If police aren’t investigating crime, what exactly are they doing?

[MyAmusedOpalCrab]

I keep seeing reports about police forces being stretched, backlogs of cases, and victims being told their crimes won’t be investigated. At the same time, we hear about officers spending time on things like social media monitoring, diversity training, or non-crime “interventions.”

Obviously, some of this is necessary but if solving actual crimes isn’t the priority, then what is? What exactly are they being paid to do if not investigate crime?

AIBU to think policing has lost its way? Or am I missing something?

In Liverpool last weekend they were dealing with demonstrations and protesters.

Or going for jogs in the hope somebody wolf whistles....

Telling off shop keepers for having a sign calling thieves scumbags

You're missing something, or probably more likely listening to the wrong people

Depends what is deemed as a crime ?

Well in my town yesterday they were cornering cyclists in the pedestrian zone then letting them go after a finger wag. No time for the shoplifting junkies mere steps away of course.

Sunday Mail had a quiet day today did it? Priti, acknowledge you failed

Aren’t they painting rainbows on their cars and dancing about with minority groups?

I think policing has changed just as the world has changed. More and more legislation has been introduced over the years meaning the list of potential crimes someone could commit has increased- meaning more work for police to do. At the same time, funding has been reduced.

The introduction of the internet for example introduces a whole new realm of criminal activity that needs policing.

I meant things like burglary, assault, theft, even car crime. Crimes where there’s a clear victim and often evidence but they’re still not followed up. I get there’s nuance but if those aren’t priorities anymore, what is?

Most callouts are for drunk and disorderly, antisocial, mental health and elderly. It takes up all their time.

We had to speak to police about something this weekend and they had come out and taken a statement within a hour of being reported.

Definately lost its way.
Sitting in A&E as the prisoner has claimed chest pain the minute they are arrested. Dealing with MH issues, concern for welfare as social services has had the report since Monday but it suddenly becomes a priority at 3pm on a Friday so pass it to the police, hours of paperwork for CPS to say no further action, refereeing between Dave and channelle who call the police to get one up on the other then are best friends but have caused no end of paperwork,
neighbour disputes because people don't work, spend too long in each other's pockets then it all goes wrong, facebook insults between kids that there parents won't sort. In fact anything apart from proper policing that 99% of officers signed up to and are just as frustrated.

But did they do anything with that statement?

Agree with the sentiment but I'm not sure how new a development it is really. Even 20 years ago when my mother's house was burgled she was sent on her way with just a crime reference number and not a whiff of investigation or follow up after she reported it.

Dealing with mentally ill people.

Was just about to add. I know a few people working for the ambulance service or ambulance call handling. Their estimate is that around 75% of calls are from time wasters. A lot of lonely people, people with mental health issues etc. sometimes these people refuse to speak or put down the phone, just blocking the lines so that, I guess, the heart attacks don’t get help. I suspect similar with police.

They are investigating crimes. But they are underfunded so they cant investigate all crime. Simple

Policing football matches and protests in our city

They deal with violent crimes, most of their time is spent dealing with DV and mentally unwell people. I know a couple of young police officers.

This.

Imagine how much policing could done if they didn't have to deal with pissed up idiots. Or having to attend pile ups because dickheads need to get somewhere and don't think red lights need to stopped at.

They're dealing with moronic members of the public who make their job a hundred times harder than it needs to be.

Don't point your finger at the police point it at your fellow members of society

The regular, uniformed police officers I know say they spend literally 99% of the job dealing with drunks, drug addicts and the mentally ill. It's not what they signed up for and it's very demoralising.

All the protests that have been prevalent just stop oil, the Gaza ones, protests outside asylum seekers hotels will have cost millions to police. Regardless of who anyone considers the ‘side of the angels’ in any of these protests they are there to stop both sides attacking each other. Then the police just end up being criticised by both. Maybe all protesters should be allowed to protest in a space cordoned off with zero police there.

In my area they seem to spend a lot of time at “family fun days” and similar.
I presume this is an attempt at public relations.

It is a stupid waste of resources but having met our community beat officer and her sidekick pcso I think it is about all they are fit for.

Responding to concerns for safety - a highly distressed individual about to take their life. The police respond to this far more than people realize & undoubtedly lives are saved. Then sitting in a&e or MH ward with them on a 136 while NHS piss around.

Missing persons - high risk missing people such as children & vulnerable people. Again undoubtedly saving lives.

Domestic violence & other 'hidden' serious crimes.

All the time the population is increasing, services that support the most vulnerable - children at risk, vulnerable adults, mental health, elderly are failing or non existent, but at the same time the numbers of officers are static or decreasing.

Policing is about much more than investigating crime - above all it is serving the public & protecting life & limb.

So many people on here coming at the police having no idea at all what is involved in their job, all probably getting their information from the same places. I'm not saying the police are above criticism or beyond reproach but honestly it's pathetic