20\06\2016
Friday night saw me working along side our local Police Safer Neighbourhood Team on a 10 hour shift. In those ten hours we dealt with a number of incidents, nothing nasty or too shocking to be honest. I ran a live tweeting session about various bits of those incidents during that shift. That after much thought prompted me to think about some issues we dealt with and wanted to share those thoughts.
The police officers role is now so diverse, not just law enforcement but Paramedic, Social worker, Fire fighter and Mental health advisor! There is much reported and talked about on this very emotive subject it is truly a job like no other. The problem facing any FLO officer is further complicated by rules and fears no one ever sees and the long term effects of trauma take a toll. Resources are stretched to the limit lets be under no illusion response to some calls just do not happen as they should not through any fault of the police teams but those who apply budget restraints. On my Friday night shift units were called from some distances away to deal with the increasing number of 999 calls recieved at the control room.
Friday night in particular one incident highlighted my need to update the blog, a grade 1 incident thats a 999 call that requires immediate response. Upon arrival at the scene the dealing officer was confronted by a mentally disturbed gentleman carrying a lock knife. In this instance the man was-very unwell and fortunately for all very receptive to the police officer taking the knife and resolving his immediate concerns. The officer dealt with this methodically and professionally whilst showing utmost rspect and compassion for this man. We later played back the BWV footage(Body Warn Video) at station this is a huge benefit to all Police as gives alive every second report for later refural. This was an isolated incident whereby the outcome was peaceful but in most cases its not always that easy. Going into a situation like this facing a knife or weapon with no more than a stab proof vest and pepper spray is not easy but it is what in most cases any Police officer will do. Yes they do have back up by way of Armed Response teams but they are not always easily to hand on grade 1 calls.
I am a police volunteer a member of the public that gives up time to support police with any thing they can do to assist. Most volunteers avoid frontline and choose a support role behind the scenes. Not for me I want to be there seeing first hand seeing what goes on and as many know I go out a lot with my local SNT. There are things that my role allows me to do and things I cannot. But under the strict guidance of your police colleague if you choose you can help out. My experiences allow me to present genuine first hand knowledge of things I see, which allows me to bring to the public in support of police through social Media and web based presentations what many never see or understand. I am not at liberty to discuss details or specifics i.e. peoples details as like the police I had to become security vetted to undertke this role.
So wheres this updated blog heading ? The very emotive and controversial subject arming Police officers with minimun of Taser.Why do I raise this point? because lately its been suggested every officer should carry minimum of taser and I believe that should be the case. Giving our police the tools they need to do the job is so important, stopping the huge number injured and assaulted is a big issue. A Police officers job description does not include acceptance of assault its not part of that job. It happens and is becoming a more publised fact as recent Cases have sadly highlighted.
We need considerably more police on the front lines not less which sadly we are seeing happening through many issues. My questions are this “would you go up against lethal weapons without the right equipment?” I know the answer already I am sure, so why would a police officer who is no different to you or me feel anything different? It is a job they do to protect us being there when circumstances happen in our lives which we cannot deal with.
We must give them the tools they need to protect not only us but most importantly themselves.
An objective opinion all from a 10 shift!
End