Barmpot, I think this has always been true to a greater or lesser extent. I became a "plod" back in the 70's. Back then I carried a small rubber truncheon and a set of handcuffs. I never used the truncheon! While there was always the
core bunch of no-hopers and what we used to call "Crayfish" (Probably an ozzie only type expression, now out of use. It refers to a Australian type Lobster called a Crayfish. The tail of which is a delicacy but the head end of the animal is full of sh*t.
Hench "crayfish = sh*thead) most people, while always trying to lessen any bad effect on themselves ("Have you any reason for speeding sir?" "SPEEDING?? was I speeding? I don't think so, this {insert car type, usually a thumping big V8 sports car} won't go that fast") they basically had a sense of community. Kids didn't play up like they do today because basically ANYONE who saw someone play up would either give them a clip around the ears or tell their parents. If a policeman brought a youngster home, they were REALLY in trouble.
These days if a copper brings a mischievous youngster home, more than likely he will get a mouthful of abuse from the parents and an official complaint about how he dealt with young Johnny.
Over the years the "ME" generations have become prominent. These are the people who believe they are the centre of the universe and everyone else should just accept that. Everyone is taught their "rights" but no-one is taught
their responsibilities. We have a LEGAL system not a Justice system and everyone bends over backward for the bad guy and usually any innocent that gets in the way is cast as the bad guy or WORSE is IGNORED.
{Okay I will step off my hobbyhorse...sorry
:sneaky: }
To bring things full circle, when I retired my "accoutrements" worn every day included a Glock 40cal pistol, 2 spare magazines, pepper spray, Taser, ASP expandable baton, radio and the original handcuffs. I was armed for a small war and yet I didn't feel safe on the streets! Such is progress!
I won't start on the money makers.......even my hobby horse runs and hides when I get started on those parasites!
:thumbsup: