The line of duty

Despite this, there are too many occasions when police forces fail to realise that they perform a public service. A classic example is Humberside Police, and the sorry saga earlier this year when a shopkeeper, who stopped a police officer in the street to ask for help in catching two thieves, was told: "Ring the police."

The same applied to a man who reported a crime at his local police station – he was told to ring a telephone hotline because staff were having a retirement party.

Depressingly, it appears that lessons have not been learned – that familiar mantra issued at the time of these embarrassing episodes – after police bosses commissioned a group of "mystery shoppers" to test out the force's standards of service. At two stations, the complainants were again advised, in person, to phone for assistance. It's not good enough.

Of course, Humberside Police deserves credit for attempting to improve standards. But, in doing so, it needs to answer this profound question. If an officer is prepared to be so dismissive of a potential crime victim, or public-spirited citizen, is that individual suitable to wear the uniform and perform such a crucial role?