Let’s Dance With Our Communities

Who would want to be a Police Officer in the UK in 2024?

You will have seen pictures of officers mixing with the community at major events, sometimes dancing and showing a human side. I think it is a great thing that our officers show their human side and take a few minutes to break down barriers with communities.

But of course, so many in the media and especially the vocal group of ex police-officers just can’t stop criticising – it was of course, all much better in their day.

Do you recall when Police officers faced a backlash for joining in with a performance of the Macarena at a Pride festival, as these critics accused them of not taking their job seriously enough. And Susan Hall,  Chair of the Police and Crime Committee at the Greater London Authority and current hopeful for the position of London Mayor, at the time was quoted as saying: ‘We should not have uniformed police doing the Macarena when they should be doing their jobs.’

Then there was a well publicised community event in North London where five officers danced to Run-DMC. They did a routine on stage which was applauded by those at the event.

But the usual rent-a-quote ex-officers were up in arms. Again. Take Mick Neville, apparently a retired senior Scotland Yard detective, who thundered: ‘It’s a total disgrace. People don’t want to see police dancing in the street. Edmonton is a high crime area. These officers should be on patrol, not dad dancing.’

I’ve seen more of this criticism this week and just don’t get it.

Sure, our officers need to prevent and solve crime, but can’t these critics see that building relationships with local communities is a huge part of this. Isn’t it obvious?