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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think the police are useless?

353 replies

RainbowsAndCrystals · 01/10/2017 22:43

In my 20s I've been around many people that have had bad experiences with them and say how useless they are.

Something happened to me a month ago and it was caught on cctv.

Firstly the police said I had to get the evidence myself. So I had to ask around for cctv ... very difficult when people don't want to be involved and you're someone with zero authority.

Now a month later and they still haven't bothered to look at the footage.

It's so disheartening and almost like they have sided with the criminals.

OP posts:
AtSea1979 · 01/10/2017 22:45

I don't think it's 'the police' as such. More a totally lack of funding and resources. They are completely stretched to breaking point and you have to be in a complete 999 situation to get anywhere with them.

AVirtuousLife · 01/10/2017 22:47

You do realise they are stretched to breaking pint right?

You heard the statement from the senior ACPO officer (?) a couple of weeks ago who said the Police were at crisis point?

PinkHeart5913 · 01/10/2017 22:47

With all the cuts that government have made to the emergency services I guess they have to proprieties crime and deal with the most serious first understandably.

Original poster
RainbowsAndCrystals · 01/10/2017 22:52

Well I feel unless you're in a situation where the police are currently involved then you might feel differently.

What if your child was mugged at knife point and a month later nothing had been done?

OP posts:
Unihorn · 01/10/2017 22:55

I've had contact with them on several occasions through incidents that have happened at my business and always found them quick and helpful. I assume this could be down to a regional thing.

Snoopysimaginaryfriend · 01/10/2017 23:00

Yabu

I'm sorry you had a bad experience but not all police are useless.

I'm a police officer and, not wishing to toot my own horn, I've gone over and above the call of duty numerous times. I've saved people's lives, had my own life threatened, been punched, kicked, bitten. I've been a nurse, carer, paramedic and social worker when those services weren't there for people. I've dealt with incidents you couldn't imagine. Numerous times I've put my job before my personal life and I know hundreds of other officers who have done the same thing.

Sorry for the rant but I'm tired of being told that all police are useless. You'd be sorry if we all disappeared.

MumsOnCrack · 01/10/2017 23:01

They obviously have more serious things to worry about, no? Prioritisation with the resources they have.

MumsOnCrack · 01/10/2017 23:02

All the police men and women I have had any contact with have been helpful, friendly, supportive and have done what they could.

Neverknowing · 01/10/2017 23:02

My sister was jumped by five girls and was in hospital and almost died. She also had to be in therapy for months which cost my father a lot of money. The girls weren't even spoken to by the police despite it being on CCTV. I get the police are stretched but that's disgusting?! I'm sorry you've had a bad experience and you deserve so much better 😓
The people making the decisions to underfund the police are the same people who will never be affected by the cuts (see also the NHS) because they have their own security team. You're not allowed to feel safe anymore! It's actually extremely scary, there are no repercussions. You only go to prison if you're a tax avoider or it directly affects the government.

Neverknowing · 01/10/2017 23:03

I don't think police are useless btw. I think they're trying but keep being knocked down 🙁

Alittlepotofrosie · 01/10/2017 23:03

The op hasnt said what's happened to her so how can you say the police are dealing with more serious crime?

Rufustherenegadereindeer1 · 01/10/2017 23:03

When the police had to check cctv for something to do with dd they were great

But obviously you have had a bad experience so no wonder its tarnishing your view

MumsOnCrack · 01/10/2017 23:03

I get what you're saying neverknowing BUT anyone who's voted Tory knows they are going to be underfunded! So, actually, its our fault.

Rufustherenegadereindeer1 · 01/10/2017 23:04

I am incensed by cuts to the NHS as well as the police

MumsOnCrack · 01/10/2017 23:05

Because that's exactly what they do.

Stabbing...on it!
Murder...on it!
Threatened with a knife...meh
Stolen bike...meh

seasidesally · 01/10/2017 23:08

yanbu

RunningOutOfCharge · 01/10/2017 23:11

Yabu

BulletFox · 01/10/2017 23:12

Personally I've found them good - I can imagine if you feel frustrated they haven't looked at cctv evidence it might be yhe obverse

ParkheadParadise · 01/10/2017 23:16

My dd was killed in 2015.

The police did absolutely EVERYTHING they could to bring the bastard to Justice.

Our FLO was available to us 24hrs.

They had evidence and cctv.

When the jury returned a not proven verdict, the police were devastated and fucking angry. They spent months putting that case together.

So no I don't think the police are useless.

Redglitter · 01/10/2017 23:16

They're stretched now to total breaking point. People would be horrified if they knew the number of cops out on patrol in some areas. We start our shift with few enough resources but then they're sent to sit up at hospitals with people. Watch prisoners etc. Victims of minor crimes ate most definitely getting a poor service but trust me police officers/staff are just as frustrated as the public. Sadly I can't see it changing any time soon

greatminds · 01/10/2017 23:17

Sometimes I wonder about priorities. My DP was pulled over for no reason at all apart from it being a random check. He was breathilised by a police officer, who quite frankly was rude and made us feel like we had done something wrong (we hadn’t).

They were just set up shop pulling people over.

Redglitter · 01/10/2017 23:18

Unfortunately another knock on effect is in cases like the OP the officers who have it for enquiry are just unable to get any time to do enquiries either

greatminds · 01/10/2017 23:21

Oh and on that show ‘can’t pay or we’ll take it away’ it’s shocking how often they call the police just for the police to explain yes they have a high court writ and can enter the property and take goods etc.

Rachie1973 · 01/10/2017 23:21

No I don't think the Police are useless.

My Dad and Brother were both Police Officers, the abuse they took daily made me wonder why anyone would put themselves through it.

I'm glad they're both retired, I think the cuts have made it an almost impossible job.

That said I also have a Nurse Mother, another brother and son who are Firefighters, a sister in law paramedic and a social worker sister. All undervalued by the government and many of those they serve.

BackforGood · 01/10/2017 23:22

YABU.
I'm sorry you have had a bad experience.

I have been frustrated at lack of action on several occasions (where things have affected either me, my family, or friends).
However, I am aware they are stretched to breaking point (as so many public services are), and those who are working for the police - for the overwhelming majority - are doing a fantastic job whilst being completely under-resourced. I am sure every single member of staff is frustrated by the limitations they are working under, but that doesn't mean they are useless by any means. Quite the opposite in fact.

Oh, and I don't know anyone that works in the police force, so this isn't a personal defence thing. I am just aware of the fact the country is on high terrorist alert, and there are so many ways the police are being pulled and stretched that just weren't there 20 or 30 years ago.

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