Why public esteem for the police is in decline

SIR – Despite the increasing importance of technology, policing remains a physically demanding job.

The reduction in the physical standards demanded of police recruits and the rise in the number of women joining the ranks have led to a situation where criminals feel able to resist arrest, attack or escape from police. Criminals no longer respect or fear the law.

Consequently, the public’s admiration for the police has diminished. Reluctance from members of the public to assist police in executing their duties stems from a fear that they themselves may be prosecuted for assaulting the criminal. Mick Richards

Worcester

SIR – It has been suggested that the public should be readier to become involved in the fight against street crime (Leading Article, November 20). Bearing in mind the appalling weaponry often in the hands of thugs, what would be the likely reaction of the police to my walking the streets kitted out with stab vest, taser, pepper spray and club?

I would then at least be more likely to survive. Mike Baker

Magdalen, Norfolk

SIR – If the police were to introduce more “bobbies on the beat” (Comment, November 12), perhaps they could abandon the practice of patrolling in pairs.

While I accept that in some innercity areas the extra support might be prudent, in most places it only results in a duplication of resources. Since the two officers are inevitably chatting together, they are also less observant and much less approachable. John Mellows

Kilmington, Devon