Sunday 8 June 2008

The Retired Policeman, NO2ID and Sapients Crass Generalisation - An Apology

stu2630 took the time to comment on yesterdays Blog and pointed out quite correctly an error on my part. Here is his comment.


You said: "a visitor over at NO2ID is quick to point out, quite sensibly that this is not the purpose of the database".

It was me you quoted. Then you said:

"...and an already voracious appetite by the police for criminalising all and sundry at the drop of a hat."

I am a recently retired police officer and I can assure you that neither I, nor my colleagues, had any such appetite to criminalise members of the decent, law-abiding majority. Our only interest was to lock up the bad guys who make life a misery for the rest of us and many officers I knew were as uncomfortable about keeping the DNA of unconvicted people as I was.



My response.


Firstly stu2630 thanks for taking the time to read my blog, and secondly for pointing out quite rightly that a generalisation such as the one I have made is just that, a generalisation. I thought about changing the original text but felt that it would be unfair to myself and you if I simply did so without offering some form of apology so that those who have already read and perhaps revisited could see that you had cause and good reason to comment as you have. So I apologise for any insult you may have felt due to my wording, it is amazing how the simple word "some" can make a difference.

I am heartened that you are able to state so clearly the views which echo my own, especially in your position as a retired police officer. I only wish that my and others experiences with the police could show that they had the common sense and decency you advocate. Unfortunately, that has not been the case and I have a fervent wish that we could return to the old values of policing. Perhaps with the latest refusal of some forces to bow to the target culture will help in restoring the faith I believe so many have lost.

I wish you and the chaps over at NO2ID the best of luck in your continued fight.

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