Leveller, I know too many genuinely innocent chaps in their 20's/30's who have been harassed quite provocatively by ignorant and ambitious young coppers, for it not to be something that does not regularly happen - around here anyway. Late hours combined with an 'alternative' appearance seems to be an inevitable trigger. They *always* assume that star-gazers or bird-watchers are thieves and drug-fiends. And they are not pleasantly mannered about it either. Dread to think what it must be like for Blacks in the city.

I understand your son is a part of the force, and it is an essential and intrinsic part of a democratic society. But I'm sure you raised him to maintain a tolerant attitude to broader society and treat 'people' as 'people' not stereotypical figures of suspicion. But when some guys get into the system, I think that any such ideals can become err less important, and any pre-existing native prejudices to 'difference' can become dangerously inflated and compounded. I think Tam's point too, is a good one.