Not All Coppers Are Bastards.

Police Constable Wilson frightened me. I used to try and avoid being anywhere near him. Sometimes though it wasn't possible. Especially when he came calling at the house looking for me. Which occurrence meant I was in trouble again. PC Wilson didn't do social calls. At least not to nuisance 14 year olds. Which due to the number of his visits I presume was the category I belonged to.
PC Wilson thought nothing of giving a recalcitrant youth a clip around the ear. When I say clip, what I really mean is a clout to send your head spinning. He would dish out this punishment in full view of the parents of said troublemaker, and not a word of complaint would he hear, from either party.

Some policemen were very kindly. I'm sure this gentleman was.

Can you imagine the hue and cry there would be today if a Police officer laid a hand on a young person? It would probably end the officers career.
Now this is where I might surprise you, because I agree with PC Wilson handing out his summary justice. In my opinion PC Wilson, by his no nonsense approach, probably saved many a young person from a life of crime.
There were many PC Wilsons when I was a boy in the fifties and early sixties. They were everywhere. They knew how to deal with young upstarts. None of this asking nicely nonsense. In those days the police would dish out a bloody good hiding and still issue you with a summons to court. Where another dose of punishment would be given. Tough justice, but as I say, effective in nipping problems in the bud.
It didn't work out that way for me, but perhaps I was a slow learner. Or more likely as I have mentioned before, a stubborn little tike!
Another thing. You only spoke back to a policeman once. Then wallop! More summary punishment. Lesson learned.
Kids don't fear the police these days. They know the police can't touch them. Can't even speak to them unless an appropriate adult is present. Usually the appropriate adult is the kids mum or dad. In most cases totally inappropriate, and as thick as two short planks!
Bring back PC Wilson I say. Allow the policeman to apply a well aimed backhander with his gloved fist! It would save a hell of a lot of time and money, and turn any 'wanna be gangsta' from a life of petty crime, or much worse.
How the heck did it all go so wrong? Oh yes of course. Political bloody correctness that's how.
Some people might disagree with my views on this matter. That is perfectly all right. We all are entitled to our opinions.
To explain the title of this post, this is not the article I intended to write when I sat here this evening. I got sidetracked. It was going to feature PC Wilson though. The nice side of the man. Providing I don't get sidetracked again I shall tell you more next time.