>> Special constable Andrew Blades cut off motorbike thugs with a patrol car
One unlicensed and uninsured riders fled, other skidded into the police car
The second motorcyclist and their passenger suffered cuts and bruises
Bates was left with a criminal record and lost his job as a driving instructor
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In typical Daily Mail fashion they can't even decide on his name!
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>> OK we only have the Mails version of events but this sounds a bit harsh
>> on the special constable, driving ban and loss of job.
That's how it is for all of them not just Special Constables.
Imagine the foolishness of having a system that allows someone to be a 'Basic Driver' (i.e. no training whatsoever, just a check test from a suitably qualified driver to ensure you aren't too dreadful)... then you are off and running in a police patrol car fitted with blue lights and sirens.
Now, you are told you cannot use them and that you are on your own if you do as it's a disciplinary offence...trouble is, when there's a bank robbery just down the road..or.. your colleague is getting his/her head kicked in.... do you use them?.... maybe you don't use them, but you do drive faster than you should and do the 'keep left' bollard when you hit congestion....
..... until you get it all wrong, as you are not trained.
It is real head in sand management allowing that to be.... and all down to money again as they cannot afford to train all the drivers.
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It was a p poor piece of judgement, no-ones life was at risk, there was no bank raid, and a move like that could only end up one way.
Having said that, it should just be a slap on the wrist and a warning jobbie, however once the injured biker decided he would take the force to court, the force and the cps had their hands tied.
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Strange case.He is in the police force on a voluntary basis.
What is the point if he is not allowed to make a decision wearing the police uniform.
It is policing on the cheap without any powers.He be better off in a call centre.
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Feel massive sympathy for the guy, although I don't agree with the idea of using Specials.
However the Mail report rather buries that the car was unmarked and stresses that he moved the car slowly across the riders path, which seems unlikely. They also say the CPS refused to comment yet the CPS is quoted elsewhere saying "he carried out the manoeuvre at the last moment".
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Cop guilty. - Rick O'Shea
