Hi there to whoever is reading this! I am fairly new to this site but enjoy reading most of the topics posted on here as they provide an extra dimension to the mainstream media. It is good to see a well supported and respected online source of 'grassroots' info easily available.

In the last few weeks I have read with interest coverage of alleged bad behaviour by members of the UK Police force at the Essex Rave, the Drax Powerstation Protest (good on you demonstrators, its a very worthy cause) and, in the archives, the G8 protests in Scotland and Fox Hunting Demo's. The actions of the Police seemed quite heavy handed at times I have to say.

I am a 44 yr old native of South Africa although have been a 'resident' in the UK for 12 yrs now. I use the term loosely as I am requently abroad but have set up roots here. When first arriving I remember being pretty impressed with the Police and the way they worked on the streets- pretty friendly, approachable, helpful.

I have been travelling around the world with work and I have to say that 5 countries in particular I have visited (Italy, The USA, India, Spain, South Africa) seem to suffer badly from a combination of a severe lack of professionalism, entrenched corruption, racism (varying degrees), a lack of transparency and the widespread use of excessive force. Eg: in Spain, it is acceptable that an officer can actually hit an individual with a baton without reasonable excuse, something I have seen on numberous occasions; this, in the UK would result in severe consequences for any officer in question.

It just seems to me that perhaps the UK police may not really be as bad a they are made out to be? I have several close friends and relatives in the Fire and Ambulance service whom also, to varying degrees, concurr. So, i have a few questions;


1) I am under no illusion that bad behaviour in the UK Police does happen, but just how extensive is it!? There are 4.5 Million CCTV cameras in operation in the UK, so are there any videos of police excessive force that was totally unnecessary? I can find but a handful on searches on the net (any links).

2) How many allegations of Police brutality result in convictions?

3) What do people class as excessive force or brutality? Certinally a person being arrested by 3/4 officers whilst being violent is not brutality1? so long as he is not beaten/kicked punched like I have seen abroad.

Anyways, sorry for the long post. Hope to hear from some of you soon!

Peace