Should On-Duty Police Officers Decorate Themselves In Such A Way?

[anotheoldgit]

Recently British Muslim social and political activist Anjem Choudary questioned a police officer about a HELP FOR HEROES wristband that he was wearing.

I wonder what he would have to say about this.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/06/27/20/2A073F8000000578-3141562-image-a-7_1435432482457.jpg

[Baldric]

But they were in Face Paint not Riot Gear.

[ummmm]

Police officers join in and they get the crowd on side. An aggressive stance makes for an aggressive crowd.

[New Judge]

100% with Baldric and baza.

The police are not at these events to "join in". If these events must be held (and I struggle to see the necessity for a "Gay Pride" march, but that's by the by) the police are there to ensure that order is maintained.

You don't see police at football matches engaged in the mindless chanting and gesticulations that seem to accompany that tedious game. Why they should feel the need to "join in" this event is quite beyond me.

On the subject of the "Help for Heroes" bands, I struggle with them as well. I give to a few (carefully chosen) charities but I don't feel the need to wear a badge to show that I have done so. Or is the bracelet just a show of moral support?

[Baldric]

They weren't aggressive, they were/should have been neutral.
I assume you've never worn a Uniform (Burger King doesn't count) there are rules. If they want to play with their friends do it when off duty, do not compromise the Uniform.

[mikey4444]

This was a celebration, not a demonstration. The Police were in attendance as they always are at big public events. There aren't any pros or antis to keep apart. It was just a lot of people enjoying themselves at a very colourful street event.

I expect that there were many people there that were not gay but attended
because they wanted a great day out. It seems that one of the reasons that the Police were in attendance was the possibly threat of a terrorist attack, a wise precaution to take in this day and age.

Why can't people stop moaning !

[Prudie]

"I assume you've never worn a Uniform (Burger King doesn't count)"
Who is that aimed at?

[Baldric]

The Question was

///Should On-Duty Police Officers Decorate Themselves In Such A Way?///

I have just given my opinion, what is wrong with that?

[Baldric]

Anyone who doesn't understand what a Uniform means

(other fast food outlets are available)

[bazwillrun]

"They should remain neutral day to day but not when policing an event like gaypride."

why whats so special about gaypride ?.....

[Broseph]

/With that kind of thinking, perhaps they should also black-up to prove they have no problem with blacks or perhaps the female officers should wear a Niqab to prove that they have no problems with Muslims?/

You have to hands down win the award for being the most funniest guy on the internet.

I eagerly await your annual Notting Hill Carnival rant where nuggets of gems such as "Should our police officers be seen dancing and smiling with nhc goers?"

Look this isn't the film robocop or the wizard of oz and our police officers aren't metallic moronic monsters with empty tin hearts but are normal people who can smile,dance and talk with the rest of us cockroaches as and when they please as this builds trusts,crosses bridges and encourages community spirit to the dismay of the cohorts you've probably marched with/voted for.

[Prudie]

Nothing at all, the Burger King remark was surprisingly derogatory from you that's all. I just hope it wasn't aimed at me because you are way off mark.
I've also given my opinion which seems to have been misunderstood. I see it as part of the pre-planning for the event - don't go in riot gear, we want this to go off peacefully, show we are not looking to incite trouble but to protect the public, blend in if you want, even show support if you want. Don't the police also do this kind of thing at the Notting Hill Carnival for example?

[anotheoldgit]

ummmm

/// I don't agree, Baldric. They should remain neutral day to day but not when policing an event like gaypride. It's joining in. ///

Why just events such as Gaypride they are on-duty police officers paid to make sure that the law is enforced and to protect the public, it is not in their job description to 'JOIN IN'.

[Baldric]

Prudie, it was meant to get a point across not to be derogatory.

[Maydup]

Remain neutral about what Baldric? There are no sides to take, Gay Pride is a celebration not a protest. I see no reason why members of the police force cannot celebrate too, and be proud enough to do so in their uniforms.

I'd like to see a few footballers do the same on the pitch, but that's a step too far yet.

[New Judge]

"Don't the police also do this kind of thing at the Notting Hill Carnival for example?"

Yes they do. And more's the pity.

[Svejk]

Personally I don't think the Police should be ingratiating themselves with any groups, or individuals come to that. They should, imo, remain somewhat apart, which is after all the point of wearing a uniform. There isn't the respect for the Police today that they used to have and no wonder.

[mikey4444]

Maydup...well said at 13:10...seems common sense to me.

[ummmm]

Do you not think when police join in celebrations it keeps things calm?

[bazwillrun]

"Gay Pride is a celebration not a protest"

so its ok to have straight pride celebrations is it...Im proud that im not a homosexual and I want to make sure everybody knows it !