Skip navigation

Indymedia UK is a network of individuals, independent and alternative media activists and organisations, offering grassroots, non-corporate, non-commercial coverage of important social and political issues

Insensitive policing in the aftermath of the Tornado

local residents | 30.07.2005 00:55 | Analysis | Repression | Birmingham

Local residents this afternoon at the police cordon of Birchwood Crescent, Balsall heath (by what remains of the monkey steps), were asking the Chief Structural engineer questions, when suddenly out of the blue PC N. Lighton proceeded to photograph residents who were intent on finding out any information about their homes and their possessions. Senior officer M. Shaw, present at the time, wouldn't comment on his actions, but the photographing did eventually cease because of interventions by concerned residents.

PC N. Lighton
PC N. Lighton

show some sympathy!
show some sympathy!


Is this a bit insensitive? After a quite reasonable evening yesterday, where people were ruminating over the aftermath of the tornado. Police were quite helpful and their tone in communicating with local residents was good. In contrast with today, (friday afternoon) where people who have been affected the most, who have spent a night of not knowing what structural damage has been done to their homes and who have probably spent the night at friends or at the Sports Centre with no clean clothes etc. In Balsall Heath we have seen a definite change in police presence and a noticeable heightened influx of policemen in black, wearing stab jackets.

Their presence and taking photos of a group of diverse people, of course raises questions of what, and why they are they doing this. Especially when people are just concerned about their future, homes and possessions. Yes, there is tension on the streets and people are extremely worried on an emotional level because they are not getting any answers to obvious questions. Some people are suffering and showing signs of post traumatic stress such as tearfulness and stunned confusion. Where is the professional support? Is it wrong to expect a sympathetic, caring approach?

When questioned about why he was taking photos, PC N. Lighton responded with, 'This is a public area and I can!' and that the photos were for 'training purposes'. A local resident tried to point out that on an emotional level people are feeling strained and stressed, worried and concerned and with the latest panics around terrorism his insensitive action could exacerbate an already tense situation. PC N. Lighton did not seem capable of showing any empathy let alone even trying to understand some of the emotions and anxieties that are flying around this wounded community. He walked away stating 'If you don't believe what I have said then I don't care...'

The lack of presence of any authoritative officials other than police was felt by residents to show their lack of compassion for the most affected, especially those who cannot afford insurance. These people feel they are being judged as not worthy of access to emergency funding.

Why was it that a year ago the community of Boscastle in the flash floods received on the spot support and access to national emergency funds? We may not be Balsall Heath or Sparkbrook by the sea... but we are nonetheless all humans having to endure a devastating disaster.

local residents


Comments

Hide the following 3 comments

Unfair Police Criticism

31.07.2005 13:47

I think this is very unfair, on the whole the police have been absolutley fantastic, i'm not normally a big lover of the boys in blue, but every policeman i have spoken to since Thursday has been fabulous, friendly and helpful.
I would imagine this policeman was taking phot's for security reasons as there has been some looting, my house is on Birchwood Road and i'm happy the police were photographing people if it would help to identify anyone who considered the despicable act of looting.
Additionally i'd like to say the staff of the Social Services adult team working with all the displaced residents at Birmingham University have been more than fantastic. A big round of applause to them too.

Zahraa
mail e-mail: zahraauk@hotmail.com


crime and investigation

01.08.2005 22:32

I don't know why everyone refers to the rumours of people entering houses (or other 'properties') as 'looting'.

Anyway, to add to the police file:
On Saturday 30th July, police guarding a tape barrier on the borders of Mosely and Kings Heath finally permitted freedom of movement to residents only, after having completely restricted movement in and out of Queenswood Road. Some residents felt moved to challenge the remaining police restrictions on workers contracted privately for repairs, who were not allowed into the street. This was despite the fact that another group of workers, those contracted by the council or by housing associations, were allegedly allowed in.
Further info will follow this post.

There were rumours of police opportunism to enter properties without warrants. I personally have witnessed police sniffer dog units (clearly marked on vehicles, but very late at night in a quiet street) active in the Balsall Heath area around 1am on the morning of Sunday 31st July.



--I am an eyewitness, personally affected by the scale 3/4 tornado event in Birmingham on Thurday 28th July, to the events recounted in this post.

white lunar


police and thieves in the ghetto

05.08.2005 11:05

thursday night there were armed police on anderton park road

are we living in a police state or what?

MK47


Links