Britain's Longest-Serving Constable Criticises Modern Policing

MICK Mountain, 60, who in April will be Britain's longest-serving officer, makes some interesting observations concerning modern policing:

'There are many more laws dealing with diversity and equality, which have been triggered by the compensation culture. When it gets to the point where councils cannot even put up Christmas trees, it seems ridiculous. I do not believe we are going in the right direction. It means we do not have enough police on the streets where we need them. Community support officers are no replacement - they are not proper police officers and do not have the same powers of arrest.
'Criminals are more likely to attack officers these days because they do not have the fear of being punished. They are also more likely to turn violent during less serious crimes such as burglaries. I have been left with a bloody nose and punched in the face. You get less respect wearing the uniform whereas in the old days, it was a deterrent. Now criminals simply laugh because they know nothing will happen to them. With not enough room in prison they know they are going to get away with a fine or community service rather than being sent to jail. It is all wrong. Society is not getting the policing it deserves.'