Policing for some people...

The Conservatives have finally laid out their vision for the UK police force. Well, more accurately, they've laid out a lot of criticisms, waffled about a lot of statistics and made a point of saying that none of it represents a promise or any kind of policy. There's also a lot of stuff which reads suspiciously like a certain White Paper from days of old.

There are some interesting things in the report, at least up until page 66 which is where I had to start eating ice cream to stay alive. In fact, I suspect someone might have been reading a certain someone's book. However, though it might be hard to believe of a generous and soft-spoken soul such as myself, I do have some criticisms of this magnificent document. Continue reading for some thoroughly unconstructive abuse.

Here is an extract, two of the four main reforms proposed by the Tories:

The police’s hands must be untied to give them the discretion they need and to release officers for front-line duties...

The police must be made properly accountable for their performance as well as their conduct...

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that these two objectives will not exactly make for symbiotic harmony? I personally find it easier to exercise proper discretion and judgment when I'm not afraid of being hauled up and fed to the media afterwards. But then I am a stroppy cow, so what do I know.

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