PROPOSAL
Criticism and misrepresentation of policing, in news broadcasting, is often unchallenged and thereby pervasive. Rectifying this long standing problem will make a significant contribution to reducing the shocking and growing number of assaults on police officers, because hostile attitudes within some sections of society will improve.Televised conversations based on incomplete film of incidents, provided by objectors, is a frequent problem. The primary message to deliver in most of these situations, should be that discussion before all the facts are assembled, is imprudent. There are opportunities here, though, to mention the marvellous work of officers, and to emphasise the importance of principles of behaviour towards the people who keep us safe. It is also an opportunity to begin to dispel a notion harboured by too many people: “Assaults on police officers are part of their job. It’s what they are paid for.”
Some television news reporters defame the police by misrepresenting statistics. However, monitoring output and developing good channels of communication will enable change.
I am not a police officer, but throughout my life I have worked to overcome issues of injustice blighting the lives of others. For example, 18 months ago, I was told that a police officer had been bitten by a violent suspect while apprehending him. I was outraged to learn that the suspect had the power to withhold medical information, and thus sentence the officer to months of anxiety, marital hardship, and unpleasant medical treatment, not knowing if the suspect had transmitted HIV and/or hepatitis. Recurrence is inevitable unless a new law is made to compel disclosure. I began to work towards this goal by persuading a national newspaper journalist to write an article drawing attention to the plight of officers in these situations. In the wider context of overcoming misrepresentation, it will be necessary to establish good relations with all news editors and to signal availability to be interviewed at any time and without notice.
HOW TO HELP
I am in discussion with senior representatives of the Police Federation. Let’s encourage them to adopt the proposal by demonstrating support for it. Support can be in the simple form of a ‘yes’ in the subject bar of your email. Views and enquiries, though, are very welcome. Only the number of respondents will be disclosed, not names/addresses nor contents of messages.