Mind how you go
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Not only are police officers younger these days, but they are ruder as well. Both phenomena are illusions, of course, fostered in the first case by the effect of the passage of time on the observer and in the second by the increasing propensity of British citizens to stand up for their rights. The Police Complaints Authority upheld 156 allegations of incivility last year.
Nevertheless, it would make sense if trainee officers were to attend classes in how to be magnificently dismissive without resorting to swearing, abuse or offensive behaviour. These would involve reading the collected works of Enid Blyton, with special reference to the Five Find-Outers (and Dog). After which, fully-fledged professionals could safely be sent out on the beat to deal with time-wasters and smart alecs with a loud "Gah!" And to send loiterers, spitters and traffic-cone throwers on their way with a well-timed "Clear Orf!"
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments