Off Topic Politics Thread

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But while we wait for that to happen these little scum bags snatch mobiles and race down path ways to escape. Rather the crim gets hurt than a innocent child.


Well yeah, there is that.

But in a civilised society we rely on the law, responsibly enforced by trained professionals, to protect the innocent from harm. At the very least, this tactic is pushing at the boundaries of legality.

The one big reason the Met Police have repeatedly given for the way they are losing ground in the fight against street criminals, is the drastic cuts in police numbers since 2010. So maybe they are being driven towards extreme measures due to being starved of resources?

I'm not saying this tactic should be dismissed out of hand btw. I'm just saying the elected MP of a London constituency has the right to question it.
 
You're right mate the quicker she has more power the better.<laugh><laugh>


Who, Dianne Abbott?


I wish she'd stay in her box personally, she rarely helps anyone when she speaks out. But the amount of abuse the woman gets is way out of proportion to anything she actually says. If she was blonde and attractive she wouldn't draw half as much flak.
 
All I can say is that if I saw a thief on a moped in the act, I think I would be very tempted to knock him off his bike..............I saw one caught in London a few weeks ago. Although Im not sure if it was a lady or man that did it..............He snatched a handbag I understand.....a person further down the street saw it and managed to stick his/her umbrella through his spokes. He came off and two burly blockes just Sat on him until the law arrived. It was pouring with rain at the time and I understand the guy on the deck was screaming that he was getting wet!! Shame..........
 
It doesn't sit comfortably, even though there is a part of me that thinks "go on officer, show the little ****s".

Abbott is certainly right that no one is above the law. How this tactic sits in terms of it's legality will no doubt be tested when the first serious injury occurs, and a copper finds himself in the dock.

The point isn't about whether her concern about the tactic is right or wrong. It is her stating that the Police are not above the law. She is shadow home secretary and as the police reply states (rightly) this tactic is legal. Thus she should know that it is legal (being the shadow home secretary) and therefore they are not acting as if they are above the law.

The whole "contact" tactic is not just to get the criminal. It is mostly to stop a dangerous chase earlier so that there is less chance of the public being injured either by a speeding criminal, police that are following or by other motorists taking avoiding action. It isn't just to catch the criminal.
 
Vin this is very similar to a line that the racists you talk about oft' use. One about a religion and terrorists................and we know that one isn't true either.

What's the full quote? Don't assume I know it. I find it very hard to imagine a comment about religion that's racist.

Vin
 
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The point isn't about whether her concern about the tactic is right or wrong. It is her stating that the Police are not above the law. She is shadow home secretary and as the police reply states (rightly) this tactic is legal. Thus she should know that it is legal (being the shadow home secretary) and therefore they are not acting as if they are above the law.

The whole "contact" tactic is not just to get the criminal. It is mostly to stop a dangerous chase earlier so that there is less chance of the public being injured either by a speeding criminal, police that are following or by other motorists taking avoiding action. It isn't just to catch the criminal.

I disagree with your first point Imps, the law is rarely black and white as you suggest. Until, as I said before, a test case is brought before the courts in which the police tactic is challenged, I would imagine that at the very least this tactic pushes the envelope of legality. So it’s simplistic and inaccurate to say Diane Abbott doesn’t know the law.
 
I will look for the facts, but I seem to remember reading that in a car chase for instance, the police can use reasonable force to stop the chase if they fear danger to the public by it continuing. This includes ramming the car etc. I think the Met are just applying it here, and although in theory I am behind it, it is a bit of a grey area morally maybe.
 
The point isn't about whether her concern about the tactic is right or wrong. It is her stating that the Police are not above the law. She is shadow home secretary and as the police reply states (rightly) this tactic is legal. Thus she should know that it is legal (being the shadow home secretary) and therefore they are not acting as if they are above the law.

The whole "contact" tactic is not just to get the criminal. It is mostly to stop a dangerous chase earlier so that there is less chance of the public being injured either by a speeding criminal, police that are following or by other motorists taking avoiding action. It isn't just to catch the criminal.

It's not legal to injure criminals and if you land awkwardly from a moving moped you could sell break your neck so I think it's perfectly valid to question the legality of potentially lethal action.
 
I will look for the facts, but I seem to remember reading that in a car chase for instance, the police can use reasonable force to stop the chase if they fear danger to the public by it continuing. This includes ramming the car etc. I think the Met are just applying it here, and although in theory I am behind it, it is a bit of a grey area morally maybe.
I believe the standard action is to end the chase in those circumstances.
 
Who, Dianne Abbott?


I wish she'd stay in her box personally, she rarely helps anyone when she speaks out. But the amount of abuse the woman gets is way out of proportion to anything she actually says. If she was blonde and attractive she wouldn't draw half as much flak.

That last bit you sure?
 
Well she doesn't help herself, let's put it that way <laugh>
She’s still trying to shake off the reputation she gained for the poor interviews she gave in the last election campaign due to her struggle with her Type 2 Diabetes, but the reality is she’s a perfectly sound and articulate Shadow Home Secretary.

She was the first black woman to be elected an MP, which she should be celebrated for, but many have found it difficult to forgive her for it.

(Not you Archers)
 
Perhaps Mark has a medical condition. He's not very good at his job, but he's fair game to get hammered each week. He should make something up so he gets an easier ride.
Does that seem fair?
Not sure what your point is HR. Abbott’s medical condition isn’t made up, and she’s actually very good at her job.