Monday, 9 April 2018

JUST A THOUGHT - ON BRITAIN'S STREET VIOLENCE AND 'STOP AND SEARCH.' PART 2.








Of course, it can be difficult for the police to 'establish such just and reasonable cause before the fact.' 

Since, in contemporary, and arguably, enlightened societies, 'having a hunch' that a person is probably 'upto no good. ' And intervening to check out if that is the case, no longer carries any or as much weight. 

In today's enlightened societies, life is very complex and, oftentimes, seems to be very contradictory. 

There are the human rights, the 'democratic' and the 'political correctness' principles and criteria to be met. 

At least, as best they can, while, hopefully, maintaining a proper 'balance' between competing and, in some cases, apparently equally desirable objectives.






The bold police officer who might prudently approach an individual or group of individuals to 'check that all is well.  

And that they are not carrying knives or guns which could result in lives being violently taken later on. 

Could provoke a response which he/she feels threatened by, and lead to a confrontation between the law and the citizenry.  Which might not have otherwise occurred. 

It could also result in citizens who have not committed any offence/s, being charged with offences. 

Which have resulted from the manner of the police intervention, and how both parties deal with the dynamics arising from any heated, indignant, or assertive response of the confronted citizenry.  




If understanding and goodwill on both sides are not sufficiently present, then, it could result in an avoidable escalation. 

There is a need, almost a prerequisite, as the case with customs and immigration control at airports.  

For there to be a 'strong social contract between the police and the citizens and society', that 'stop and search' operations will be done in mutually respectful, fair and sensitive manner. 

And that, at the end, if no indication or evidence is found that the citizen has or intended to carry out any unlawful activity. 

The police will apologise for inconveniencing and/or being perceived as offending, if that becomes a reasonably indication, the citizen, and thanking him/her for their cooperation.

To be continued!






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