Psychological Presentation

[howard18]

I had to think long and hard before starting this thread. Psychological presentation seems about right for the public face of the police as I see it.
Over the past few years slowly but surely the police are projecting a more sinister presence and, to my mind, an almost frightening projection of themselves.
I mention of course the black shirts that the police now wear. I don't know whether any of you recollect Mosley's black shirt army of the 1930's or have even heard of it. But that is what it reminds me of. You would wonder these days if approaching a policeman whether you would be fingerprinted for having the temerity to ask for directions. Gone are the days of the friendly copper with his or her crisp white shirt acting as your public servant. I would also note that the higher up the tree you go in terms of rank the more you see white shirts predominate. In fact any officer given warning of a potential interview will wear a white shirt.
I'm interested to know what you think - or is it all just paranoia on my part?

Howard

[david63]

I would tend to agree that the police these days do "project a more sinister presence" and appear to have moved more along the lines of their colleagues across "the pond" - albeit with out the personal weaponry. There is also a greater presence of armed police these days.

I would suspect that this is mainly down to two things:

1. The increased need for personal protection.

2. The changes in technology which means that they have more to carry around with them

Whilst I doubt that the current style of police officer would deter many intent on criminal activity I would suggest that the "old fashioned" style of police office would probably be something of a laughing stock in some areas and could potentially be in danger of being attacked.

This is all about evolution - not only of the police but society in general.

[Kendhni]

I can't say I have noticed Howard. I don't have that many dealings with the police (fortunately) and any time I have they have acted very professionally (albeit I am still convinced they have to pass an exam in how to be sarcastic and patronising).

[towny44]

My main experience with the police nowadays is when attending a football game.
Here the police remind me of Star Wars troopers as they line up in almost full riot battledress, all with fixed solemn expressions staring into the distance and not willing to exchange any sort of pleasantry with the violent hooligans they assume we are.
So perhaps Howard as a point and maybe they should all be sent on customer service courses, preferably on Saturday afternoons.

[Frank Manning]

Not sure Howard. The burglary over the road recently was dealt with very sympathetically by both beat bobbies and the armed pursuit PC s who turned up, and the lady sergeant who came around afterwards taking statements was charming and very witty.

I think they have to be pretty tough when you think of the sort of people they come into contact with.

[Silver_Shiney]

I can't say I've noticed black shirts, just "woolie pullies" like the military wear, instead of a smart tunic.

I've had a few dealings with the police over the years and, apart from one individual, have always found them to be polite and helpful.

That, however, is in no way to detract from Howard's experience. Looking into the future, I think my experience will become less, and Howard's more, the norm.

[Gill W]

I was on a tour of the Houses of Parliament today, and it was a little strange seeing armed police on duty in this country, but it didn't seem sinister in any way, just reassuring that security is being taken seriously.

I haven't much to do with the police in my life, but when I have, I've had no problems with them. About seven years ago I was I witness in quite a delicate case, and I got a lot of support from the detective who was investigating the case.

Also, they still show humour when on duty. Only today, while we were queuing up to go into Parliament, a young constable had to ask if we had any weapons or knives with us. Of course, I answered 'no', to which he replied 'don't worry, we'll give you some when you go in!' Well, it made me laugh

[Not so ancient mariner]

I can't say I have noticed Howard. I don't have that many dealings with the police (fortunately) and any time I have they have acted very professionally (albeit I am still convinced they have to pass an exam in how to be sarcastic and patronising).

I have a fair bit of contact with the police (mostly in a professional capacity), and I have to say that in my experience their 'sarcastic and patronising attitude' skills are almost exclusively reserved for when on traffic duties.

[ChesterfieldJohn]

I can't say I have noticed Howard. I don't have that many dealings with the police (fortunately) and any time I have they have acted very professionally (albeit I am still convinced they have to pass an exam in how to be sarcastic and patronising).

I have a fair bit of contact with the police (mostly in a professional capacity), and I have to say that in my experience their 'sarcastic and patronising attitude' skills are almost exclusively reserved for when on traffic duties.

Or on football duty when all laws relating to the rights of the public seem to have been forgotten.

John

[Kendhni]

I can't say I have noticed Howard. I don't have that many dealings with the police (fortunately) and any time I have they have acted very professionally (albeit I am still convinced they have to pass an exam in how to be sarcastic and patronising).

I have a fair bit of contact with the police (mostly in a professional capacity), and I have to say that in my experience their 'sarcastic and patronising attitude' skills are almost exclusively reserved for when on traffic duties.

Or when you bump into them down the town in a slightly inebriated state
Although that may not have been helped by me telling the police lady that one of her nipples was talking to me ... she had her walkie talkie clipped to a strap across her chest.

[Silver_Shiney]

boobed again, eh, Ken?

[emjay45]

Our police are very approachable. We recently had 'Have a cuppa with a copper', where you could drop in to various places around the island, and have a drink of tea or coffee with your local policeman. It proved a very popular event, and all the proceeds went to charity.
Our courts on the other hand are quite rightly not a soft touch and hand out far harsher sentences than the UK.

[howard18]

I have had a considerable amount of contact with the police for many years being both a retired magistrate and a presiding magistrate for many of them.
It's not the actual physical presence of the police that concerns me. I am much more interested in their PSYCOLOGICAL approach to facing the public. Up until a few years ago the beat officer always wore a white shirt with a clip-on tie. Acceptable and non threatening.
These days all officers below a certain rank (Inspector?) wear black shirts/jerkins. It's only when a senior officer is face to face with the press that the white shirt and tie comes to the fore.
I find this imtimidating - regardless of how pleasant they are when talking to you.
Bring back the white shirt and tie

[Silver_Shiney]

If that's how they dress in your area, Howard, then, yes, I would find that intimidating too.

As I said, I haven't noticed it in my area.