How can cowardly Sir Craig face his officers?
AS A retired police superintendent, over the years I have watched with dismay at the lack of leadership exhibited by chief officers. Now the inquest into the deaths during the Westminster terrorist attack has revealed that the then acting head of the Met, Sir Craig Mackey, locked himself in his car with colleagues because they did not have protective equipment. Neither did PC Keith Palmer, whose fatal stabbing they witnessed. Courage is an integral part of being a police officer and that comes with risk. Sir Craig will have a lifetime to regret his lack of action. His justification for hiding seems to amount to a craven act of cowardice. How can he face the brave men and women under his command?
MICHAEL WYATT, address supplied. I JOINED the Metropolitan Police in 1986. Before I was issued with my uniform, I was proud to swear an oath to fulfil my duties as a constable. I was issued with handcuffs, a small truncheon and a radio that often didn’t work because the batteries were so poor. This is what I had to protect myself, colleagues and members of the public. At no time was I told that if I saw a colleague in need of help, I should lock my car door and look the other way. No officer I have worked alongside would have behaved in such a cowardly manner. Senior officers seem to be too busy telling others how to perform their duties while forgetting they have a duty of care.
G. MARSHALL, Great Dunmow, Essex. PENSIONER Bernard Kenny was stabbed while trying to protect MP Jo Cox. Teacher Ingrid Loyau-Kennett confronted the killers of Lee Rigby. Compare these acts of bravery with the disgraceful behaviour of Sir Craig Mackey. Two members of the public with no protective equipment thought nothing of putting their life on the line to help a fellow citizen. Sir Craig is a disgrace to his uniform. He should not be allowed to retire in December, but should be kicked out of the force now.
D. M. BOON, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland. I SERVED in the Met for 30 years until 1993. During that time I received three commendations for bravery, including disarming a man while off duty. No police officer should be put in a position where they can’t defend themselves or the public, as happened to PC Keith Palmer. Tasers or truncheons are not much use against a determined criminal or terrorists. All officers on duty at the Palace of Westminster should be armed.
D. ORCHARD, Twickenham, Gtr London.