In a recent episode of the 'Alas Vine & Hitchens' podcast, hosted by Sarah Vine and Peter Hitchens, the duo critiqued the current state of policing in the UK, questioning its effectiveness amidst rising crime rates. Hitchens, a well-known broadcaster and best-selling author, expressed strong sentiments about the police's diminishing presence on the streets, suggesting that the UK public might not even notice if all officers were to be "abducted by aliens".
Hitchens pointed to a significant increase in crime, citing figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) that indicate a 10% rise in crime from 2023 to 2024. This assertion calls attention to concerns regarding minor offences—such as speeding and theft—being overlooked, which Hitchens believes contributes to the escalation of more serious criminal activities. “The police have to be one of the most useless organisations on the face of the planet,” he stated bluntly.
Reflecting on the past, Hitchens lamented the changes in policing over the decades, particularly the transition from community-based policing to a more reactive approach. He reminisced, “I am old enough to remember when the police used to be an effective force, preventively patrolling the streets on foot.” He attributes this decline to decisions made in the 1960s when former Home Secretary Roy Jenkins implemented changes that took officers off foot patrols and shifted them towards responding to incidents, which he described as “completely wrong”.
Vine, while acknowledging Hitchens' frustrations, cautioned against attributing the rise in crime solely to the police's inaction. She described the overburdened justice system and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as also playing critical roles in the broader issue. Vine shared a personal experience involving her son's mugging at knifepoint in West London, noting that while police response was commendable, the eventual outcome was disappointing due to the CPS's decision not to prosecute the thieves, despite clear evidence of their actions.
Hitchens agreed with Vine's perspective on the failings of the justice system, noting that repeat offenders rarely face immediate imprisonment. “What matters is not how many people you send to prison, but when you send them to prison,” he remarked. He argued that many individuals are only incarcerated after having committed numerous offences, stating, “It means that by the time people get to prison they're already confirmed recidivists, and it won't do the slightest bit of good for them.”
The podcast episode, which highlights the complexities and challenges within law enforcement and the judicial system, adds to the ongoing discussion about public safety and the efficacy of police forces across the UK. New episodes of 'Alas Vine & Hitchens' are released every Wednesday.
Source: Noah Wire Services