Wrong arm of the law

I AM amazed that the police are bemoaning the fact that the public are no longer willing to assist officers in the event of trouble (Mail). The police and courts have only themselves to blame.

A few years ago, I went to help two officers in London bring a violent man to the ground. I did this as part of my civic duty. Would I do the same again? Regretfully, the answer is no.

If I did tackle someone and they got hurt, it would more than likely be me who ended up being arrested. Or I would be sued for compensation.

I no longer believe our legal system is used to protect society. Time and time again we read of criminals gaining the upper hand by using the law, financed with public funds.

Name supplied, Grantham, Lincs. FOR years, the advice was: ‘Don’t get involved, call the police.’ Now it seems that if you don’t get involved, they won’t either.

Scenario one: Get involved at your own risk, get hurt and fail to qualify for compensation because you are not authorised by the law and don’t have any protection.

Scenario two: Get involved, suspect is hurt and sues you for damages.

If the police can’t or won’t do their job, I predict a rise in crime or private companies stepping in to do the work.

It’s time to give the police the money, tools and manpower to do their job properly.

RONALD BALL, Farnborough, Hants.