Different strokes

We wonder why the policeman who reportedly was misbehaving at the public concert at Queen’s Hall recently was not arrested and charged by the police officer who was called to the scene by a Queen’s Hall usher, particularly as the misbehaving cop reportedly engaged the investigating officer in a stand-off? Had such behaviour come from an ordinary citizen would  the police have acted so leniently? We do not think so and we are certain neither does the public.

Whether the misbehaving policeman has been suspended, transferred or whether the Commissioner of Police has ordered the matter investigated is little satisfaction or comfort to the ordinary citizen who already has a perception of the police that is less than satisfactory. In fact, the outcome to date of the Queen’s Hall event only reinforces the public view that the police take care of their own whether by way of cover up or exercise different rules when the offender is one of their own. That this could extend to unruly behaviour in full glare of a Queen’s Hall audience only adds to public mistrust of the police — mistrust that the police service as a whole could do without at this time of serious crime.

We cannot for one minute believe that had a civilian behaved in a similar manner he wouldn’t have been promptly arrested and charged and would have been called upon to answer before a magistrate where his guilt or innocence would have been determined. We strongly believe that there has to be one rule that applies to all, be it policeman, soldier or civilian. In fact, those who belong to the security services bear a greater responsibility for good behaviour and observance of the law. Today this is simply not the case and adds to the lack of confidence in those who are there to protect and serve. Sadly, we could do without such feelings in these times.