-crime and all aspects of crime is a very positive move in my humble opinion. As every week passes we see more and more terrible things happening in our world, tragedy, death, destruction to a level none of us have experienced. Here in the UK we are now seeing terrible attacks against our way of life but not to a level others are seeing. Ask yourself why we can sleep safely in our homes? Because you know if something goes wrong we can rely upon the Police officers around the country to be there. There is so much work achieved behind the scenes that none of ever see,that work goes on around the clock to protect us.
All these incredible teams ask is that we as members of the public show some respect for what they do and that is a very very small ask given the dedication shown by all. Next time you see a Police Officer,PCSO or NCA Officer take the time to say thank you for what you do,it will go a very very long way. Never forget……
” Respect cost nothing”
End