Police lose public trust with ‘biggest gang in town’ attitude

WHEN I was younger, I was regularly stopped and sometimes searched by police officers in South Yorkshire.

A few years ago, after being attacked by youths driving what transpired to be a stolen car on Brightside Lane in the early hours, and having my passport and wallet stolen, I had difficulty obtaining a “crime number” from the police (I needed to prove the need for a new passport).

I solicited help from my MP. An officer called me, and sneeringly observed that I’d been talking to (MP’s name) and that “it isn’t nice being attacked is it?”

So it hasn’t come as too much of a surprise, but is no less sickening to witness, as we all have, the exposure of South Yorkshire Police’s (and their vaunted Commissioner’s) lack of action when it came to the abuse of girls on their patch.

Could this be described as a form of institutionalised ignorance of suffering and wrongs when committed against those of us regarded as the lowest or under classes? I have heard police forces described as adopting a macho “biggest gang in town” attitude, but those days should be being put behind us.

However, the unsettling notion that Sheffield and its areas are relatively safe because the police ignore much criminal activity leads to public distrust and hostility.

It is not a sign of good policing when crime goes unreported because of lack of faith in the police.

I have respect for the difficult role which men and women have as police officers and want to see the positive changes in attitude and training which are happening in the force grow, for the better of all our communities, but I despair about the present situation.

From: Don Burslam, Elm Road, Dewsbury Moor, Dewsbury.

IS there anyone who will still believe that the disgraceful situation in Rotherham is a one-off and not typical of the municipal scene as a whole? Some councils are better than others but I believe when one party has a monopoly of power there is a culture of cronyism and “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours”.

There used to be a strong element of public service in local government.

Now the job is seen as a safe haven and a risk-free way of providing an income substantial enough to live on.

Paying councillors more certainly hasn’t led to higher standards or greater efficiency, judging by Shaun Wright’s example.