"Too many chiefs and not enough Indians"

What a difference to when I was recruited to Oxfordshire Constabulary from Worcestershire in the mid-60s. A small number of police forces were then advertising for qualified constables to apply for sergeants' posts

The qualification was that applicants must have completed their two years’ probation and that meant out on the streets 48 hours a week, the first few months under the guidance of a senior constable. Then study in your own time to pass the sergeant's examination.

Now, classroom training as a constable and then as sergeant in the first year then to Inspector while completing their two years’ service.

Of the recruits I knew non had less than five years’ service, personally I had ten years on the beat (five of which I had had my own beat) both in this country and abroad.

Some of the main attributes required in the Police Service, irrespective of rank is common sense, initiative and understanding, to respect and be respected by the public and particularly by your colleagues, which as to be earned not demanded.

Police Forces throughout the country are under strength not in the officer grades (Inspectors and above) but the ‘foot soldiers’, constables and Sergeants. The police service today appears to be saying that their present constables and sergeants are not capable of progression through the ranks.

In the 60’s there was a Dean Martin song that had the line ‘…there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians…’ It was true then and it would appear it is certainly true in the police service today.

Think, when did you last see a ’bobby’ a copper on your street?

COLIN BAIRSTOW
Police Officer (Retired)
The Moors
Kidlington