We are all
very much aware of the apparent contempt that the coalition Government seems to
hold for policing in this country, each time we hear one of our political
masters use the expression `You are the finest police service in the world` we
then hold our breath in anticipation of the next line which usually details
what they are going to do to us next and in doing so continue their program of
dismantling the service that is the envy of the world. Last year we saw police
officers rescue the security operation for the Olympics at the eleventh hour
and in doing so demonstrate to all sensible commentators that policing cannot
be sold to the lowest bidder – to do so gambles with the safety of our
communities. The first responsibility of Government is the safety of the people
who put them in office, not the pursuit of profit for private shareholders.
