Actions Against The Police Lower Our Confidence In Them

We all like to believe in our police departments. If you cannot trust them then who can a citizen put their trust in? Over the years there have been cases of police corruption or misconduct that have come to light, but overall they have maintained an excellent reputation, and managed to retain their dignity in spite of some of the criticism aimed at them.

There have been urban riots and plenty of evidence proving corruption back in the 70's, including:

- Coal miner's striking during the mid 80's that created confrontations that turned out to be violent when the police turned out in the thousands.

- A scandal (Fettesgate) in the early 90's that involved the theft of some documents that were sensitive, stolen from police headquarters in Edinburgh by some border police. The items were eventually recovered and there have been no charges made, at least not in public.

- The Freemasons became involved with the police in the early 90's and caused some concern.

- Over time the police have caused questions to be raised regarding their standards not being as high as they should. This came about due to the program on television called Undercover Copper.

Racism has proven to be an ongoing issue with many police departments throughout the United Kingdom. There are some who feel the input of "political correctness" is perceived to give the police forces too much authority. This racism seems to be blatantly aimed at minorities and those who live within deprived areas (slums).

Ten police officers from Cheshire Constabulary, Greater Manchester Police force, and North Wales Police departments became forced to resign as a result of a BBC documentary. This documentary titled "The Secret Policeman", displayed the presence of racism in the recruits training at the Bruche Police training centre in Warrington.

The BBC let it be known that some disciplinary action of minor consequence would be handed down to a dozen officers due to the evidence displayed on the program. They went on to say that no officers would lose their job.

There were apparent allegations made, stating that the far right British National Party included some police officers.

Among all of the allegations made against the various police departments in the UK, many have been proven, showing they have their share of problems that must be addressed at some point.

Policing of protest actions as seen in April of 2009, have occurred after over one hundred and forty complaints were issued, due to disputes between protesters and the police during the G20 Summit. One death and several injuries brought about much criticism regarding police tactics as a result of the protests.

A centre named after the Fixated Threat Assessments, began in 2006, and was intended to directly address and indentify individuals who were considered as a threat towards VIP's or any Royals. This is aimed at those who pose a threat and display their intentions as in violation of rules of common decency and which may be criminal in intent. Many of those that this centre deals with, are mentally unstable. The police must ultimately police themselves.