It isn't just the police. Every aspect of public life is becoming snowed under with paperwork, ie the NHS. I rest my case. Part of our compensation culture, I guess.
Even before I retired from the NHS,I can remember heaps of litigation cases coming in then,in the early 90's. Many,might I add,were something and nothing.In fact I was appalled by some and would have been quite astonished if they'd reached anywhere near a courtroom.
The compensation culture is another fiery viewpoint that I don't hold with,as it's had a massive impact on society in every workplace,and although my views on the police are pretty controversial,I do feel sorry for them at times,especially when they're dealing with troublesome people,that they have to be so careful not to use undue force,only that which is permissible. They must feel like punching the lights out of some of their " customers ",but leave them with the tiniest mark and the police then fall foul of being sued.
Teachers the same,with unruly kids. This compensation culture has created the state of society that we live in. Whoever thought of that one needs hanging.