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WARNINGThis post may offend anyone who believes in the integrity of the British Police and the Justice system in general. I well advise you to not bother reading it and find something else more to your personal beliefs.
In its response to a Department for Transport (DfT) consultation on the use of fixed penalties, the Magistrates' Association warned that police would misuse the proposed new powers.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090818...g-6323e80.html
Police have criticised a warning by magistrates that they should not be given the power to issue on-the-spot punishments for careless driving.
"This is a proposal that places the convenience of the police above what is right in principle, may coerce innocent drivers into accepting a fixed penalty, and is certain generally to downgrade careless driving in terms of offence seriousness."
Mr Hunt Cooke, a retired accountant who has served as a magistrate in north Hertfordshire for 13 years, said the offence was subjective and required both sides to be heard in court to assess the seriousness.
(The Police don't or wouldn't abuse their power of discretion now would they? Did he actually mean innocent rather than downgrade?)
Chief Superintendent Derek Barnett said
"Frankly, it is amazing and disappointing that they should be so stereotypical about police officers and impugn their professionalism, their judgment, and their integrity."
WHAT A LOAD OF BOXXOCKS
In its response to a Department for Transport (DfT) consultation on the use of fixed penalties, the Magistrates' Association warned that police would misuse the proposed new powers.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090818...g-6323e80.html
Police have criticised a warning by magistrates that they should not be given the power to issue on-the-spot punishments for careless driving.
"This is a proposal that places the convenience of the police above what is right in principle, may coerce innocent drivers into accepting a fixed penalty, and is certain generally to downgrade careless driving in terms of offence seriousness."
Mr Hunt Cooke, a retired accountant who has served as a magistrate in north Hertfordshire for 13 years, said the offence was subjective and required both sides to be heard in court to assess the seriousness.
(The Police don't or wouldn't abuse their power of discretion now would they? Did he actually mean innocent rather than downgrade?)
Chief Superintendent Derek Barnett said
"Frankly, it is amazing and disappointing that they should be so stereotypical about police officers and impugn their professionalism, their judgment, and their integrity."
WHAT A LOAD OF BOXXOCKS