Its been a while since I last wrote.
In the USA the Presidential fight is hotting up. Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton appear neck and neck, so the next week or two will be interesting. John Mccain seems to have it for the Republicans. It seems our media in the UK are giving more coverage to the USA elections than to our own elections when they come about.
The Bank of England has cut the UK base rate by .25%. That should help the markets slightly. Savers wont be happy though.
Sir Ronnie Flanagan, HMI of Constabulary has said there is too much paper work in the Police. Yes he is right, its only what people have been saying for years. When I joined the police in 1976 I would go out on patrol with just a pocket book, a pad of HO/RT/1s (traffic document producers), a pad of fixed penalty tickets, some accident books, and some summons books, all in my pocket. A simple file for drunk, or shoplifting, etc would be about 5 sheets of paper plus statements, and could be completed quite quickly. Now, or when I retired, there were forms for everything to carry, so I had to be issued with a bag to attach to my belt to take all these. Then back in the station what used to be a simple file takes hours, with about 20 forms, plus statements,plus trips to the CPS lawyer, fingerprints, photos, DNA, etc etc. I'm so glad I retired from it all, and so are most of my ex colleagues who have left. The Home Office really ought to get a grip of this paperwork, and they will find they have enough Police Officers to patrol the streets, and be able to get rid of alot of the PCSO's, thereby saving money. End of gripe.
England won at fottball on Wednesday night. A good result of Fabio Capello. There were some good displays by Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Jermaine Jenas, and others. It justified leaving out Beckham, Micheal Owen and some others. Beckham should not be picked, as Capello is building for the next tournament. If a player is not match fit, then he should not play, regardless of whether he is on 99 caps or 9. The team should be picked on merit, not sentimentality.
Showing posts with label Police. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Police. Show all posts
Friday, 8 February 2008
Thursday, 10 January 2008
Newsy Bits and Things.
Hilary Clinton fought back, and took the New Hampshire caucus. She only just pipped Barack Obama though. Next month should be the big deciders, I think 22 states votes on the same day. A bit different to our elections in Britain.
Gerry and Kate McCann, Madelaine's parents are taking about making a docu film about her disappearence in Portugal. A big mistake, they will loose the publics sympathy completely if they do. It seems a strange course of action to consider.
Jeff Stewart, the actor who plays Reg Hollis in the Bill on TV is alleged to have slit his wrists after being told he is being written out of the show. A shame as I like old Reg, probably because he was different. In real life after seving so long, most Police Officers can't wait to leave the job. Isn't TV so unlike the real life.
Peter Hain, the govenment Minister has to try and explain how £100,000 of donations slipped the net in his bid to be Deputy Prime Minister. Probably say it was an admin error, from a man who helps to run the country. Its like Gordon Brown stating the other day he was not an accountant, if that is the case what qualified him to be Chancellor of the Exchequer, and run the finances of this country. What a state this country is in. Now he has taken to playing celebrity, inviting David Beckham to no 10. What will he contribute to the running of the nation, Education Minister or something.
Gerry and Kate McCann, Madelaine's parents are taking about making a docu film about her disappearence in Portugal. A big mistake, they will loose the publics sympathy completely if they do. It seems a strange course of action to consider.
Jeff Stewart, the actor who plays Reg Hollis in the Bill on TV is alleged to have slit his wrists after being told he is being written out of the show. A shame as I like old Reg, probably because he was different. In real life after seving so long, most Police Officers can't wait to leave the job. Isn't TV so unlike the real life.
Peter Hain, the govenment Minister has to try and explain how £100,000 of donations slipped the net in his bid to be Deputy Prime Minister. Probably say it was an admin error, from a man who helps to run the country. Its like Gordon Brown stating the other day he was not an accountant, if that is the case what qualified him to be Chancellor of the Exchequer, and run the finances of this country. What a state this country is in. Now he has taken to playing celebrity, inviting David Beckham to no 10. What will he contribute to the running of the nation, Education Minister or something.
Thursday, 27 December 2007
Deaths and other news
The biggest news item is the murder of Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Why can't people leet the electorate decide, or are they scared of what the popular vote will do, and so take matters into their hands. I just hope Pakistan does not turn into a bloodbath as a result of this murder. She was a courageous lady, as I'm sure she must have known this was likely to happen at some time.
Also a Police Officer died on duty in Wembley, London. The officer from the Metropolitan Police was assisting with a domestic incident and died. It seems like a heart attack, but the post mortem will show the cause of death. My thoughts go to his family and colleagues.
The football had a lot of sendings off. 17 I think, 3 of them were from the Luton team. Matbe the Xmas spirit was still in their bodies. Good win for Spurs though 5-1. A few more like that and should start to move up the table. Bradford City and Lincoln played each other for the first time since the Bradford fire. On that day I was policing a football at Huddersfield, against Portsmouth I think, when a call went out for all our van drivers to go straight to Bradford. we soon knew why.
Worked today, just for four hours. It was very quiet. I just had one property to view at Bradley. Tomorrow I'm not working, and neither is Jill, whoopee!!
Also a Police Officer died on duty in Wembley, London. The officer from the Metropolitan Police was assisting with a domestic incident and died. It seems like a heart attack, but the post mortem will show the cause of death. My thoughts go to his family and colleagues.
The football had a lot of sendings off. 17 I think, 3 of them were from the Luton team. Matbe the Xmas spirit was still in their bodies. Good win for Spurs though 5-1. A few more like that and should start to move up the table. Bradford City and Lincoln played each other for the first time since the Bradford fire. On that day I was policing a football at Huddersfield, against Portsmouth I think, when a call went out for all our van drivers to go straight to Bradford. we soon knew why.
Worked today, just for four hours. It was very quiet. I just had one property to view at Bradley. Tomorrow I'm not working, and neither is Jill, whoopee!!
Sunday, 23 December 2007
Greed and Holiday Misery
Well, amazing isn't it. The Government rfefusess to give the Police their full pay award, but yet the greedy MP's are wanting their full inlation busting pay recommendation. It looks like one rule for one, and another rule for the others. It's not just Labour party MP's either, the Conservatives seem to be just as bad. MP John Butterfill stated the MP's have an official review body, and he hopes the Government will agree with the Review bodies recommendations. I bet he does. Lets face it MP's get a good salary, alot of expenses, including help with buying a second home (to sell at a profit later), long holidays, and a pension second to none. I hope Gordon Brown applies the same rules to these spoilt, privileged few.
I feel sorry for those poor people whose Xmas holiday plans have gone up in smoke. A travel firm has collapsed, and ceased business. The company Travelscope, employs over 200 people who have lost their jobs. Not the best of times.
I feel sorry for those poor people whose Xmas holiday plans have gone up in smoke. A travel firm has collapsed, and ceased business. The company Travelscope, employs over 200 people who have lost their jobs. Not the best of times.
Thursday, 20 December 2007
Mobile Phones and other bits
The Crown Prosecution service wants people who use mobile phones whilst driving to be sent to prison. It seems abit draconian, as burglars, thieves, robbers etc do not always get that sentance. As an ex police officer my opinion and that of many officers is not very favourable towards the CPS. Yes, using the mobile is wrong when driving. Is any phone call really that important.
My son has been at Pulse Radio again today, and after Xmas will be reading the news for five days. His Japanese girlfriend seems to be settling quite well with us, and is enjoying the build up to Xmas.
Today at the estate agents I had five properties for viewing. Its quite nice looking round other peoples properties. Tomorrow I am day off from work, then just Saturday to work before Xmas.
I see the three Guantanamo Bay British residents have been released for US military custody. One is wanted in Spain, and is back in custody under an International Warrant. He may be going to Spain, to answer matters there. It remains to be seen if the Government will allow them to reside in this country, as none of the three are British citizens.
Finally it looks like a Briton is going to be released from the US where he has been on Death Row for 20 years. Apparently he was at one stage one hour from execution, having had his hair shaved etc. prior to the electric chair. His conviction has been ruled unsafe, and he has pleaded no contest to manslaughter instead. He is expected back in Britain soon. Lucky fellow!!
My son has been at Pulse Radio again today, and after Xmas will be reading the news for five days. His Japanese girlfriend seems to be settling quite well with us, and is enjoying the build up to Xmas.
Today at the estate agents I had five properties for viewing. Its quite nice looking round other peoples properties. Tomorrow I am day off from work, then just Saturday to work before Xmas.
I see the three Guantanamo Bay British residents have been released for US military custody. One is wanted in Spain, and is back in custody under an International Warrant. He may be going to Spain, to answer matters there. It remains to be seen if the Government will allow them to reside in this country, as none of the three are British citizens.
Finally it looks like a Briton is going to be released from the US where he has been on Death Row for 20 years. Apparently he was at one stage one hour from execution, having had his hair shaved etc. prior to the electric chair. His conviction has been ruled unsafe, and he has pleaded no contest to manslaughter instead. He is expected back in Britain soon. Lucky fellow!!
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
More Data Lost etc
Oh dear, another Government agency has done it again. The DVLA has lost 3 million records on disc in Iowa. What on earth were they doing in Iowa? There should be a Ministry of Incompetence, mind you it will need loads of staff. That will reduce unemployment. It may even find jobs for the 165,000 asylum seekers who may be given an amnesty to stay!!!!!
The Government Home Affairs dept has advised the Home Office to give the Police their pay rise in full, but the Home Secretary says no. Upon her head be it. I'm sure she, and her fellow MP's will for go their rise when it is due, and keep below the Government figures, and pigs might fly.
England have made a steady start in the Test match. Lets hope tomorrow will see Sri Lanka out cheaply, and England bat well.
It looks like the two murders in West Yorkshire may be detected, two charged and at court in Dewsbury, and one in custody in Huddersfield for the Holmfirth murder.
The Government Home Affairs dept has advised the Home Office to give the Police their pay rise in full, but the Home Secretary says no. Upon her head be it. I'm sure she, and her fellow MP's will for go their rise when it is due, and keep below the Government figures, and pigs might fly.
England have made a steady start in the Test match. Lets hope tomorrow will see Sri Lanka out cheaply, and England bat well.
It looks like the two murders in West Yorkshire may be detected, two charged and at court in Dewsbury, and one in custody in Huddersfield for the Holmfirth murder.
Thursday, 13 December 2007
PM, parties, and views
The last two days have produced a drawn test match. I think Sri Lanka outplayed us. Nuf said.
England have a new football coach.. This time an Italian. It seems that English football suffers with too many foreign players, and coaches. I think the top six clubs all have foreign coaches (I include Scotland is foreign for this purpose).
Gordon Brown did an amazing disappearing act. He arranged a meeting after the date had been set for signing the European treaty, and was not there for the signing in Portugal, sending a boy to do the mans job. Why didn't Brown go? Does he not agree with the treaty? Was he worried he has sold us down the river to Brussels? Is he ashamed at back tracking on a referendum? Was he scared to append his name to it? Or was he just showing bad manners to the other European heads?
Poor old Jacqui Smith the Home Secretary, another debacle, this time with figures of persons given permits to work in the security industry, even though they should not have been in the country. The words in a brewery, a p**s-up, organise, couldn't, spring to mind.
Went to a good Xmas party with my wifes colleagues from Dewsbury Ambulance station last night to Leeds Royal Armouries. An excellent venue, good DJ, brilliant night.
Today is my dad's birthday. He is called Owen and lives in Guernsey, where I come from initially. He too was a police officer before he retired. Runs in the family. Work for me at the estate agents was pretty quiet, so I delivered leaflets. And thats it for today.
England have a new football coach.. This time an Italian. It seems that English football suffers with too many foreign players, and coaches. I think the top six clubs all have foreign coaches (I include Scotland is foreign for this purpose).
Gordon Brown did an amazing disappearing act. He arranged a meeting after the date had been set for signing the European treaty, and was not there for the signing in Portugal, sending a boy to do the mans job. Why didn't Brown go? Does he not agree with the treaty? Was he worried he has sold us down the river to Brussels? Is he ashamed at back tracking on a referendum? Was he scared to append his name to it? Or was he just showing bad manners to the other European heads?
Poor old Jacqui Smith the Home Secretary, another debacle, this time with figures of persons given permits to work in the security industry, even though they should not have been in the country. The words in a brewery, a p**s-up, organise, couldn't, spring to mind.
Went to a good Xmas party with my wifes colleagues from Dewsbury Ambulance station last night to Leeds Royal Armouries. An excellent venue, good DJ, brilliant night.
Today is my dad's birthday. He is called Owen and lives in Guernsey, where I come from initially. He too was a police officer before he retired. Runs in the family. Work for me at the estate agents was pretty quiet, so I delivered leaflets. And thats it for today.
Tuesday, 11 December 2007
More News and Views
Well , my last day off, back to work tomorrow for 2 days.
I see there is abit of a furore over single manned fast response ambulances today. These are purely a way of meeting times. Alot of these fast responders are technicians, not paramedics, and some of the emergencies they get to, they are not trained to deal with, so a two man ambulance has to be called. Also the fast responders do not have faciliteis to transport patients to hospital, so a two man ambulance will have to attend, as well. Again this defeats the object of the exercise. There is also the aspect of safety for the single manned vehicle. Sometimes an innocuous incident may not be all that it seems. One person on their own is vulnerable. All this just so taht Ambulances Trusts can meet times. Its a bit like cooking the books, but wait, who is responsible for setting targets, THE GOVERNMENT.
Looks like Mr and Mrs Darwin will be having turkey care of Her Majesty over Christmas, a bit different to the sun kissed coast of Panama. You pays your money, you takes your chances.
The PM, or his representative is going to Portugal to sign the EU Treaty. Apparently, according to all the foreign heads of state and politicians, this is just the old Constitution, but called a treaty. According to HM Government it is a different document altogether. With the Governments ability to tell the truth, I will leave it to your imagination as to who is being sparse with the truth.
The Police are going to discuss asking for the ability to strike. It is a shame that a service with such a proud history has been reduced to this. it will be a sad day if the Police get the right to strike. I blame the Home Secretary and the Home Office for this. All to save a few bob.
Finally, the Test Match is heading towards a disaster, unless we can get alot of cheap wickets tomorrow. If Sri Lanka get a big lead, then we may go 2-0 down, unless the batters shine.
I see there is abit of a furore over single manned fast response ambulances today. These are purely a way of meeting times. Alot of these fast responders are technicians, not paramedics, and some of the emergencies they get to, they are not trained to deal with, so a two man ambulance has to be called. Also the fast responders do not have faciliteis to transport patients to hospital, so a two man ambulance will have to attend, as well. Again this defeats the object of the exercise. There is also the aspect of safety for the single manned vehicle. Sometimes an innocuous incident may not be all that it seems. One person on their own is vulnerable. All this just so taht Ambulances Trusts can meet times. Its a bit like cooking the books, but wait, who is responsible for setting targets, THE GOVERNMENT.
Looks like Mr and Mrs Darwin will be having turkey care of Her Majesty over Christmas, a bit different to the sun kissed coast of Panama. You pays your money, you takes your chances.
The PM, or his representative is going to Portugal to sign the EU Treaty. Apparently, according to all the foreign heads of state and politicians, this is just the old Constitution, but called a treaty. According to HM Government it is a different document altogether. With the Governments ability to tell the truth, I will leave it to your imagination as to who is being sparse with the truth.
The Police are going to discuss asking for the ability to strike. It is a shame that a service with such a proud history has been reduced to this. it will be a sad day if the Police get the right to strike. I blame the Home Secretary and the Home Office for this. All to save a few bob.
Finally, the Test Match is heading towards a disaster, unless we can get alot of cheap wickets tomorrow. If Sri Lanka get a big lead, then we may go 2-0 down, unless the batters shine.
Sunday, 9 December 2007
Sports, News and Views
Well, Sunday and day off.
I see Ricky Hatton lost in the tenth round. Still the lad deserves all the praise for going that far. Amir Khan had a quick win 72 secs, he should be in line for a World title fight soon.
Football results pretty predicatable, apart from Liverpool losing to Reading. Hope Spurs win today.
England made a solid start in Test, good to see Vaughan do well, and Cook get some runs. Hope Collingwood and Prior get a good partnership going tomorrow. Sri Lanka will make them work for the runs.
Mrs Darwin, of the canoe and Panama fame, arrived back at Manchester airport in the early hours, and now is receiveing hospitality, courtesy of the local constabulary.
The Police Federation are kicking up about the pay award. All my service from 1976 onwards, the pay award has always been dated from 1 Sept, but the Jaqui smith the Home Secretary says from 1 Dec. This is shabby treatment of a service that cannot legally strike. It serves the Government right if officers refuse to work overtime (although some officers always will), check all vehicles properly before taking them on the road, read all briefing items thoroughly before commencing patrol, and such like. This is the same Government that has increased MP's pay many times above the the inflation levels, gives huge expenses to MP's, and takes advantage of numerous perks, but the poor Police officer out in all weathers, working shifts, dealing with drunken, drugged aggressors, fatal accidents etc gets the thin edge of the wedge. The government seems to deal with the Police, Fire, Ambulance and Military in a very shabby way, and here I mean the rank and file. The senior officers seem to do OK if they bend the way of the politicians. We always used to say senior officers went to Bramshill to have their spines removed.
End of gripe.
Weather in Huddersfield, Yorkshire seems alot milder today. It tried to snow abit yesterday, as well as pouring down.
I see Ricky Hatton lost in the tenth round. Still the lad deserves all the praise for going that far. Amir Khan had a quick win 72 secs, he should be in line for a World title fight soon.
Football results pretty predicatable, apart from Liverpool losing to Reading. Hope Spurs win today.
England made a solid start in Test, good to see Vaughan do well, and Cook get some runs. Hope Collingwood and Prior get a good partnership going tomorrow. Sri Lanka will make them work for the runs.
Mrs Darwin, of the canoe and Panama fame, arrived back at Manchester airport in the early hours, and now is receiveing hospitality, courtesy of the local constabulary.
The Police Federation are kicking up about the pay award. All my service from 1976 onwards, the pay award has always been dated from 1 Sept, but the Jaqui smith the Home Secretary says from 1 Dec. This is shabby treatment of a service that cannot legally strike. It serves the Government right if officers refuse to work overtime (although some officers always will), check all vehicles properly before taking them on the road, read all briefing items thoroughly before commencing patrol, and such like. This is the same Government that has increased MP's pay many times above the the inflation levels, gives huge expenses to MP's, and takes advantage of numerous perks, but the poor Police officer out in all weathers, working shifts, dealing with drunken, drugged aggressors, fatal accidents etc gets the thin edge of the wedge. The government seems to deal with the Police, Fire, Ambulance and Military in a very shabby way, and here I mean the rank and file. The senior officers seem to do OK if they bend the way of the politicians. We always used to say senior officers went to Bramshill to have their spines removed.
End of gripe.
Weather in Huddersfield, Yorkshire seems alot milder today. It tried to snow abit yesterday, as well as pouring down.
Saturday, 8 December 2007
Day Off and Back to Work
Yesterday was my day off, so I did some shopping, tidying around etc. Pretty boring stuff. Today I am back at work.
Spoke to my parents last night. They live in Guernsey. For any-one not familiar with it, Guernsey is one of the Channel Islands, and is situated nearer to France than England. It also happens to be my birth place.
My youngest son also rang from London where he is studying journalism - broadcasting at the University of Westminster for his Masters degree. My eldest son is a teacher of modern languages in Stockport.
The news, well the Darwin family seem to feature alot, the tale gets worse and worse.
The race fixing trial collapsed, and Kieron Fallon has had his case dropped. The trouble with sport is that when large betting syndicates get involved, then allegations appear.
The Daily Mail had an interesting piece in it yesterday about incompetent or inept Police Chief Constables. I agree with alot of their comments. The chiefs seem to get too involved in politics, social issues, instead of fighting crime, and preserving the peace. Law enforcement seems to have gone down the list of their priorities.
Spoke to my parents last night. They live in Guernsey. For any-one not familiar with it, Guernsey is one of the Channel Islands, and is situated nearer to France than England. It also happens to be my birth place.
My youngest son also rang from London where he is studying journalism - broadcasting at the University of Westminster for his Masters degree. My eldest son is a teacher of modern languages in Stockport.
The news, well the Darwin family seem to feature alot, the tale gets worse and worse.
The race fixing trial collapsed, and Kieron Fallon has had his case dropped. The trouble with sport is that when large betting syndicates get involved, then allegations appear.
The Daily Mail had an interesting piece in it yesterday about incompetent or inept Police Chief Constables. I agree with alot of their comments. The chiefs seem to get too involved in politics, social issues, instead of fighting crime, and preserving the peace. Law enforcement seems to have gone down the list of their priorities.
Tuesday, 4 December 2007
Changes of Fortune
Well it looks like England have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. They let Sri Lanka get away with a large second innings, and then lost an early wicket. Lets hope the final day is better than hoped for, and some of the batsmen get a good score.
The Labour donations scandal has continued, Peter Hain forgot several donations he received in his deputy leadership campaign. It seems alot of people are forgetting things, and getting found out.
Northern Rock management has done its shareholders proud, I see. They have announced staff benefits for good work giving a minimum of about £1,700 bonus, plus more for senior officials. That must be great comfort to shareholders who have seen their shares fall from about 1100p to 100p in a matter of weeks.
Today has been another day off. Had a photographer at the house today. Cant say why, but all will become apparent some time in the future.
Tonight I am off to a meeting of National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO). Yes you may have guessed I am a retired Police Officer, and proud of it.
My wife, Jill is at a cultural evening in Batley following on from her latest trip to India. she will be getting some food provided, probably nice spicy Asian food yum, yum.
The Labour donations scandal has continued, Peter Hain forgot several donations he received in his deputy leadership campaign. It seems alot of people are forgetting things, and getting found out.
Northern Rock management has done its shareholders proud, I see. They have announced staff benefits for good work giving a minimum of about £1,700 bonus, plus more for senior officials. That must be great comfort to shareholders who have seen their shares fall from about 1100p to 100p in a matter of weeks.
Today has been another day off. Had a photographer at the house today. Cant say why, but all will become apparent some time in the future.
Tonight I am off to a meeting of National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO). Yes you may have guessed I am a retired Police Officer, and proud of it.
My wife, Jill is at a cultural evening in Batley following on from her latest trip to India. she will be getting some food provided, probably nice spicy Asian food yum, yum.
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