Last week I was concerned to hear that Sir Blair, our local head copper was advocating the use of military as police and the creation of the new Super Police who can issue ASBOs, issue fines and even take drivers licenses away from “criminals”.  This set off an alarm bell in my head and I realised that I had indeed heard this before.  I frantically searched for where I could have seen this.  It was only when I switched on the TV, that I saw it.  There was a movie with a motor-cycle bound policeman acting as judge and jury, dispensing justice as he went along.  Sound familiar? Anyone who has read or seen JUDGE DREDD,( http://www.guardian.co.uk/netnotes/article/0,6729,662302,00.html) will know what I am talking about.  

I have lived in London most of my life, the rest of the time I spent in Paris amongst our cousins with a penchant for terrible manners.  France has been using military style policing for many more years than most countries.  Police there are scary, and I am not a criminal!  A police force is there to protect and serve, not to rule with an iron fist and intimidation.  Just to be clear,  I am not saying all French police are like that but once there is a military style culture in a police force, it is very difficult to shake.  Is Paris safer because of this?  No, Paris still has its criminals and they have responded by becoming more militarily inclined too.  The equation is simple Mr Blair, More aggressive police= more aggressive criminals.  

One of the things that keeps us in London safe, is the prevalence of measures to ensure that there is police presence but not a disruptive one.  There is a reason that we have a court system. “Drive-Thru” justice isn’t an option, having a one stop shop for all your justice needs, is doomed to be a failure.  We have all the checks and balances in place for a reason.  Remember the difference between us and Judge Dredd, is that Judge Dredd has to deal with criminals with bigger guns.  

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