Somehow my wifeconvinced me to join her on her latest trip to Cairo. How did thathappen? Regardless, here I am for a few days. A bit of culture shock, coming from rural England. And at first glance Cairo looks surprisingly the same as the last time I was here (which isn’t really a compliment).
What could be more fun than spending a few nights biking around the back alleys, roundabouts, and estates of Basingstoke with a bunch of cops? (One of whom tweets) Seriously. This ismy idea of a good time. Word on the street (or at least in the station) is that I’m the first observer to ever…
Read more
Brought to you by your local constabulary. But what if I need to bake a last-minute cake for me mum?! [I’m on blogging break. Regular posts will resume in February.]
Neil Steinberg wrote a good review of In Defense of Flogging in my old home-town Chicago Sun-Times. I’m particularly impressed that caught what I thought was obvious: Moskos has brilliantly used the old PR trick of marrying a complex, off-putting topic to a fascinating one. If you want to trick people into reading about penal…
Read more
From a 1970s Readers Digest. [I’m on blogging break. Regular posts will resume in February.]
The Commissioners wish to remind the constables that, in every case when it is judged necessary to dismiss any man, the whole of his pay accruing from the last pay-day will be forfeited. Source: Metropolitan Police. Instructions Orders &c. &c.1836. London: W. Clowes & Sons. [I’m on break. Regular blogging will resume in February.]
The paperwork begins. Some instances of rudeness on the part of individuals of the Police towards persons asking them civil questions have been reported to the Commissioners of the Police. the Commissions therefore call upon the Superintendents to instruct their officers and men. The Superintendents will receive a book of instructions for every man and…
Read more
The Commissioners have again to express their great regret that the pay-day has not passed over without the occurrence of several cases of intoxication by members of the Police. The Commissioners have, in the execution of their duty, been compelled to dismiss the individuals guilty of a crime which renders them completely unfit for the…
Read more
The Constables are not to go into public houses at night to order the landlord to close his house, or interfere in any other manner with the management or regulation of the house. If public houses are disorderly, notice is to be given to the Serjeant, who will report the case to the proper authorities.…
Read more
Any man reported for endearvouring to conceal his number, or refusing to shew (sic) or tell it when properly asked, will be dismissed, as such concealment or denial can only be caused by having done something he is ashamed of. Source: Metropolitan Police. Instructions Orders &c. &c.1836. London: W. Clowes & Sons. [I’m on break.…
Read more