After the abolition of the death penalty in 1965,
deaths of police inevitably rose. More police officers died in the first decade of abolition than in the entire 20th century up to that point AND the 19th century as well! (Home Office stats.)
Routinely now, police are facing increased incidences
of armed criminals and even terrorists. We have the only unarmed police force in
Europe.
For the sake of nebulous, hand-wringing - and so very frequently - leftwing principles, the police can legitimately be
sacrificed.
Sad but necessary. I speak with the history of having had my police officer father twice facing down criminals armed with a shotgun
in a desolate setting. He was told on both occasions that he would be
shot.
On the first occasion, with a second officer also present, it was in the early 60s on Mablethorpe beach at 2am. It was
explained to the gunman that if he pulled the trigger, he would hang.
Interestingly, his words were, "They will not hang me." whereupon he handed the weapon
over.
On the second occasion, post death penalty and
the weapon had to be wrestled from the young man's grip.
A small sample - but significant
nonetheless.
As a complete side issue, I understand that my gallant father, at that
time, was the only police officer in such a situation never to have received The
Queen's Gallantry Medal - and this omission occurred TWICE!
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