These days it is tough being a policeman. Every Tom, Dick and Volney is on your case. As a boy I really wanted to be a policeman, but I am glad I changed my mind. The job is a thankless one, and you can pick up a couple bullets for your troubles. All you get after that is a brilliant eulogy, a military funeral and a medal for bravery; while your children shed long tears around your casket. Really, the policeman of years gone by was respected in the community and was allowed into your home to eat Sunday lunch, but these days it is different. You can't allow a policeman near your home, they are so unpopular. They will be lucky if they get a drink of water given their image in some communities. Long ago, before the return to 21st century policing, policemen used to ride bikes and were on the scene of a crime in a flash in their short pants. That was performance. They even dodged bullets with a baton. There was no link between bravery and logic.
Now even with cars, they come two days later. But I don't blame them as the cars have to do the private work of senior officers which could range from picking up groceries, dropping children to school, dropping off and picking up clothes in the laundry and other menial tasks. Is Commissioner Gibbs aware of the many jobs policemen do, instead of police work? And they cannot complain...only comply. That's where 21st century policing should focus.
These private jobs should be outlawed in 21st century policing. On closer examination of this project, I am troubled by one ruling that policemen must not sleep in police stations. Where will they?
While many say this will improve family life, I know for a fact that many policemen are afraid to go home, they are afraid of their wives. I say let us do a survey of the many policemen who suffer domestic abuse, and I am sure it will turn up interesting results.
Commissioner Gibbs is not aware of what he is doing by telling policemen to sleep home. He could be starting World War III. What will be the social implications? This is one for the behavioural scientists. I am all for policemen sleeping in the station, it could only bring peace in homes. I am told if you give some policemen a chance they will live in the station. That's where they are happiest. That's where they get a cup of tea and fish broth. I have heard stories of policemen living in stations, because there is nothing left of their take-home pay after making the rounds of several homes. Women are not taking the dotish talk about no money in policemen's pocket this rounds. No money no love. We are living in crucial times. Policemen are under attack, in and out of the home. When it is not the bandit, it is the politician on the attack. I am calling on Commissioner Gibbs to rethink his position on no sleeping in police stations. Policemen deserve a place to rest their heads; even if it is not at home.