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As police, one of our main roles is arresting people to investigate crime. Our other big role, & arguably our most important one, is to preserve life.
I think it’s worth a conversation on how these two things go hand in hand.
A thread.
I think it’s worth a conversation on how these two things go hand in hand.
A thread.
I’ve heard many people criticise police for arresting people for things like drugs, low value shoplifting, drunk & disorderly, soliciting.
Haven’t you got anything better to do they cry.
I don’t pay your wages for this, go out & catch the real criminals!
Let me stop you there.
Haven’t you got anything better to do they cry.
I don’t pay your wages for this, go out & catch the real criminals!
Let me stop you there.
People who commit crime, are still people. They are often people who have lost their way. It could be extreme poverty, grooming, drug & alcohol abuse, domestic violence, neglectful parents. (That’s not to say of course there aren’t those who thrive off crime) Stay with me...
Despite popular belief, we don’t enjoy arresting the same people over and over again for the same offences. What we want is for them to change their lives, to get back on track. We want them to live their lives, safely, healthily and honestly.
So how on earth could arresting these people for ‘minor’ offences help them in any way at all. Surely it must keep them in that vicious circle of crime and abuse. Well actually, in some cases, arresting these people, can and does save their life.
Sometimes, arresting them, lawfully of course, when discretion could have maybe been used, is what we do to help them, maybe where they don’t realise they need it or whether they don’t know what support is out there for them, or maybe because they don’t feel they deserve it.
When you come into custody, you don’t just give your name, lose all your human rights, get locked in a cell and are then sent to court the next morning. You are looked after, and that doesn’t end when you leave, whether with no further action being taken or a charge/caution.
Being in custody offers the drug addict/alcoholic access to support services when they leave as a follow up. We want to help people with addictions.
The woman arrested for soliciting with the nasty infected injury has access to a HCP, if she needs to go to hosp, we’ll take her.
The woman arrested for soliciting with the nasty infected injury has access to a HCP, if she needs to go to hosp, we’ll take her.
The young boy who has been arrested for robbery, who’s been groomed by a gang, will be given access to awesome projects like @DIVERTLondon to help them turn their life around, give them the tools to move away from crime, have a life they deserve. Teach them that they matter.
The bloke arrested for drunk and disorderly has underlying mental health issues. We can call in the MH professionals to assess his needs and admit him to hospital if they see fit. If not, visits will be organised for him, medication sorted out. Access to the care he needs.
Of course, there have been the most tragic cases, where people have lost their lives in custody & this thread does not seek to diminish the grief of those families at all. Qs always need to be asked when that happens, there is scrutiny & quite rightly investigations take place.
Often we have come into contact with people we arrest many times, sometimes as victims. We have been into their homes, sat in the custody Q listening to the horrific things they’ve gone through. Held their hands while they struggle to cope with withdrawal. We know their stories.
So next time you see a copper arresting someone for something ‘minor’ Don’t shout at them. I want you to think to yourself - is there a bigger picture here?
Because in most cases, I guarantee there will be.
We joined to serve & protect without fear or favour after all.
Because in most cases, I guarantee there will be.
We joined to serve & protect without fear or favour after all.
