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Should I complain about this Police person on my neighbour's behalf?

9 replies

DomDoesWotHeWants · 18/07/2020 12:11

Elderly neighbour in her mid 80s can mostly look out for herself but has been shielding and still is due to a health condition. We live in a village where not a lot happens, just to set the scene.

I and another neighbour have been ordering her food online for delivery and making sure she has what she needs. I've been shielding as well but am venturing out now. She has chosen to stay where she feels safe she has a lovely garden and says it's enough for now. If I have to go inside I wear a mask and so does she, to reassure her. She has a notice in her window by the front door that says she is shielding.

There was a break in a few doors down last week and a PC and a PCSO were knocking on doors asking if anyone had seen or heard anything. When they knocked on her door she had to tell them to stand back before she would open it wide. Neighbour had seen a car driving up and down the lane a few times before the break in. Other people had seen it as well and they wanted her to make a statement. She said she would rather they didn't come into the house, pointing to the notice. She said she would be happy to write down what she saw and they could collect it later.

One of them really pushed it and tried to insist. This person has a reputation for being officious and it isn't the first time the mark has been overstepped. Neighbour eventually said they could go round the side of the house into the garden and she would see them there. Which is what happened.

She's still quite upset by it, not least because she almost agreed to let them in because they were so insistent. Neither was wearing a mask, or offered to wear one.

She wondered if I'd "have a word" with someone senior because she felt quite intimidated. I said she'd done the right thing and has been assertive and would be again. But she feels mithered by it.

Should I leave it or "have a word"?

OP posts:
DomDoesWotHeWants · 18/07/2020 12:11

Gawd that was long, sorry.

OP posts:
StartingGrid · 18/07/2020 12:30

I think I'd definitely be inclined to, it sounds like the officer needs reminding of manners if nothing else!

custardbear · 18/07/2020 12:34

I would definitely ring and put somethjng in writing to the senior most person in the station - that type of behaviour needs addressing - they'll need to distance themselves for sometime yet, and whilst I'm sure they can't do so much with certain people, in this situation it was really important they listened and acted accordingly - what difference would it make them them!

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mornington2020 · 18/07/2020 12:51

I think you should. Not just good manners but the police need all the help they can get, which ill manners will not achieve.

DomDoesWotHeWants · 18/07/2020 12:55

I think you are all right. I should. I get very defensive of my friend and I was worried it would be an overreaction.

It isn't the fist time, as I said, so a word seems a good idea, without making it formal.

OP posts:
Shizzlestix · 18/07/2020 13:08

The police had no right to try and insist on coming in. They could easily have spoken to her from a distance. I think sometimes some officers barge in without thinking that people are entitled to refuse entry (entry can be effected if they believe a wanted person is inside or to prevent harm, otherwise they can’t just come in)

dappledsunshine · 18/07/2020 13:31

I think it's a bit of an overreaction. It's probably not ideal trying to take a statement on the doorstep, maybe there's issues about confidentiality and being overheard?

They may have tried to persuade her to let them in but in the end they compromised and went into the garden.

WorraLiberty · 18/07/2020 13:36

Bloody hell I know I'm missing the point here but I wish the Met could spare police officers to do this sort of thing.

'A car driving up and down a lane' would be neither here nor there even if a house has been broken into.

And seeing as though other neighbours saw it too, there would be absolutely no reason to take a statement from this woman.

Now back on topic....Blush You would not be unreasonable to give them a ring and remind them how to treat vulnerable residents.

EstherLittle · 18/07/2020 13:48

@WorraLiberty

I had a similar thought to you. At the height of lockdown there was a huge party in the house next door to us that went on for 8 hours and despite half the street calling it in no one from the met turned up.

But yes OP I think you should talk to someone higher up about this as it’s unnerved your friend and that’s not the point of the police when talking to a witness.

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