THE POLITICS OF POLICING

The politics of policing has once again hit the headlines and brought about an instant enquiry to be held today with a meeting of the government’s crime and justice taskforce between Ms Patel, Commissioner Cressida and Director of Public Prosecutions, Max Hill, to be chaired by the Prime Minister.  I question what more hypocrisy is in the offing. Politics is not within the remit of the Police Force. I believe Ms Dick’s statement was clear and to the point. What this task force meeting will achieve, I do not know, nor can I fathom what purpose it could have other than to show Just Boris and Violette Elizabeth are taking note and seeking to gain favourable publicity out of the situation. It’s yet another photo op.

Whether or not the vigil should have taken place, given the current rules and regulations in force due to the pandemic, is a matter for one’s own conscience. So far as the law is concerned, such a gathering, on the face of it, would appear to be out of order; however, because of the emotions engendered by the sad death of Ms Everard, it was not specifically forbidden, but neither was it condoned or given legal authority by Police Officials responsible for licencing demonstrations. This was not strictly a demonstration, and was meant to be a vigil to show respect, and for some to pray, for the deceased. It was also for others to assemble as a political protest in support of the cause for the safety of citizens on the streets, in particular women, but in relation to all citizens who should be able to move about without fear of attack. 

 

The organisers had approached the police and discussed the assembly for the vigil and had taken on board the need to conduct maters as Covid safely as possible, including having marshals who could maintain as eye on social distancing. The issues discussed seem not to have proved suitable to the Police Authority, or in any event it was felt not sufficient given the emotional circumstances surrounding the event and the likely numbers attending. The police did not do anything to physically prevent the vigil from taking place, but they were clearly a large presence with a view to upholding the current law relating to such gatherings. It started well, but so far as law enforcers were concerned it got to a stage where it was felt officers had to step in. The vigil had moved from mourning and the laying of flowers to political protest and all the emotive activity that goes with it.  The cry of “Something must be done” carries a lot of emotion with it, as well as speeches and crowds of people moving closer together to hear and applaud. It was inevitable and the Police Officers on the ground reacted accordingly. Some would say according to type. 

Were the police being heavy handed? Arresting someone who does not really want to be arrested, or doesn’t understand why they are being arrested, can sometimes require a strong hand, although it need not necessarily be heavy. That is a matter of careful judgement. No doubt opinions will swing both ways as to how heavy the hand or forceful the arrests. In any event, they were booed and the Politicians weighed in with surprised condemnations and demands for resignation and explanations. The hypocrisy was in full swing. 

The next day’s political demonstration, for it can no longer be named a vigil, as it was now directed at the police and in support of women’s right to feel safe on the streets. It passed off without incident, and the Police, now politically corrected by the Mayor, the Home secretary and various other MP’s, stood further back and monitored the situation at distance. But of course, by now the powers that be, that had been asking for resignations and explanations, were expressing full confidence in the Commissioner Cressida Dick. An overnight turn around. Dare I say it? What a surprise. 

As to the rest of our representatives, to see Labour and Conservative politicians, who would normally cross the street to avoid each other, taking umbrage and congratulating each other for decrying the fact that open air assaults against women are too frequent, and that something must be done, is a bit rich. I agree, enough is enough, but these assaults have been happening around the world for the last 5000 years. The first recorded writing speaks of laws relating to violence against women, as well as laws relating to violence in general. Women are not the only gender to get assaulted on the street. As to that, there are many repressive regimes around the world whose very laws are an abuse of women. These very regimes have done business with and been supported by the British government. 

So politicians should not use the sad death of Sarah Everard as some sort of clarion call that something must be done, as if, all of a sudden, they have now seen the light. They should in fact be hanging their heads in shame, explaining why, having been elected as representatives of the people, they have done nothing to actually deal with the violence on our streets, nor has any previous government going back 5000 years. None of this is new. The half hearted attempts at new penalties and more elaborate repetitive legislation has not succeeded. No lessons have been learned as is claimed after every enquiry. To spout platitudes and sound tough is about all our politicians do. This is a worldwide problem and demands it be tackled with integrity and honesty. This British regime should not be condoning violence and abuse against women in every single country where it happens. There should be an outcry against the violence everywhere, not just with words, but with deeds, sanctions, withdrawal of diplomatic status, refusal to trade, anything to make the world sit up and take notice. That just might, very slightly filter down to the streets of our towns, and more citizens might take notice, and stop themselves, their brothers, sons, husbands, fathers and any other relatives, including females, from doing harm. It’s part of our social contract.

It is not just a matter of re-educating men, there are some pretty dreadful women out there as well. It is not just a matter of what’s happening on British streets, and why aren’t the Police doing something about it. It really is about everywhere. Of all the streets, in all the towns, in all the world, why can’t I walk safely on mine?