How The Phrase ‘Police Do Nothing’ Masks The Reality of Broken Down Police Forces.

“Police do nothing” – it’s a phrase often thrown around when crimes go unreported or when people feel justice hasn’t been served. Many see reporting a crime as a waste of time, believing the police simply won’t act. But perhaps it’s time we change the scenario and take a step back – say, 20 years ago in London.

The skylines weren’t yet crowded with soulless, boxy buildings and police officers were a visible, reassuring presence on our streets. It might sound like a scene from the days of yesteryear, but there was a time when police officers were on the beat, had proper support, fair pay, years of experience, and strong ties to their communities. It was a career you’d stay in for 30 years or more – a life of service and pride.

For those who served during those years, the profession is now unrecognisable. Politics has infiltrated every corner of policing, and old comrades have watched the role they once loved fade away. Morale has been broken – not by criminals, but by government cuts and weak leadership. Officers who voiced concerns to the then government, were told they were “crying wolf.” The cuts came regardless, and forces never fully recovered.

As blame bounces from one party to another, nothing improves. Thousands of officers have been lost, specialist roles scrapped, and years of experience walked out the door. On the streets today are demoralised officers, repeatedly used as political scapegoats. They are rarely supported and, as recent events prove, have few friends left in the public sphere.

This is not a case of “police doing nothing.” It’s a case of police being unable to do what they should – and need – to do, because their hands have been tied. Years of austerity, relentless political interference, and what some now call “wokeism” have stripped away the resources, structures, and confidence that once underpinned policing.

Canteens, front counters, neighbourhood teams, bobbies on the beat – gone. The closure of police stations is dismissed under the claim that “few people use them,” but in reality, a visible police building matters, especially when officer numbers are at historic lows. Officers are shouted at, right wing one week, left wing the next week and abused by both sides, repeatedly being told they are a ‘disgrace’

Meanwhile, the public sees funds allocated to overseas charities or carnivals, but little to nothing for policing. “Police do nothing” really means the service has been cut so thin there’s almost nothing left. It doesn’t mean officers are sitting back with their feet up and a sausage roll in hand. It means they are doing the best they can on the Titanic.

Behind the uniform are people – people trying to protect their communities with dwindling resources and shattered morale. The system has left them in tatters, but they carry on, because they know someone has to and for what its worth, there are many in the community, who are actually supportive and do see the difficulties they face.

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