They have started a campaign asking people to report "none crime hate incidents" To be clear that is something which you know isn't a crime, they want you to report that too anyway. Is it a good idea to stamp out insults which aren't crimes but which cause people to feel sad? Or is it a waste of time if you know it isn't a crime to report it to the police?
If its things that make me feel sad.... I'd like to report the police to the police for overpolicing lucrative local derbies (e.g. Blunts) I'd like to report the police for imposing ridiculous kick off times for games that don't warrant it And I'd like to report the police (or council, whoever is responsible) for imposing ridiculous segregation within our ground and limiting where people can sit. I was a bit worried on Saturday that the 400 Walsall fans may cause so many issues with being so close to east and west stands (ponty end side) These all make me sad, and I'd very much like SYP to investigate SYP and give them a jolly good telling off!
I'd like to report the loss to Millwall at home last year, arguments with my girlfriend, my existential crisis and terms of endearment.
We were OK on Saturday because of the increased police presence at Oakwell during the match. Did anyone actually see a single police officer during the match?
Can you imagine phoning up to report it? Youd get laughed at! Add to the fact the number of coppers on duty these days is falling thanks to government cuts, so proper crimes don't get seen to as well.
In a slightly unrelated note can I just praise SYP for their response on Saturday? I know it’s what they are trained to do but the officers had to rush into a dangerous situation whilst rumours were running rampant and it must have been a terrifying situation for them. I know they’re not popular on here but I’d still like to thank them for their response and bravery.
Agreed. I always find that those on the front line are extremely brave. It's just a shame that those in charge undermine everything with stupid decisions
This would be the same organisation who regularly complain that they don’t have the staff to cope with actual crimes?
Ridiculous idea. The force is stretched beyond its capacity by “actual” crime. I feel sorry for the majority of police, as like pretty much all public services they are underfunded and have a massive workload. Some of the poor ba$tards have to Police Sheff Wed games as well!
But at lunchtime Saturday they made a statement that tere would be extra police at oakwell. Doesn't really reassure people when they make a claim like that and then no police are there.
Noticed two with guns under the flyover en route to the ground. Having got the perpetrator locked up, they then criticised the general public for spreading rumours.
Fortunately I feel that the majority of people still value and respect the police and the amazing job they do under very difficult circumstances. Of course there are examples of when things don't go right but I believe they do their best with the resources available to them. As others have said the front line officers are often let down by those that lead them - lions led by donkeys is an appropriate phrase. This particular initiative seems to be another example of the top brass making life for the rank and file more difficult than it needs to be. By the way I agree with you about their response on Saturday, they deserve a lot of credit.
To be fair you probably shouldn't be calling the NHS to report a crime or a 'none crime' in the first place. There's no wonder they never answer you
Agree mate, balanced comments to be fair. It frustrates me immensely that the only occasions I've had to criticise the police on a personal basis are in relation to attending football matches. Though, as you say, much of that goes back to them being directed to police in a specific manner by governments and leaders since the late 80s. Maybe I'm being too ignorant of the challenges associated with policing football crowds, but it's seems too easy for them to put us all in the same category and treat everyone as a "hooligan until proven otherwise". Such as the tactic of kettling. By all means contain trouble causers, but allow others to go about their business.
I imagine that policing football matches is difficult but you're right that it is only a small minority who cause problems. Unfortunately they don't always know where or who the trouble makers are so the vast majority of decent fans get caught up by their tactics, especially at away games. I suppose it's the price we have to pay to try and keep us as safe as possible. In my opinion the hooligans are the architects of this over zealous approach we've all seen or been subjected to so ultimately the blame lies with the trouble makers who have tarnished the sport and the reputation of most fans who have absolutely no intention of causing any trouble.