Three Towns Forum

The Local => Three Towns Policing Issues => Topic started by: Yorkie on December 21, 2012, 05:15:18 pm

Title: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Yorkie on December 21, 2012, 05:15:18 pm
I have been having a look at Twitter and am surprised (well not really) at the number of Twits that are being made by Police Officers whilst on duty.   Some of these are at the scene of random breath testing and they seem to take great delight in "scoring" their hits.   I am against drink driving but abhor the fact that the Police should use their time in such a way.

Policemen and Women should devote their time fulfilling their proper duties not twittering on Twitter.
 :rage:
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: SDQ on December 21, 2012, 07:46:12 pm
I have been having a look at Twitter and am surprised (well not really) at the number of Twits that are being made by Police Officers whilst on duty.   Some of these are at the scene of random breath testing and they seem to take great delight in "scoring" their hits.   I am against drink driving but abhor the fact that the Police should use their time in such a way.

Policemen and Women should devote their time fulfilling their proper duties not twittering on Twitter.
 :rage:


Is it possible their gloating could be a way of encouraging people not to drink & drive as they could be the next statistic?
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Yorkie on December 21, 2012, 08:18:08 pm

Is it possible their gloating could be a way of encouraging people not to drink & drive as they could be the next statistic?

Gloating in such a situation would tend to indicate a prejudiced attitude.

Also some are tending to presume guilt based purely on the roadside test and before trial!  That isn't British justice.   

 ?{}?
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: SDQ on December 21, 2012, 08:59:59 pm

Is it possible their gloating could be a way of encouraging people not to drink & drive as they could be the next statistic?

Gloating in such a situation would tend to indicate a prejudiced attitude.

Also some are tending to presume guilt based purely on the roadside test and before trial!  That isn't British justice.   

 ?{}?


Gloating was my words not the police & surely the failure of a roadside breath test is a bit more than presumed guilt, the person has obviously been drinking and driving & the only thing left to establish is the correct level of alcohol in their system which will be done back at the station on a more accurate & calibrated machine. Even if they are then lucky enough to scrape through this test hopefully the ordeal will make them be more responsible in the future.
If the Tweets of these police officers makes just one idiot not drink & drive then I'm all for it.
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Yorkie on December 21, 2012, 09:46:08 pm
If you are happy to pay the Police to spend their time tweeting then that is fine.   After all that is now apparently part of their training!

Why however, must they concentrate all this effort just at this time of the year?  The habitual drinker, and most likely to d and d, is out and about all through the year.   And also why are they specifically targeting morning drivers when the most dangerous time is the evening and night before when the pubs and bars empty?

Finally the system of testing drivers and providing the evidence is not always straight forward and in certain circumstances some drivers do not receive fair treatment or justice.   Z**
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: SDQ on December 21, 2012, 10:42:43 pm
They concentrate more effort at this time of year because with the run up to Christmas there are a lot of works parties so there is obviously more chance that some people may decide to drive home instead of using public transport or walking. The same reason is behind the targeting of morning after drivers who may drive to work whilst still over the limit from last night's party. We're not talking rocket science here, these are obvious reasons.
Can you provide the evidence for drivers not receiving fair treatment or justice? For whatever reason you're questioning the integrity of the police in carrying out their duties, maybe you have an axe to grind? Only you know the answer to that.
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Merddin Emrys on December 21, 2012, 11:10:03 pm
I was in a bad accident back in 1987 when a drunk driver went into the back of my Triumph Herald at high speed and fled the scene, he was caught and I escaped with amazingly little injury, so I'm all for catching drunk drivers, however what good it does for Police putting it on Twitter (which I can make no sense off!) I am at a loss to understand? will a drunk look at twitter and think ''I'm not driving after seeing that?'' I thought the Police were overloaded with paperwork etc?
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Fester on December 22, 2012, 01:01:50 am
Twitter itself is largely a waste of time, that is a conclusion I have come to after spending quite some time on it this year.

If the Police are using it whilst on duty, it smacks of unprofessionalism.

Now, more controversially, I am very much against breathalysing people in the morning.
I have known people (myself included), who leave the car overnight for fear of being over the limit.
That is a very responsible attitude take.

But, it has been known quite often, for people to FAIL the breath test the next day, despite going to great lengths to not drink and drive the night before.
Being hungover, and being intoxicated are two very different things, and I think it is a very unfair outcome if anyone gets a ban for that.


Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Merddin Emrys on December 22, 2012, 08:29:17 am
If they are still over the limit then they should not be driving, seems easy really, don't drink too much the night before!
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: DaveR on December 22, 2012, 08:33:16 am
I believe Police officers are encouraged to tweet, as a means of interacting with the community.

Fester doesn't understand Twitter.  &shake&
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Ian on December 22, 2012, 08:33:40 am
Quote
Being hungover, and being intoxicated are two very different things, and I think it is a very unfair outcome if anyone gets a ban for that

Well, the Police don't make the law;  they simply enforce it, and Parliament has determined the alcohol level in the blood to be the statutory factor in determining guilt. But I suspect you're right, in that people's reactions are probably far less affected by a hangover than the initial inebriation.  However, Parliament has a long and undistinguished track record of failing to listen to sense, and certainly failing to listen to experts when it might be deemed politically risky because of the DFM's reaction.  For their absurd and patently cowardly attitude to Drugs, for instance, simply  look at the travesty that was the Government's treatment of him (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Nutt#Government_positions) and the  Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs in 2007.
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Yorkie on December 22, 2012, 11:22:21 am
We're not talking rocket science here, these are obvious reasons.
Can you provide the evidence for drivers not receiving fair treatment or justice? For whatever reason you're questioning the integrity of the police in carrying out their duties, maybe you have an axe to grind? Only you know the answer to that.

I am not questioning the integrity of the Police, I am questioning the integrity of the system!

The legal limit is an arbitrary figure set by Law at 35.  Some people are quite able to drive safely at a higher reading and some unable to drive safely at a lower figure.  But why do the Police not Prosecute when the reading is 40 or under?   The answer is simple - the system is unreliable!   The best scheme would be to have a ZERO limit as in Scandinavia and a few other countries, and if you are caught you serve your time in the forests chopping wood or some other constructive labour!

There is ample evidence of miscarriages of justice and you do not need me to rattle off case history, it is available on the internet.   Also if a person with a proven reading of 39 is not prosecuted is that not a reverse miscarriage for failing to protect other citizens?  Or at least discrimination?

I have no personal axe to grind as I am teetotal and therefore unlikely to have to make any plea to a DD charge!   And finally as an ex Metropolitan Police Officer I have plenty of knowledge of the inside workings of the Police Force and accordingly have many a story I could tell.
 $drink1$ $drink1$ $drink1$

Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: snowcap on December 22, 2012, 02:38:35 pm
I,m  not a twit myself but if the twitting makes someone think twice about drinking and driving then carry on constable and twit to your hearts content
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Yorkie on December 22, 2012, 03:45:37 pm
I,m  not a twit myself but if the twitting makes someone think twice about drinking and driving then carry on constable and twit to your hearts content

There is nothing wrong with Twitting, my concern is that it is being done whilst on duty, and making reference to incidents that are happening or have just happened.   If there was an emergency then any method of seeking help or passing on important information is acceptable, even twitting.  However, just to "gloat" (using another's word) is not an essential aspect of policing.
 I* VV I* %0% I*
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: DaveR on December 22, 2012, 04:16:33 pm
Just to say....it's 'tweeting', not 'twitting'.
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Yorkie on December 22, 2012, 05:00:54 pm
Just to say....it's 'tweeting', not 'twitting'.

Thanks for the lesson.  $booboo$
Twitting or tweeting, I'm sure we  all understand what is being said.   Mind you from some to what I have seen on Twitter I get the impression that there are a number of Twits and Twits really do Twitter!   
 $drink$
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Fester on December 22, 2012, 05:42:49 pm
Just to say....it's 'tweeting', not 'twitting'.

Yeah maybe.... but then they should call it Tweeter and not Twitter.  ZXZ
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Yorkie on December 22, 2012, 05:46:23 pm
Just to say....it's 'tweeting', not 'twitting'.

Yeah maybe.... but then they should call it Tweeter and not Twitter.  ZXZ

Crapper could be better!   ;D
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Fester on December 22, 2012, 05:49:34 pm
Just to say....it's 'tweeting', not 'twitting'.

Yeah maybe.... but then they should call it Tweeter and not Twitter.  ZXZ

Crapper could be better!   ;D

It rhymes with Sh##ter!    ha ha
Highly appropriate.
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: DaveR on December 22, 2012, 05:50:04 pm
Mind you from some to what I have seen on Twitter I get the impression that there are a number of Twits and Twits really do Twitter!   
 $drink$
Still interesting enough for you to look at it though, apparently?  8)  ;D
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: DaveR on December 22, 2012, 05:51:57 pm
Just to say....it's 'tweeting', not 'twitting'.

Yeah maybe.... but then they should call it Tweeter and not Twitter.  ZXZ
There's no maybe about it, mate, it's always been like that.

Here's a little guide that for those of you that are not au fait with new technology:
http://netforbeginners.about.com/od/internet101/f/What-Exactly-Is-Twitter.htm (http://netforbeginners.about.com/od/internet101/f/What-Exactly-Is-Twitter.htm)

 ;)
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Yorkie on December 22, 2012, 06:59:45 pm
Mind you from some to what I have seen on Twitter I get the impression that there are a number of Twits and Twits really do Twitter!   
 $drink$
Still interesting enough for you to look at it though, apparently?  8)  ;D

Actually, not interesting at all!  I have never used the facility and have merely been curious as to what actually goes on there.   I have surmised that it is an attraction for people who cannot compose a full sentence and like to fill their comment with signs and symbols none of which would make sense to the average man stumbling across the site. 

I prefer the Blogs and Forums where there is at the least some semblance of sensible debate.
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Yorkie on December 22, 2012, 07:41:31 pm
The Twitter tutorial is just as confusing!

http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Twitter (http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Twitter)       ££$
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: DaveR on December 22, 2012, 08:19:18 pm
I have surmised that it is an attraction for people who cannot compose a full sentence and like to fill their comment with signs and symbols none of which would make sense to the average man stumbling across the site. 
Well, with 200,000,000 active users, including some of the world's richest & most intelligent people, there must be something to it....  ;)
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Yorkie on December 22, 2012, 08:55:41 pm
I have surmised that it is an attraction for people who cannot compose a full sentence and like to fill their comment with signs and symbols none of which would make sense to the average man stumbling across the site. 
Well, with 200,000,000 active users, including some of the world's richest & most intelligent people, there must be something to it....  ;)

I just cannot see how it will enhance my life.

I can't think that I will ever make it 200,000,001  _))*
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Fester on December 22, 2012, 09:38:17 pm
I've had a go with it... got about 60 followers, and I have a similar number on my following list.

But I haven't found it to be much use to me.

Dave will probably tell me that I am not using it to its potential (which is true) ...but it never grabbed my interest enough to persevere with it.

I mustn't be 'rich or famous' enough.
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: DaveR on December 22, 2012, 09:40:41 pm
You're not using it to its potential.
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Merddin Emrys on December 22, 2012, 09:52:03 pm
What is meant to happen if you use it?
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Fester on December 22, 2012, 10:12:09 pm
What is meant to happen if you use it?

Wondrous things, fantastic things.... you become rich and famous apparently.  ££$
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Merddin Emrys on December 22, 2012, 11:13:42 pm
Rich is very good, but I do not want to be famous :o   I did one tweet back in August, never had a reply! I can never see how to follow a conversation?  I assume I would Tweet something like ''today I went to Asda'' but who would care?  Facebook on the other hand is great!
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Ian on December 23, 2012, 08:47:54 am
I seem to remember that Twitter was conceived as a simple-to-use replacement for SMS, originally. SMS still has about 3 billion  users, so the market for short text messaging is clearly there. In terms of Twitter, I can see its value for, say - people at a conference, where it would be simple to keep track of colleagues and pals through the service, but I also suspect that Twitter will eventually - through add-on features and advertising - possibly lose its appeal and even functionality. On the other hand , processor speeds continue to increase, so maybe not. At the moment, it's probably the nearest we'll get to telepathy for while.
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: DaveR on December 23, 2012, 09:13:57 am
Twitter is a good example of something that you need to put a bit of effort into to get something out of it.

I found it very useful during the recent bad weather for getting the latest news on road closures etc.
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Ian on December 23, 2012, 10:03:14 am
I think it was also useful in the Arab countries during the summer.  Instant messaging but without a single client.
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Merddin Emrys on December 23, 2012, 10:28:05 am
SMS, never used it,not reallly sure what that is either! more of this modern technology that has passed me by! Perhaps it's an age thing! I never got on with mobile phones either! Erindoors has one for emergencies, very rarely used! Now the iPad on the other hand is great! Always using it  D)
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Ian on December 23, 2012, 10:47:57 am
The Wiki article on social networks  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_networking_service) is interesting, as it shows how the world itself is shrinking as a consequence of novel communication systems. I remember the excitement of using the earliest systems, back in 1994, to find you were chatting to people across the world (although usually in the US), but you eventually ran out of things to say. The systems themselves have adapted to newer technologies as mobiles and Tablets sprang into existence, but the Joyce concept of the stream of consciousness does seem to be what we're moving towards. I'm not sure how long it will be, but I suspect we'll eventually reach the point where we can broadcast our thoughts without using our fingers. In terms of effort involved, I suspect any new communication system - be it Facebook, or even the humble forum - takes some effort to learn and extract the best from.

But returning to the original point I suspect that broadcasting local news as it happens (which is effectively what the Police are doing) is probably a good idea on balance, but I share some of Yorkie's misgivings, as I imagine a careless tweet could easily interfere with a prosecution. But, like most ground-up innovations, I imagine the system will ultimately be formalised, with each group of Police being accompanied by a dedicated and specially trained tweeter...
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Yorkie on December 23, 2012, 11:39:42 am
I remember the excitement of using the earliest systems, back in 1994, to find you were chatting to people across the world

I seem to remember that with my old Apple Euro Plus with 16k of memory and two floppy discs, I was able to send messages in the early 1980's!  I think (as best as my mind can recall) that the system had the word "gold" in it, something like gold mail.   In fact I was still using that animal, which I had interfaced to an electric typewriter, until about 1995 when I got my first PC with Windows '95 on board. 

Times have certainly changed!   :D

And as today is my Birthday, I wonder what the year ahead will hold?
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Merddin Emrys on December 23, 2012, 11:57:26 am
I remember when CB radios were all the craze, I lived in Coventry at the time and thinking that it may be interesting I bought a receiver to listen to it. A waste of money as it was just completely pointless messages, never heard such nonsense!  :rage:
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: DaveR on December 23, 2012, 11:58:53 am
Sending emails in the 1980s - that's amazing, who on earth could you contact?
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Tosh on December 23, 2012, 12:10:00 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY YORKIE.   Z**  _))*   ££$  $walesflag$
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Merddin Emrys on December 23, 2012, 12:29:02 pm
Yes, Happy Birthday Yorkie!  {}{} <:<:<:< +}}{-- _))++
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Nemesis on December 23, 2012, 01:09:30 pm
(http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-greet001.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

And from me!
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Yorkie on December 23, 2012, 03:15:57 pm
Sending emails in the 1980s - that's amazing, who on earth could you contact?

Very few people and generally people you did not even know.  I did very little with communications as I was using the Apple for business, and with only 16 k it wasn't easy.  Everything was coded and went to the disc to get the information before being able to process it.  I managed to write a small accounting suite that did Invoicing and bookkeeping with the constant whirring of the two disc drives!  Those were the days.

Thanks to all for the Birthday Wishes. 

Have a great Christmas and a Peaceful, healthy and prosperous New Year.

 $drink$ $drink$ $drink$
Don't drink and drive.
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Hugo on December 23, 2012, 03:42:50 pm
Happy Birthday Yorkie, hope that you've had a great day.     +}}{--
Title: Re: Duty or Pleasure?
Post by: Yorkie on April 15, 2013, 05:11:37 pm
Thank you all, I did have a fantastic day.  However since then I have discovered that once one reaches a certain age many companies expect something dreadful to happen to you.  Can't get a mortgage and travel insurance doubles or even more.  Age UK wanted £1,237 for an annual policy for Europe, and that did not include my skiing or hang gliding!    Plenty more of such extortionate prices will no doubt come my way in the forthcoming months!    ZXZ