UK police sledding on riot shields

Subject: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: open mike
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 02:27 PM

police officers in britain have been reprimanded for sledding
on their riot shields in oxford (or oxfordshire?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhaozqnZpAc

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: open mike
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 02:28 PM

oops -- should be in B.S. (bobbies on shields?)

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: GUEST,999
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 02:34 PM

Well at least they weren't sledding on Brook!

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: Jeri
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 02:36 PM

If there aren't any riots at the moment, why not?

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 02:45 PM

The article at MSNBC quoted a "bystander" as saying the arrival of the bobbies sort of scared him. He thought they came by to object to his sledding in a kayak.

He did say they seemed to be having fun, and that article implied that the chief "reproached" their behaviour but didn't "reprimand" anyone. A frown (for the sake of decorum) rather than a slap on the wrist?

John

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: gnu
Date: 16 Jan 10 - 02:46 PM

Huh? Unauthorized fun using government issued equipment? Everyone will want the government to supply them with same for sledding?

How odd.

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 09:42 AM

Just an example of the way in which our police are capable of moments of genuine empathy and connection with those they serve.

Instead of reproach, they should be held up as an example of how to win hearts and minds.

Don T.

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: Leadfingers
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 09:59 AM

Reminds me of the story re Sidmouth Festival L N E , when someone realised that there were going to be SIX policemen at Shift change , and had a word ! The result was six coppers doing Bean Setting with their truncheons , and an Official Reprimand for drawing said Truncheons for Innappropriate use , despite the EXCELLENT P R ramifications !

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 10:04 AM

I don't think they were on duty at the time

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=100000656589412

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 10:22 AM

Good for them!

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 11:11 AM

Reminds me of a bad ice storm we had in 2003. I had a plumber come give me a quote on replacing a burst hot water tank, and he drove super slow to get to my place because the streets were a sheet of ice. He had a tank with him and the stuff, and though his price was high, I had him do the work simply because he'd worked so hard to get here.

As he headed down my straight front walk to his truck, I saw the rapid shift to little boy as he reached a smooth stretch and did a little two-step and standing slide down the path.

PLAY is a shared human experience, and a shortcut to finding something in common. The fact that they were willing to break their necks sliding down a steep hill on those tiny little disks connects with a lot of people in a way many other approaches wouldn't (and probably makes their chiropractors happy, as well!)

SRS

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: jacqui.c
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 11:52 AM

A much nicer use for those shields than the original one.

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 12:09 PM

What fun!

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: Lox
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 02:47 PM

"Just an example of the way in which our police are capable of moments of genuine empathy and connection with those they serve.

Instead of reproach, they should be held up as an example of how to win hearts and minds."


I find myself agreeing with Don T more and more these days. This was almost exactly what my reaction was.


... I'll still be voting for Ken though when he runs to regain office ... :-)

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 05:40 PM

Agreed.

And I think Ken (Livingstone that is) is sharp enough to have recognised that this was something where the policemen involved should have been slapped on the back rather than slapped on the wrist.

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: Ebbie
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 05:47 PM

Just a what if: What if one of them had become injured in their play? Would the police department insurance cover them?

Oh, wait- This is in the UK. They are covered already.

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 05:54 PM

Since using the shields as sledges wasn't part of their police duties there wouldn't be any question of the police or their insurers being liable for any injuries.

But then, as you say Ebbie, you don't need commercial insurance to get medical treatment in the UK, Or most countries outside the USA for that matter...

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 06:05 PM

Good on them. Shows they are human.

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 17 Jan 10 - 11:43 PM

Same sad old story where the Police are concerned - damned if they don't, damned if they do. They should be applauded, not criticised, for showing their human face.

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 05:28 AM

But the criticism in this case seems to be only coming from the managers within the police. Or perhaps just from a particular manager.

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 06:30 AM

Well he should know better. Obviously one of the PC-Loony-Brigade. (Pun intended).

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 07:53 AM

I thought it was a good way for people in a community to be able to identify with the police and see them as more approachable. Those riot shields are pretty strong; it won't have done them any harm!

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 08:19 AM

I'm not sure about this. It's a slippery slope if you ask me. What if they got their helmets plastered in snow?

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 10:24 AM

Me too Eanjay. Maybe the 'manager' who objected did so on Elf 'n' Safety grounds, sounds just about daft enough.

Subject: RE: UK police sledding on riot shields
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 11:35 AM

If a slide down a slope like that could have done any damage to the shields than they would obviously be very badly constructed shields, and the sooner that is brought to the attention of the relevent people the better.

It all sounds more like a pompous twit obliging a reporter with a quote.