On 12 Mar 2007 09:49:59 -0700, "alex_t"
wrote:


Were they
"real" police or "plastic" community support officers?

What do you mean by "plastic"? IMHO they had usual police hats and
clothes, then again - I'm ignorant immigrant who had never have any
contact with the police before...

Yes they look like policemen and we're supposed to believe that they are
policemen but they aren't. In my experience they are probably well
meaning people trying to do their bit for society but some are a bit too
stupid or arrogant for their own good. They therefore like to believe
they have "power" over individuals going about their business and the
stupid ones then believe they are doing their job by making treating the
public, who they are to serve, like morons. My own encounter with such
an idiot has soured my view of community support officers. Stories from
a range of other people simply confirm my worst suspicions. I say this
despite being fully aware of the current security issues and concerns.

Almost all properly trained policemen and women are capable of
exercising appropriate discretion, judgement and civility in their
dealings with the public. This way they get the respect they deserve in
return.

If I had the choice of 1,000 properly trained policemen vs 2,500
community support officers I'd go for the 1,000 policemen every time.

The main issue is to check with the station supervisor so they know you
are there and can provide any requisite local knowledge.

Seems a bit unreasonable - if all anoraks will start contacting
station supervisors, when would they do their work?

It is not at all unreasonable - it is the minimum sensible thing to do.
Most supervisors will be perfectly amenable and will be pleased that
someone has taken the trouble to identify themselves and to ask the
right questions/ obtain permission. It saves a lot of work and hassle
compared to having to deal with someone wandering around but obviously
not catching a train. Some of our better supervisors would probably
point out the best things to take a picture of if they are at one of our
more photogenic stations.
--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!