It sounds as if you're suggesting that because the police spend so much unnecessary? time on motorists it could be a reason for them not spending time in detecting and apprehending real criminals? I'm fairly certain that some of those motorists will be crims on the run, I'm also certain that those in uniform chasing motorists are a different breed from detectives and the two aren't necessarily interchangeable.
I don't know if it's necessary for police to be present in swarms outside pubs and clubs but if they get a tip off that there might be trouble, a lone policeman -or even two- would hardly be enough if there was.
"Bobbies on the beat" Hmm? Bring back the days when people had respect for them, eh? There are areas where it would be out of the question for them to walk around -unless, perhaps, you think they'd benefit from carrying guns?.................and let's say they manage to get these young -soon to be grown up- criminals to court. What then? I've seen my friend's late husband, on numerous occasions, come in from work and say "I don't know why I bother". He's taken a guilty youth into court for the umpteenth time only to have him let off after which he's turned round and smirked. Haven't you said, several times, Lookout, that you're always on your guard? Against what? The only stabs you're likely to get here are verbal. Came you really blame police for having a similar attitude as a defense mechanism.
I totally agree that there could be better training to recognize mental illnesses and diabetes.
I note that you take a dim view about bobbies on the beat ? There was nothing wrong with it in my time ? As for police being armed----God forbid.Even trained ones have been known to shoot the wrong person.
So because of your view on bobbies on the beat would mean that the streets are too dangerous ? Why do you think that is ?
Years ago we didn't have this PC crap and the hands of police officers and school-teachers weren't tied,but because of all the rules,regulations and extra paperwork it put a stop on good old discipline. Instead of a good old-fashioned cuff round the ears of a cheeky youth,out comes the notebook and a mouthful of abuse from the offender and before you know it there's a first class fight as one antagonises the other. Police also need to visit the homes/backgrounds of offenders.
Teachers exclude a disruptive pupil ( which is music to the ears of the pupil ) instead of rapping him over the knuckles with a ruler which hurts and above all humiliates him-----a lesson to be taught.Lack of a proper upbringing and respect makes criminals.