The hidden side of policing
THIS newspaper was grateful to have the opportunity for reporters to spend time out on patrol with police officers this past week.
Even though one of the shifts was described as ‘eerily quiet’ – the curse of bringing a reporter on board – the reporters enjoyed the experience and it showcased a wider side of police life than the infamous ‘flash, bang, wallop’ social media video of a few years back, which caused such a stir for the force and eventually led the Police Chief to apologise.
It was also interesting for our reporters to understand, first-hand, how much police time is taken up with elements of policing which would rarely be considered by the public.
When Police Chief Ruari Hardy speaks of ‘keeping the Bailiwick safe and secure’ he’s not casually referring to armoured vehicles and firearms, but, for example, a shift spending hours with a vulnerable person at home on their way to the hospital.
The annual Bailiwick Law Enforcement report outlines just how much of its under-pressure resources are directed away from what the public understands to be routine, ‘bobby on the beat’ policing, towards matters such as public protection, safeguarding, and taking care of children who might be impacted by domestic violence.
Our reports this week still tend to reflect on the more glitzy elements of policing, but the impact that this ‘hidden’ policing has on operations was quickly obvious, and should not be underestimated.