A Policeman's Plight

A Policeman's Plight As a very new Probationary Constable to the Metropolitan Police, London, England, I was posted with experienced Constables on a daily basis. The object is to learn about the area covered by the Station the hot spots requiring special attention and more importantly, how to walk the beat. After having been taken before the Discipline Board and found guilty (see article “My First Offence”) other Officers avoided me initially, as much as possible. One day I was posted with PC Bill Patton, an Officer with over 25 years experience, about 6’ 2” and weighed about 210 lbs. Bill did not like young Probationers and called them “Whipper-Snappers”. First of all he would not speak to me, except to tell me to walk two paces behind his great big steps. It was hard going. He did not speak to me or tell me anything. In the canteen for breakfast, I found out that Bill was in the Merchant Navy for a number of years so I asked, “Mr. Patton, have you been to Vancouver?” He looked at me sideways and stopped eating. “Have you been to New Westminster?” he said. “Yes, many times” “Oh, yes. Then where is it?” “Not far from Vancouver on the Fraser River in B.C.” “My boy you have been to sea!” “No. I lived in Vancouver” Then we talked about the times when he was aboard ship, he would not stop talking. Once out on the street, I was allowed to walk beside him and listen to his exploits. We were walking down one of the main streets, when he pointed to a car parked on the other side of the road and said “Report the driver for parking in a No Parking area for 15 minutes” “But” I stammered “We have only just seen the vehicle” “What time did it start to rain?” “I don’t know” “15 minutes ago. So report him for process as it is dry under the car” Quickly, I completed the necessary documentation. This was an education. I learnt where to obtain the best cup of tea, very important; the shortcuts; back alleys; where to keep dry in inclement weather; how to keep observation while in uniform; always wear a cape in wet weather, so that you can place your hands in your pockets; etc. I was very lucky to have such a good grounding in Beat Duty. He was a real character who was well known, liked and respected in the Community. They all called him Mr. Patton. These characters are gone forever. Officers drive about in fast cars with no time to talk to the general public, shopkeepers, etc. The nearest we come to the days gone by is the Home Beat Officer, who is posted indefinitely to one Beat and only police that area. Some people called this the “Good Old Days” but I am not so sure, as the Police of today will say the same thing in 40 or 50 years time.