Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Why are policemen like buses?

Because you dont see one for ages, then 7 come along at once

I was reminded of this when I saw 7 firemen rescuing 4 teenagers from a lift in JJB Sport on Saturday

The first time I noticed this mob-handed phenomenon was a few years ago when I saw 7 police officers escorting a young woman shoplifter out of Sainsburys. Admittedly she was not going to go quietly - she had been kicking up a heck of a fuss in the back of the store, heard by all the staff & customers. I only realised what it was all about when I left at the same time as the posse

In retrospect I thought it could have been to guard against accusations of racial harassment - in this case against a young black constable by a white female suspect, but that is only a supposition

In any case I have seen several similar incidents, when the number of police attending seems out of proportion

Health & safety reasons? Protection against accusations of misbehaviour? Forensic requirements, given the detailed evidence adduced in even the simplest trial these days?

Links: How much time do we have?