Page 24 | To feel a bit bad for the met police on bbc panorama undercover

Bloodyscarymary · 2025-10-01T20:46:43+00:00

Just watching the BBC Panorama doco “Undercover in the Police” and I can’t help feeling a bit uneasy. Yes, the behaviour shown is awful and they should lose their jobs, but having their faces, names and secretly recorded conversations, sometimes even off duty over a pint broadcast feels like a bit of a violation of privacy. I honestly would have thought secret filming like that couldn’t even be made public, but clearly it’s legal or the BBC wouldn’t air it. I’m not excusing what was said at all. The culture clearly needs to change. But is it fair to single out these particular officers when the problem is obviously widespread? I also felt some of the more junior officers had just absorbed the culture around them, and at times the journalist might have been nudging them into certain topics. A few of the comments even felt like dark humour or going along with pub chat. Still unacceptable, but if you secretly recorded doctors or other professions that probably use a lot of dark humour to get through it, I’m sure you’d hear things that would seem really callous to an outsider. Absolutely they should be fired/reprimanded, but do they deserve complete public exposure like this? AIBU to feel uncomfortable about it? YABU they deserve everything that’s coming their way YANBU it’s too much personal exposure when the real problem is the Met culture not these individual cops

JazzyJelly · 01/10/2025 23:24

sugarapplelane · 01/10/2025 23:06

Crazy indeed!
Only reason I asked their sex is because I thought Women stood up for each other, and not the scumbags that think a pregnant woman lied.
i’m gobsmacked

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From what I saw I don't think he thought she lied.

I think he just didn't give a shit that she'd been attacked, or that releasing the suspect could well lead to him attacking her again.

WandChoosesTheWitch · 01/10/2025 23:23

Dappy777 · 01/10/2025 22:19

I’m increasingly suspicious of the BBC and its motivations. It is a left-wing organisation, and the left have always disliked the police, who they regard as “tools of the capitalist oppressors.” It’s hard to imagine the BBC exposing ANTIFA or Just Stop Oil, put it that way.

You see their left-wing bias everywhere. Radio 4 can’t even discuss Jane Austen or Tennyson without linking them to slavery or colonialism in some way.

Personally, I don’t think we give the police anywhere near enough credit or support. The majority of police officers I have met have been thoroughly decent men. If I had to deal with vicious, ignorant, foul-mannered little scumbags day in day out I’m sure I’d blurt out horrible and offensive things as well.

Edited

I don’t trust the BBC at all. The bias in their news coverage is appalling and once you can see it, it’s hard to unsee.

However, occasionally they do manage to do excellent reporting. This is one of them. The other I can think of is Hannah Barnes when she investigated the Tavistock Clinic for Newsnight. It really seems to depend on the production team.

Yes, there are problems with the Panorama programme, the guy in the pub seems a bit drunk but he said what he said and he sounded like he believed what he said. On balance though, it was a great investigation that highlighted the problems at the Met.

ETA: minor change for clarity.

AnAlpacaForChristmasPleaseSanta · 01/10/2025 23:23

Bloodyscarymary · 01/10/2025 23:11

Yes I understand that, and the consequences of breaking the code should be that your police career is over. The consequences for the young officers in this documentary will be much wider reaching than just the loss of their job.

Most commenters seem too disgusted by the content of their opinions to find the 1984 style implications uncomfortable though.

As you say, god knows what’s happened to people in their custody because we certainly don’t as the documentary didn’t bother to actually uncover much of that - which would have made a better documentary than the implication that we should all just expect constant surveillance and that anything we say, even in private and sometimes even without context, can and should be aired by the BBC!

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I mean one sure fire way not to be broadcast on national telly saying racist, mysoginistic shit is to not be saying it in the first place.

I'm bewildered that you are so upset that these people have had their privacy violated rather than by the blatantly racist crap they were spouting.

TempestTost · 01/10/2025 23:23

i think the main thing with a question like this is not to let it be emotional.

Not just "I feel sorry for them".

But also not "they are tossers/racists/vile so they deserve what they get."

I do think there are real questions around what kind of private conversations it's ok to secretly record and broadcast. Even public servants and political figures are entitled to privacy, so there is a line. Where is that line is something that has to be discussed in a rational way, without sentimentality or a desire for revenge being part of the picture.

ChattyGuy · 01/10/2025 23:22

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curious79 · 01/10/2025 23:22

Some of what these officers say is horrendous. Equally, some of it is very reasonable and balanced and sounds like a pure observation of the problems they see around them.

TartanMammy · 01/10/2025 23:21

No I don't feel bad for them. They should be called out for the racist, misogynistic, beings that they are. They were showing there true colours in that footage.
Policing is a career that requires certain values and behaviours the are inherent in you as a person, and not something you can switch on or off whether you are on duty or not.

My job involves supporting victims of certain crimes and this documentary is not in the slightest bit surprisingly or new to me or any of my colleagues, we already know the issues with the police. It's not just a few bad eggs.

Change2banon · 01/10/2025 23:21

YABVVVVU. It was sickening to watch, they were vile. That poor 17 year old autistic boy 😞 I’ve no sympathy at all for their names and faces being spread all over. I’ve been on the receiving end of the ‘power’ and solidarity of the uniform, and it’s fucking disgusting.

placemats · 01/10/2025 23:20

Dappy777 · 01/10/2025 22:19

I’m increasingly suspicious of the BBC and its motivations. It is a left-wing organisation, and the left have always disliked the police, who they regard as “tools of the capitalist oppressors.” It’s hard to imagine the BBC exposing ANTIFA or Just Stop Oil, put it that way.

You see their left-wing bias everywhere. Radio 4 can’t even discuss Jane Austen or Tennyson without linking them to slavery or colonialism in some way.

Personally, I don’t think we give the police anywhere near enough credit or support. The majority of police officers I have met have been thoroughly decent men. If I had to deal with vicious, ignorant, foul-mannered little scumbags day in day out I’m sure I’d blurt out horrible and offensive things as well.

Edited

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/X56rQkDgd0qqB7R68t6t7C/seven-things-you-need-to-know-about-antifa

Have a read to assuage your suspicious mind.

Mansfield Park is a dark novel by Jane Austen that explores many topics that were troubling, mainly slavery, colonialism and the wealth it provided the landed gentry.

BBC Radio 4 - Seriously..., Seriously... - Seven things you need to know about Antifa

The anti-fascist movement has been making the headlines, but what is it?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/X56rQkDgd0qqB7R68t6t7C/seven-things-you-need-to-know-about-antifa

Happyjoe · 01/10/2025 23:20

WoodenBoat80 · 01/10/2025 23:17

Do I feel sorry for the Met police.. No.
As a victim of domestic violence and rape living in London I could write an essay on the grossness inside there police force, Or I could shut up and let them speak for themselves…..

Am so sorry for all of your experiences and I admire your comment. Indeed, let them dig their own hole. Take good care. x

ilovesooty · 01/10/2025 23:20

Norugratsatall · 01/10/2025 22:11

You feel bad for them?! After the filth that has come out of their mouths?! I’ve just watched this with incredulity. The Met is toxic and rotten to the core. It’s frightening, terrifying. These are people we are supposed to trust…god help any of us if we find ourselves in London needing the assistance of the police. You are most definitely being unreasonable.

I heard extracts on the radio. They deserved everything they got and I can't understand sentiments expressed by @Bloodyscarymary .

sugarapplelane · 01/10/2025 23:19

Happyjoe · 01/10/2025 23:16

Yeah, would've been nice but I think on a whole people have just become more crazy.. and unpleasant regardless. And yeah, don't think solidarity is a thing anymore.
I see comments like that one you spotted and just shake my head in disbelief!

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I despair of people at the moment, I really do.
That poster sunk to a new low.

Happyjoe · 01/10/2025 23:18

Bloodyscarymary · 01/10/2025 23:11

Yes I understand that, and the consequences of breaking the code should be that your police career is over. The consequences for the young officers in this documentary will be much wider reaching than just the loss of their job.

Most commenters seem too disgusted by the content of their opinions to find the 1984 style implications uncomfortable though.

As you say, god knows what’s happened to people in their custody because we certainly don’t as the documentary didn’t bother to actually uncover much of that - which would have made a better documentary than the implication that we should all just expect constant surveillance and that anything we say, even in private and sometimes even without context, can and should be aired by the BBC!

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They were nothing but criminals themselves, kicking defenceless people, abusing power? Racism? Do you want to protect all criminals from going out on TV/documentaries?

edwinbear · 01/10/2025 23:18

If I had to deal with vicious, ignorant, foul-mannered little scumbags day in day out I’m sure I’d blurt out horrible and offensive things as well

I think plenty of occupations have to deal with this. Retail, healthcare, airline staff…they seem to manage without the sheer contempt for people the Met show - and seen to get away with.

Arrrrrrragghhh · 01/10/2025 23:18

Jellycatspyjamas · 01/10/2025 22:37

When those views impact their ability to do their job, to treat people with respect and dignity, to apply the law without fear or favour? Or do you think they go on duty and suddenly shed that racist, misogynistic mindset?

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That’s being professional though. It’s part of having everything you do at work recorded and open to scrutiny.

The Police are dealing with the very worst aspects of society. I’m sure all those involved would also be able to relate stories that restored their faith in humans too over a pint . But that’s not such explosive telly.

WoodenBoat80 · 01/10/2025 23:17

Do I feel sorry for the Met police.. No.
As a victim of domestic violence and rape living in London I could write an essay on the grossness inside there police force, Or I could shut up and let them speak for themselves…..

TheyCanFuckOff · 01/10/2025 23:17

YABU
They deserve everything they get, They absolutely should be named and shamed. They think they’re invincible but they’re not. Evil bastards!

The officer I feel sorry for is the female one who was horrified when her senior male officer dismissed the fact that some thug tried to kill a woman’s baby by kicking her pregnant belly.The female police officer felt like she couldn’t speak up about his dismissive attitude because he has stripes on his shoulders. Unfortunately she will be easily identified by the others she works with. I hope the senior male officer has female relatives, wife , daughter who can now see what a vile specimen he is.

That poor 17 year old lad with autism / adhd being restrained by eight officers at one point and later held down for a couple of hours by three officers? And why, because he threw a pillow at them,

I hope the corrupt officers lose their jobs and their livelihoods because that is what they deserve.

Happyjoe · 01/10/2025 23:16

sugarapplelane · 01/10/2025 23:06

Crazy indeed!
Only reason I asked their sex is because I thought Women stood up for each other, and not the scumbags that think a pregnant woman lied.
i’m gobsmacked

Show quote history

Yeah, would've been nice but I think on a whole people have just become more crazy.. and unpleasant regardless. And yeah, don't think solidarity is a thing anymore.
I see comments like that one you spotted and just shake my head in disbelief!

alfonzi · 01/10/2025 23:15

Shakemesexy · 01/10/2025 22:00

They are the police. One group of people you’d expect to behave in a civilised manner. You feel sorry for the racist misogynists? Fucking hell

40% agree apparently. WTF

Dancelikeyoumeanit · 01/10/2025 23:14

GreenSedan · 01/10/2025 22:16

The programme makes a point of saying that many officers there are good public servants who are doing their best in challenging circumstances. The arseholes caught on camera being racist misogynists deserve to be named and shamed.

I absolutely despair that you feel sorry for them.

These people aren't selling fucking paperclips for a living. They have an extraordinary level of power over ordinary people's lives. The standards that they are (supposed to be) held to are in place for a bloody good reason.

Agree completely, utterly shocking that anyone can have an ounce of pity for such vile behaviour ,dangerous beliefs ,abuse of power from public servants

Dogaredabomb · 01/10/2025 23:11

Do you behave like that? I don't, it's perfectly easy not to be as disgusting as those creeps.

maudelovesharold · 01/10/2025 23:11

I just thank heavens our police don’t routinely carry firearms, given what one particular thug, passing for a policeman, said he would do with his…

Original poster

Bloodyscarymary · 01/10/2025 23:11

RisingSunn · 01/10/2025 22:47

But police have to follow their code of conduct when on and off duty! God knows what they've done to ethnic minority suspects in their custody - or what their female colleagues have had to endure!

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Yes I understand that, and the consequences of breaking the code should be that your police career is over. The consequences for the young officers in this documentary will be much wider reaching than just the loss of their job.

Most commenters seem too disgusted by the content of their opinions to find the 1984 style implications uncomfortable though.

As you say, god knows what’s happened to people in their custody because we certainly don’t as the documentary didn’t bother to actually uncover much of that - which would have made a better documentary than the implication that we should all just expect constant surveillance and that anything we say, even in private and sometimes even without context, can and should be aired by the BBC!

OP posts:

lazyarse123 · 01/10/2025 23:10

Dappy777 · 01/10/2025 22:19

I’m increasingly suspicious of the BBC and its motivations. It is a left-wing organisation, and the left have always disliked the police, who they regard as “tools of the capitalist oppressors.” It’s hard to imagine the BBC exposing ANTIFA or Just Stop Oil, put it that way.

You see their left-wing bias everywhere. Radio 4 can’t even discuss Jane Austen or Tennyson without linking them to slavery or colonialism in some way.

Personally, I don’t think we give the police anywhere near enough credit or support. The majority of police officers I have met have been thoroughly decent men. If I had to deal with vicious, ignorant, foul-mannered little scumbags day in day out I’m sure I’d blurt out horrible and offensive things as well.

Edited

Fucking hell. The bbc didn't make the disgusting bastards say the things they said, they just highlighted them.
Pp are right you should be ashamed as should the police who think like this lot.

CheeseyOnionPie · 01/10/2025 23:10

Dappy777 · 01/10/2025 22:19

I’m increasingly suspicious of the BBC and its motivations. It is a left-wing organisation, and the left have always disliked the police, who they regard as “tools of the capitalist oppressors.” It’s hard to imagine the BBC exposing ANTIFA or Just Stop Oil, put it that way.

You see their left-wing bias everywhere. Radio 4 can’t even discuss Jane Austen or Tennyson without linking them to slavery or colonialism in some way.

Personally, I don’t think we give the police anywhere near enough credit or support. The majority of police officers I have met have been thoroughly decent men. If I had to deal with vicious, ignorant, foul-mannered little scumbags day in day out I’m sure I’d blurt out horrible and offensive things as well.

Edited

That is the whole point though - if you would be unable to refrain from blurting out horrible offensive things then you’re not suited to the role and you should not be allowed to do it.