20. POLICE.
'IF YOU HAVE KNOWLEDGE, LET OTHER PEOPLE LIGHT THEIR CANDLE AT YOUR FLAME'.
It is said that we, in the U.K., within three days receive the weather from America and not only the weather. We have a habit of being influenced by other activities on the street. Everywhere in America police departments have attracted criticism for being in a perpetual cycle of sandal, repentance, pledges of reform followed by fresh scandal - apparently un-able or un-willing to police themselves. There exists a sense of loyalty to the department rather than to the public.
In Mansfield, reflecting the country it seems, a gang of youths, aged between twelve and fourteen years, committed 419 crimes of burglary and vandalism but none of them could be disciplined until they reach the age of fifteen years.
A prominent member of parliament had the solution - 'throw money at the problem' and watch it slither like slime down the wall. Tackling the parent problem is the solution who, no doubt, were in-different to the mayhem. No doubt the majority of Mansfield residents could resolve the problem with a 'flick of the fingers' if they are allowed to manage their own destiny. The public are denied their own protection.
The problem is that so easily can the police become public enemy number one fuelled by government behaviour. Without the motorist to badger, what will the police do passing their time?
With every, new toy at their disposal the situation becomes worse; wheel clamping, impounding vehicles, expensive cars to which many of the public can not aspire; fancy cars escorting wide loads which is irrelevant with so much crime in the air. Ir-relevant activities behind closed doors as police pursue a mystical fugitive in a sauna bath which they think is a brothel! Also, there is every incentive charging a motorist and enjoying a day's holiday in court!
'What this country needs is fewer rules and more good examples'.