I was in our canteen the other day and rather disturbing story fell upon my ears. The Police enjoy a certain amount of protection when it comes to the use of force. The Criminal Law Act provides that protection. But after hearing what I am about to tell you, I wonder if it is really worth it

The Police went to arrest a man for an assault. Before they went they knew who they were dealing with and he is a highly volatile and violent individual. He has, apparently, in the past been subject to firearms operations and Police have had to arrest him at gun point. On at least two accasions, so they tell me, he has tried to kill Police Officers when being transported to the Police station.

On arrival at the house a fight broke out resulting in the male being captored (CS Gas) which had no effect. He then tried to fight the officers resulting in one of them getting badly injured. The only way that they were able to arrest him was to strike him once in the face allowing them enough time to handcuff him. (Apparently, so they tell me, he has broken out of cuffs before)

Anyway he goes to court for the assault on Police and resist arrest and gets convicted. An appeal is heard and he is cleared and the Police were critisised for the force used. One of those officers is now facing a criminal trial

During the appeal, the defendants girlfriend, who lives in absolute fear of him, gave evidence in his defence. The very next day he is on trial for an assault on her but she was too scared to give evidence and he was acquited

The moral of this story?

The system does not allow for certain details to be disclosed and as a result the judges don't get the full picture. This leaves Police officers wide open to allegations that may well get upheld resulting in criminal trials

Is it really all worth it for the pay? I will leave you to decide