Tuesday 16 October 2007

Gangs and Tags


On my division we have a gang problem. This is an occasion when I have to admit that the intel units and desk weenies were right and we were wrong. Four years ago they were telling us the gangs were rising and we had a growing problem.


Most officers on the street laughed at this. We knew most of the lads, the so called "gangs" who were just disorganised groups of disenfranchised youths hanging about outside the corner shops.


This has changed. The stabbings and shootings prove this. The stabbings are more and more frequent, sometimes multiple stabbings a week - sometimes multiple stabbings in a shift. And these are the reported ones, the vast majority don't come to the attention of the police until unofficially afterwards. Either the gangs have grown up nasty, or we just didn't see them coming.


If course, we're the idiots payed to get in the way of it.


It has started to pray on more and more officers mind in my team. I can tell this, not through the serious chats we have (they don't exist). I can tell this by the tone of the jokes, by the officers suddenly becoming acutely aware of exactly how many units we have on the street at any time, the fact that we are starting to wait for back up to certain calls (and still end up outnumbered and calling for urgent assistance) and by the fact that more and more I am seeing reluctance by us to get out of the car and "get in the faces" of large groups of people we know to be violent and armed.


A conversation we regularly have in the team is "I don't understand why these lads..." Insert the chosen topic here.


The thing is - I can understand being in a gang. It's what I do. I'm in the biggest gang in the area, although our gang doesn't have the numbers on the street like some of them do. It can be a little hairy when you're battling two fighting gangs, and you know for a fact that each of them numbers more than the entire available officers on the street.


But I know the attraction of being in a gang. When I call for help, when I press the orange button and shout for more units, I get a rush hearing the two tones. I get the biggest buzz at seeing my colleagues screeching tyres, leaping out and running up to assist me.


I get a buzz when someone else puts out an urgent assistance, and I see every officer drop their food, leave their wallets, their kit, their paperwork, their mobiles, and run for the first police car they can grab.


I know what it's like to have my "homies," and I KNOW they got my back.


I even like our tag - the flash of blue lights, the flickering of strobe. Our tag doesn't last as long, but when I see it reflecting off the wall at 0200hours in the arse end of town, I feel better. I feel like I belong, and we ARE the biggest and best.


So we have homies, we have our tags, we have our colours (mainly dark blue), and have our tunes (nee nar...). So I understand these gangs.


What I don't understand is beating the crap out of people, of large scale group robberies, of carrying weapons on the street for fun. Maybe I'm just getting old...





PS - For a laugh, read this blog - it's a collection of comments from the BBC news "Have Your Say" website. Hilarious, although maybe NSFW.

51 comments:

Anonymous said...

Best feeling in the world, two tones and running feet when you're in the sh*t!

Dark Side said...

Your not getting old, just better informed and realising the last two generations have been brought up with very little respect for anyone...mates included..x

Whichendbites said...

We have seen it coming but we have been making things appear to work for a long, long time. We are so intent on targets that we continually make the system work to keep our mates safe and happy, to keep our Sgt happy and so it continues. Our managers, in their constant efforts to promote the brand, promise more and more in an ever increasing cycle or producing more from less and less resources. We portray an image where have all the knowledge and resources to do anything and everything. SMT's and Politicians promise everything yet the resources to deal with this promised everything are not there. So we make the system appear to work and we suffer as a result. We can only do one thing at a time so lets do it properly. Then we move onto the next. We can prioritise but we must stop trying to deliver everything because we can't. Some things have to wait until we have the resources to deal effectively.
For the gangs we have been there and done that, no offences committed to close the job and move onto the next. The amount of calls we have somehow reflects on the quality. We have taken away giving time because itis deemed to be a waste. Time to hang around where these 'gangs' hang out and know them, know what they do. When they understand that the old Bill is out there, everyday, watching and learnig about them they are different. Not all good I admit, but they are different because they know, we know who they are. We have lost the career beat officers who know everything that is going on and know who everyone is. We have lost them because itis deemed a waste of resources and inefficient to use such an outdated method of Policing. These were the eyes and ears of the communities all across the country and by losing this valuable tool we have lost our vision of the community and our links with vast areas of our communities. Trendy and fashionable ideas took away the most important contact with communities. This cannot be replaced. A beat officer who worked on their beat everyday and often lived on their beat for most of their service had a true understanding of what was going on. No need for tension indicators or recognition of crime trends. People told them what was going on because they were part of the community, visible, easily accessible and would give people time to talk. Not the case now where contact is only sufficient to complete the relevant forms.

Metcountymounty said...

I know what you mean mate, my patch is where all these lovely boys and girls come to play, get pissed and spend their drug/robbery money and although we don't get as many trident shouts as you do its getting more and more frequent, and the knife crime is rediculous with everyone from Eastern europeans, chineses, asians, africans and good old home grown VEM's

Considering that we are only putting out a couple of vehicles nowadays on each division, exactly how hard is it for the people at Metcall to keep an ear on the radio and know exactly where we all are at any given point?? We do it anyway because we care if our mate is driving or walking into a particularly dodgy estate or road and I've heard the comment "sorry, we've just changed over, whats going on?" far too many times from them.

Anonymous said...

...and the situation is not going to get any better....

These gang members generally carry knives (and, in an increasing number of areas, firearms); seeing the effectiveness of the judicial system, they are not going to be averse to using them against Police officers...but you must know this, it is happening already.

It is well past time for frontline Police officers in Britain to realise that nowadays, in order to effectively police the country, you need to be routinely equipped with firearms.

If you do not have the will to accept that fact and the bottle to go forward on that basis, you are going to totally lose the streets, and you will need the Army to look after you whenever you leave the safety of your stations.

But I feel as if I am preaching to those who don't want to hear.

thoughts running through my head.... said...

YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO SAY 'GANGS' NOW!


;-)

Metcountymounty said...

Jeffery, what are you on? what you have said is pretty much what every Police blog and post have been saying over the last couple of years. The people that don't want to hear that are the ones with MP after their names, not PC in front of it.

Anonymous said...

MetCountyMounty

From my own visits over the years to British Police Forces (mainly in England) and from speaking to a considerable number of your colleagues, and from other assessments that have been made available to me (and indeed from what I have been reading on Police blogs) I think that there are a lot of serving British Police officers who would have a distinct reluctance to being routinely armed on duty.

I do not think I have ever met your good self, however, and I am pleased that you agree that routine arming of Police is going to be the way forward. Please do your best to persuade any colleagues who doubt this.

Take care.

Jeffrey
(not from any UK Police Force)

PCFrankyFact said...

Yo Area.
Es mi bario homes.
Its been a while since I was at the sharp end.
Now I just read it and hear it and the adrenaline still kicks in.
Stay safe.

Anonymous said...

Foggy: Yeh, simply Buy RS Goldjust come from BP, just about all his or her record adjusted, and the final communication scans just like a penultimate article, absolutely this GW2 Goldspecific can not be therefore.

Anonymous said...

Excellent, what a weblog it is! This weblog provides useful facts
to us, keep it up.

Feel free to visit my web page - funky fashion jewellery

Anonymous said...

Good day! I could have sworn I've been to this site before but after browsing through some of the articles I realized it's new to me.
Anyhow, I'm definitely pleased I discovered it and I'll be
book-marking it and checking back often!

Review my web page - Dominos vouchers uk

Anonymous said...

Good day I am so happy I found your weblog, I really found you by
mistake, while I was researching on Askjeeve for something else, Regardless I am
here now and would just like to say many thanks for a fantastic post and a all
round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don't have time to look over it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the superb job.

my website kitsch jewellery

Anonymous said...

Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News.
Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I've been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Many thanks

Here is my homepage; Car Insurance calculator

Anonymous said...

Hello I am so excited I found your site, I really found you by mistake, while I was browsing on Aol for
something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a marvelous post and a all round enjoyable blog
(I also love the theme/design), I don't have time to go through it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the awesome work.

Have a look at my site :: Dominos Vouchers 50 Off

Anonymous said...

Amazing! Its genuinely awesome piece of writing,
I have got much clear idea concerning from this article.

Have a look at my blog quirky jewellery Uk

Anonymous said...

Excellent pieces. Keep writing such kind of information on
your page. Im really impressed by your blog.
Hi there, You've done a fantastic job. I'll definitely digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends.
I'm sure they will be benefited from this web site.

Here is my website :: Vimhost.com

Anonymous said...

We're a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with valuable info to work on. You've
done a formidable job and our whole community will be grateful to you.


My site ... Fund accountant Salary

Anonymous said...

It's remarkable to visit this web site and reading the views of all colleagues regarding this post, while I am also zealous of getting know-how.

Feel free to surf to my site; free stuff for low Income Families

Anonymous said...

I drop a comment whenever I appreciate a post on a website or if
I have something to add to the conversation. Usually it is a
result of the passion displayed in the post I browsed. And
after this post "Gangs and Tags". I was actually moved enough
to drop a thought :-) I do have 2 questions for you if it's allright. Could it be only me or do some of these remarks come across like they are left by brain dead people? :-P And, if you are writing at other social sites, I would like to follow you. Would you make a list all of all your community pages like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?

Also visit my website :: Http://Courses.Migrantclinician.Org/

Anonymous said...

Greetings! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting
a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog
provided us valuable information to work on.
You have done a wonderful job!

Also visit my web site Uk market research companies

Anonymous said...

Awesome things here. I'm very glad to look your post. Thank you so much and I am having a look forward to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?

my webpage: dominos uk deals

Anonymous said...

Thanks in support of sharing such a nice thinking, piece
of writing is pleasant, thats why i have read it fully

Feel free to visit my site - http://www.mentefeliz.info/read_blog/46653/ideas-to-using-coupons-and-saving-as-much-as-possible

Anonymous said...

Pretty portion of content. I simply stumbled upon your website and
in accession capital to claim that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your weblog posts.
Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I fulfillment you access persistently
quickly.

Also visit my page :: 2013 Car insurance calculator

Anonymous said...

Does your site have a contact page? I'm having a tough time locating it but, I'd like to shoot you an email.
I've got some ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it improve over time.

Feel free to surf to my web page :: http://blackblade65.blogspot.fr/2013/02/swiftcover-dishonourable.html

Anonymous said...

I have read so many posts regarding the blogger lovers except this article is really a good post, keep
it up.

Here is my web page: fashion Jewellery

Anonymous said...

Fastidious response in return of this difficulty with solid arguments and
describing everything on the topic of that.

my web-site Www.Livinginchescopa.Com

Anonymous said...

Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful article.
Many thanks for providing these details.

Also visit my weblog - dominos uk Vouchers

Anonymous said...

certainly like your website but you have to take a look at the spelling on quite a
few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very bothersome
to tell the reality however I will definitely come back again.


my web-site :: dominos Discount Coupon

Anonymous said...

What a data of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious familiarity regarding unexpected
feelings.

Here is my site :: fashion jewellery uk

Anonymous said...

May I just say what a comfort to find somebody
who actually knows what they are talking about on the web.
You certainly understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
A lot more people must look at this and understand this side of your story.
It's surprising you are not more popular since you surely have the gift.

Look at my blog post - http://presidentialsmoke.com

Anonymous said...

I do trust all the concepts you have offered for your post.

They're really convincing and can certainly work. Still, the posts are very quick for beginners. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thank you for the post.

my blog ... Drugstoredivas.Blogspot.Fr

Anonymous said...

Hey! This is my first visit to your blog! We are
a collection of volunteers and starting a new initiative in
a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to
work on. You have done a marvellous job!

Here is my blog post - best 10 Inch android Tablet

Anonymous said...

I know this if off topic but I'm looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is needed to get set up? I'm
assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?

I'm not very web smart so I'm not 100% positive. Any tips
or advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks

Feel free to visit my web page: Care home excellence

Anonymous said...

I know this if off topic but I'm looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is needed to get set up? I'm assuming having a blog like yours
would cost a pretty penny? I'm not very web smart so I'm not 100% positive.
Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks

my page :: Care home excellence

Anonymous said...

Wonderful goods from you, man. I've understand your stuff previous to and you're just too magnificent.
I actually like what you've acquired here, really like what you're saying and the way in which you say it.
You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it wise.
I can't wait to read far more from you. This is really a wonderful website.

Feel free to surf to my web blog: free Stuff Uk

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thank you so much, However I am experiencing difficulties with your
RSS. I don't know the reason why I cannot subscribe to it. Is there anybody else getting similar RSS issues? Anyone who knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanks!!

Here is my site: Black friday Freebies

Anonymous said...

May I just say what a relief to discover someone
who actually understands what they're discussing online. You certainly realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people must read this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you are not more popular since you definitely have the gift.

Feel free to surf to my blog: occupyourhomesdc.org

Anonymous said...

This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.

I've joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!

Stop by my page halfords Voucher

Anonymous said...

Nice blog here! Also your website loads up very fast!

What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your
host? I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

Also visit my blog :: Phonhay.Com

Anonymous said...

Magnificent website. Lots of useful info here. I'm sending it to a few friends ans also sharing in delicious. And certainly, thank you for your effort!

Here is my homepage ... leading Market research companies

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Many thanks, However
I am experiencing issues with your RSS. I don't understand why I can't
subscribe to it. Is there anyone else getting the same RSS issues?

Anyone who knows the answer can you kindly respond?
Thanks!!

Feel free to visit my page - Pizza Domino

Anonymous said...

Fantastic blog you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any community forums that
cover the same topics talked about here? I'd really like to be a part of community where I can get suggestions from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Many thanks!

Also visit my web-site certified public Accountant Salary

Anonymous said...

Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I'm trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it's the blog.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Review my weblog senior Accountant Salary

Anonymous said...

Hello! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be ok. I'm definitely enjoying
your blog and look forward to new updates.

Feel free to visit my weblog freebies For seniors

Anonymous said...

I could not refrain from commenting. Well written!

Here is my web blog Care Home Consultant

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thanks, However I am having problems with your RSS.
I don't know why I can't join it. Is there anybody else having similar RSS issues?
Anyone that knows the solution will you kindly respond?
Thanks!!

Look into my weblog :: dominos 50 off voucher

Anonymous said...

Great post.

Here is my homepage; durchest.blogspot.fr

Anonymous said...

I am sure this post has touched all the internet users, its really
really good paragraph on building up new website.

my web page; Android tablet Reviews

Anonymous said...

I have read so many posts regarding the blogger lovers however this post is truly a pleasant piece of writing, keep it up.


Look at my homepage - Financial Accountant Salary

Anonymous said...

It's nearly impossible to find knowledgeable people about this subject, however, you seem like you know what you're talking about!
Thanks

my website ... Maths Tuition Oxford