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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: JamesV6CDX on 08 March 2009, 12:33:45

Title: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 08 March 2009, 12:33:45
A MECHANIC was arrested after an off duty police officer allegedly accused him of stealing his sunglasses – which turned out to be in his car the whole time.

Richard Smith, who works at MOTMax in Mansfield, said the Notts Police Officer could not find his sunglasses when he returned to pick up his car after testing.

It is claimed he then accused Mr Smith of stealing them, and arrested him.

Mr Smith said he was held for about 40 minutes while another officer who was called to the scene searched MOTMax. The glasses were eventually found in the car.

Mr Smith, 45, said: "It was very humiliating.

"I told him that when I did the brake test I had to move an arm rest out of the way, and that there were a couple of pairs of sunglasses on it that may have fallen down."He just would not believe what I said. He came over straight away and arrested me."

Mr Smith said he did not know the man was a police officer until he showed him his badge and arrested him.

He added: "I had to empty my pockets, and he went through my coat, my bag and my van. "When the (other) officer came, he asked if he could have a look in the customer's car. Within five minutes he had brought the glasses back.

"I think (the first officer) was totally out of order. We had customers in the waiting room as well."

Stefan Hopewell, managing director at MOTMax, said the garage was forced to cancel one of its later tests because of the search.

He added that the police officer refused to go into a back room to discuss the problem.

"We faced public humiliation and embarrassment," he said. "It felt like he was abusing his power and we were on the end of it.

"We only do MOTs and we build our reputation on being honest and not ripping people off. I just felt he went completely over the top."

The company has since lodged an official complaint with Notts Police.

A Notts Police spokesperson said: "We have received a formal complaint regarding this matter, and the incident is being looked at by the Professional Standards Department."

Source:

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/homenews/Stolen-police-glasses-car/article-731869-detail/article.html
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: HolyCount on 08 March 2009, 12:36:32
Hmmm --- don't know the ins and outs, but sounds as though he did go OTT over this.
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 08 March 2009, 12:41:45
Quote
Hmmm --- don't know the ins and outs, but sounds as though he did go OTT over this.

Likewise, I too can't form an opinion without knowing full details - but I suspect the officer will be on donut duty for some time...  ;D
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: stuart30 on 08 March 2009, 13:16:31
Based just on the story and assuming that is what actually happened id say the copper in question abused his authority and should be severely reprimanded.

If he believed a theft of his property took place then he like anyone else should have reported it too the nearest station and let them deal with it...instead he has jumped too a conclusion with no evidence and wrongly accused an innocent man purely as he has a position of power not too mention wasting police time and blighting the reputation of the garage.

Copper sounds like a complete thingy and id hope (not that he will) he gets the sack.....tosser. >:(
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 08 March 2009, 13:25:14
Lol, heard this.....very OTT.

To arrest somebody based on zero evidence and without the general commen sense to check your own car thoroughly.....I hope they throw the book at the jumped up shite!
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: stuart30 on 08 March 2009, 13:31:25
Quote
Lol, heard this.....very OTT.

To arrest somebody based on zero evidence and without the general commen sense to check your own car thoroughly.....I hope they throw the book at the jumped up shite!


I doubt he will get more than some friendly ribbing in the staff canteen.

Shame the MOT guy didnt take a photo of the prat and plaster it all over the internet.
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 08 March 2009, 13:32:12
Evidence is not necessarily needed, just reasonable suspicion. I do however, agree about the common sense to check his own car bit  ::) - it all sounds very out of proportion to me!
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: stuart30 on 08 March 2009, 13:37:51
Quote
Evidence is not necessarily needed, just reasonable suspicion. I do however, agree about the common sense to check his own car bit  ::) - it all sounds very out of proportion to me!


Yeah but there wasnt any....
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 08 March 2009, 13:41:04
Quote
Quote
Evidence is not necessarily needed, just reasonable suspicion. I do however, agree about the common sense to check his own car bit  ::) - it all sounds very out of proportion to me!


Yeah but there wasnt any....

If he knew for sure they were in the car when he took them in, and knew for sure they weren't in there on collection - that would give him the suspicion. But the fact of the matter is - (if the article is correct) he DIDNT check the car properly - and acted way too quickly - which took the situation well out of proportion.

That's my interpretation anyway. Bottom line is, on the facts presented, it sounds like he needs a chill pill  ::)
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 08 March 2009, 13:42:46
Get him directing traffic for 3 months!
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 08 March 2009, 13:43:36
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Get him directing traffic for 3 months!

Worse - 3 months of night time public order duties  ::)
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 08 March 2009, 13:45:55
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Evidence is not necessarily needed, just reasonable suspicion. I do however, agree about the common sense to check his own car bit  ::) - it all sounds very out of proportion to me!

Had the tester not mentioned moving the sunglasses then this would be a completely different story.

Bet theres a sign in the garage now that says  valuables left in cars at owners own risk.

Also I would make a bet that if any normal member of the public made a similar complaint the police would not be interested.

I reckon his car fails next year . . . . . ::)
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 08 March 2009, 13:52:08
Quote
Quote
Evidence is not necessarily needed, just reasonable suspicion. I do however, agree about the common sense to check his own car bit  ::) - it all sounds very out of proportion to me!

Had the tester not mentioned moving the sunglasses then this would be a completely different story.

Bet theres a sign in the garage now that says  valuables left in cars at owners own risk.

Also I would make a bet that if any normal member of the public made a similar complaint the police would not be interested.
I reckon his car fails next year . . . . . ::)


Sadly, that will probably be the case.

e.g. A neighbour had an ipod stolena dn despte havinga description of teh person, the Police were not interested

My car being hit and the driver failing to stop, I had photos, reg and all sorts, the Police even said that they would get back in touch with me within 1 week.....did I hear anything, did I break.

I have a lot of respect for the Police but, I am starting to loose faith!
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 08 March 2009, 13:56:42
Quote

My car being hit and the driver failing to stop, I had photos, reg and all sorts, the Police even said that they would get back in touch with me within 1 week.....did I hear anything, did I break.


That's bad...   :'(
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: Andy B on 08 March 2009, 13:59:13
Quote
......
I have a lot of respect for the Police but, I am starting to loose faith!

and that probably goes for more & more people these days.
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: Welung666 on 08 March 2009, 14:06:02
I'm starting to believe we don't have any police round here just PCSO's with [size=20]huge[/size] chips on their shoulders. I've lost so much faith with the police round here I've applied to become a special and change it myself!!
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: hotel21 on 08 March 2009, 14:07:31
The other things to bear in mind.....  Report is completely from the testers perspective and such reports sell papers and evokes discussion, like here, as the Police are easily pilloried without the option to give chapter and verse explanations of their side of the story, unlike the tester in this instance...

What about if (and I do mean 'if') the tester took the glasses and had them in the office and someone else replaced them in the car after the fuss and bother erupted, thus making the Police Officer look the fool and making the tester squeeky clean?

Dislike where folks immediately jump onto the media sensationalism and edited journalism that sells papers when the other side of the story cannot, for legal/discipline reasons, be put forward.

That said, good chance the Police Officer is a bit of a cock.....   ::)
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 08 March 2009, 14:14:11
Quote
I've applied to become a special

Good luck with the application - be sure to keep us posted on how it goes!

Mind if I ask what stage of the process you're at?

It can be a lengthy process, but I never regretted doing it. Now training is out of the way, I'm really enjoying it - to the extent I will probably apply to go full time, when the opportunity arises...
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: Elite Pete on 08 March 2009, 14:37:58
Quote
Quote
I've applied to become a special

Good luck with the application - be sure to keep us posted on how it goes!

Mind if I ask what stage of the process you're at?

It can be a lengthy process, but I never regretted doing it. Now training is out of the way, I'm really enjoying it - to the extent I will probably apply to go full time, when the opportunity arises...
My youngest step daughter has enjoyed the 2 years as a proper copper, she's just been put forward for recruit of the year which has made her mum really chuffed :)
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 08 March 2009, 14:44:20
Quote
Quote
Quote
I've applied to become a special

Good luck with the application - be sure to keep us posted on how it goes!

Mind if I ask what stage of the process you're at?

It can be a lengthy process, but I never regretted doing it. Now training is out of the way, I'm really enjoying it - to the extent I will probably apply to go full time, when the opportunity arises...
My youngest step daughter has enjoyed the 2 years as a proper copper, she's just been put forward for recruit of the year which has made her mum really chuffed :)

Is there such thing as a pretend copper, then?
Just curious, as I've seen you use that term before  :P

Fair play to her. I take it she's out of probation now then  :y
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: Elite Pete on 08 March 2009, 14:46:24
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
I've applied to become a special

Good luck with the application - be sure to keep us posted on how it goes!

Mind if I ask what stage of the process you're at?

It can be a lengthy process, but I never regretted doing it. Now training is out of the way, I'm really enjoying it - to the extent I will probably apply to go full time, when the opportunity arises...
My youngest step daughter has enjoyed the 2 years as a proper copper, she's just been put forward for recruit of the year which has made her mum really chuffed :)

Is there such thing as a pretend copper, then?
Just curious, as I've seen you use that term before  :P

Fair play to her. I take it she's out of probation now then  :y
I think the term is Hobby Bobby :D
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: hotel21 on 08 March 2009, 14:47:16
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
I've applied to become a special

Good luck with the application - be sure to keep us posted on how it goes!

Mind if I ask what stage of the process you're at?

It can be a lengthy process, but I never regretted doing it. Now training is out of the way, I'm really enjoying it - to the extent I will probably apply to go full time, when the opportunity arises...
My youngest step daughter has enjoyed the 2 years as a proper copper, she's just been put forward for recruit of the year which has made her mum really chuffed :)

Is there such thing as a pretend copper, then?
Just curious, as I've seen you use that term before  
:P

Fair play to her. I take it she's out of probation now then  :y

Yes.  Those who have underwent full probationer training and a 2 year probationary period, getting a salary in the process, as opposed to 'Special' Constables who undertake the work of a Constable after a limited amount of training, no salary, and who put in the hours as suits them....  a.k.a. Hobby Bobby's...  

..... as you well know......   ;D


Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 08 March 2009, 14:48:28
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
I've applied to become a special

Good luck with the application - be sure to keep us posted on how it goes!

Mind if I ask what stage of the process you're at?

It can be a lengthy process, but I never regretted doing it. Now training is out of the way, I'm really enjoying it - to the extent I will probably apply to go full time, when the opportunity arises...
My youngest step daughter has enjoyed the 2 years as a proper copper, she's just been put forward for recruit of the year which has made her mum really chuffed :)

Is there such thing as a pretend copper, then?
Just curious, as I've seen you use that term before  :P

Fair play to her. I take it she's out of probation now then  :y
I think the term is Hobby Bobby :D

I like that expression - get called it a lot at work (day job) :y

What I dislike, is the confusion between Specials and PCSOs. For some reason, it's very common to confuse the two  :-/

Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: Andy B on 08 March 2009, 14:48:41
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
I've applied to become a special

Good luck with the application - be sure to keep us posted on how it goes!

Mind if I ask what stage of the process you're at?

It can be a lengthy process, but I never regretted doing it. Now training is out of the way, I'm really enjoying it - to the extent I will probably apply to go full time, when the opportunity arises...
My youngest step daughter has enjoyed the 2 years as a proper copper, she's just been put forward for recruit of the year which has made her mum really chuffed :)

Is there such thing as a pretend copper, then?
Just curious, as I've seen you use that term before  
:P

Fair play to her. I take it she's out of probation now then  :y

Yes.  Those who have underwent full probationer training and a 2 year probationary period, getting a salary in the process, as opposed to 'Special' Constables who undertake the work of a Constable after a limited amount of training, no salary, and who put in the hours as suits them....  a.k.a. Hobby Bobby's...  

..... as you well know......   ;D



F*** me! :o  Did James touch a nerve there???  :y  :y  :y
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: Andy B on 08 March 2009, 14:50:37
Quote
........... is the confusion between Specials and PCSOs. For some reason, it's very common to confuse the two  :-/

 

You'll have to edumacate me then .... what's the difference? & which are Blunket's Bobbies?  :-/  :y
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 08 March 2009, 14:53:18
Quote
Quote
........... is the confusion between Specials and PCSOs. For some reason, it's very common to confuse the two  :-/

 

You'll have to edumacate me then .... what's the difference? & which are Blunket's Bobbies?  :-/  :y


PCSO - community support officer. Unsworn, no powers of a constable (hence no powers of arrest - other than those which exist to every civillian). There for community liason purposes mainly.

Special Constable - unpaid, part time,  sworn/warranted officer, who puts in a certain amount of duty every month, and performs the role of a Police Officer.

Regular officer - Police officer who gets jealous about Specials nicking their overtime  ;D
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: tallandy on 08 March 2009, 15:16:41
Quote
Quote
......
I have a lot of respect for the Police but, I am starting to loose faith!

and that probably goes for more & more people these days.

Well fasle arrest and defamation of character springs to mind. A guy in lincoln did that and he got a public apology and about £5000 compo all done out of court
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: HolyCount on 08 March 2009, 15:31:02
Quote
Quote
Quote
........... is the confusion between Specials and PCSOs. For some reason, it's very common to confuse the two  :-/

 

You'll have to edumacate me then .... what's the difference? & which are Blunket's Bobbies?  :-/  :y


PCSO - community support officer. Unsworn, no powers of a constable (hence no powers of arrest - other than those which exist to every civillian). There for community liason purposes mainly.

Special Constable - unpaid, part time,  sworn/warranted officer, who puts in a certain amount of duty every month, and performs the role of a Police Officer.

Regular officer - Police officer who gets jealous about Specials nicking their overtime  ;D


OO-errr  ;D ;D

Technicallly Special Constable is the longer existing role.  Specials were "the" police of their day, before a regular force came into being.
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 08 March 2009, 15:39:52
Quote
Get him directing traffic for 3 months!

yep.. :y
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: Welung666 on 08 March 2009, 16:02:06
Quote
Quote
I've applied to become a special

Good luck with the application - be sure to keep us posted on how it goes!

Mind if I ask what stage of the process you're at?

It can be a lengthy process, but I never regretted doing it. Now training is out of the way, I'm really enjoying it - to the extent I will probably apply to go full time, when the opportunity arises...

Only filled the application in last week, so it'll be ages yet but I'll keep you posted when summit happens. :y
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 08 March 2009, 16:02:40
Quote
Quote
Quote
I've applied to become a special

Good luck with the application - be sure to keep us posted on how it goes!

Mind if I ask what stage of the process you're at?

It can be a lengthy process, but I never regretted doing it. Now training is out of the way, I'm really enjoying it - to the extent I will probably apply to go full time, when the opportunity arises...

Only filled the application in last week, so it'll be ages yet but I'll keep you posted when summit happens. :y

Please do mate! Which Force are you applying to?

Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: Welung666 on 08 March 2009, 16:12:05
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
I've applied to become a special

Good luck with the application - be sure to keep us posted on how it goes!

Mind if I ask what stage of the process you're at?

It can be a lengthy process, but I never regretted doing it. Now training is out of the way, I'm really enjoying it - to the extent I will probably apply to go full time, when the opportunity arises...

Only filled the application in last week, so it'll be ages yet but I'll keep you posted when summit happens. :y

Please do mate! Which Force are you applying to?


West Mids
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: Richie London on 08 March 2009, 20:04:35
Quote
Quote
Evidence is not necessarily needed, just reasonable suspicion. I do however, agree about the common sense to check his own car bit  ::) - it all sounds very out of proportion to me!

Had the tester not mentioned moving the sunglasses then this would be a completely different story.

Bet theres a sign in the garage now that says  valuables left in cars at owners own risk.

Also I would make a bet that if any normal member of the public made a similar complaint the police would not be interested.I reckon his car fails next year . . . . . ::)

just like when my car got broke into monday.
quote: from a pathetic woman at the local police station who had to be told how to spell richard 3 times as she could hardly speak english, "what do you want me to do about it". sums it all up really doesnt it.
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: Taxi_Driver on 08 March 2009, 20:20:20
Quote
Quote
Quote
Evidence is not necessarily needed, just reasonable suspicion. I do however, agree about the common sense to check his own car bit  ::) - it all sounds very out of proportion to me!

Had the tester not mentioned moving the sunglasses then this would be a completely different story.

Bet theres a sign in the garage now that says  valuables left in cars at owners own risk.

Also I would make a bet that if any normal member of the public made a similar complaint the police would not be interested.
I reckon his car fails next year . . . . . ::)


Sadly, that will probably be the case.

e.g. A neighbour had an ipod stolena dn despte havinga description of teh person, the Police were not interested

My car being hit and the driver failing to stop, I had photos, reg and all sorts, the Police even said that they would get back in touch with me within 1 week.....did I hear anything, did I break.
I have a lot of respect for the Police but, I am starting to loose faith!

I had the same thing with my Viano in Jan this year..........the passenger door mirror got broken when I was in a queue, stationary approaching a roundabout.......another van came up the inside lane and clipped the mirror....and just carried on going....i managed to get the reg number.......i reported it online as a failure to stop at the scene of an accident.....have i heard anything over a month later.....NOPE!!  >:(

Bet you can guess a Merc electric heated door mirror with indicator repeater built in....wasnt cheap  >:(
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: SteveMJ on 10 March 2009, 13:45:06
'CLOCKWORK ORANGE'!!!!
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: Big Sye on 10 March 2009, 14:52:27
bloody annoying when they go on a power trip.  they should be bitch slapped and humiliated themselves.
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: Dusty on 10 March 2009, 18:01:05
If the specials do a valuble and important job.(which I think they do),then why not pay them.
If they were paid (which I think they should be)then they may get the respect they deserve,and maybe the term "hobby bobby" would cease.
It just seems disrespectful to me that they are not paid . :-/ :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: HolyCount on 10 March 2009, 18:05:30
Quote
If the specials do a valuble and important job.(which I think they do),then why not pay them.
If they were paid (which I think they should be)then they may get the respect they deserve,and maybe the term "hobby bobby" would cease.
It just seems disrespectful to me that they are not paid . :-/ :-* :-* :-*


My thoughts are that they should be treated the same way as retained firefighters ... paid a retainer plus for time worked.
Title: Re: Off duty cop arrests mechanic following work done.
Post by: stuart30 on 10 March 2009, 18:27:47
Quote
Quote
If the specials do a valuble and important job.(which I think they do),then why not pay them.
If they were paid (which I think they should be)then they may get the respect they deserve,and maybe the term "hobby bobby" would cease.
It just seems disrespectful to me that they are not paid . :-/ :-* :-* :-*


My thoughts are that they should be treated the same way as retained firefighters ... paid a retainer plus for time worked.

Im not very keen on the police but i fully agree with the way  the way they should be paid.

After all they still take many of the risks full time officers take. :y