Police hypocrisy

The armed forces and emergency services all have their own funeral traditions for honouring any colleague who is killed in the line of duty. This particular officer was based at the Palace of Westminster, so his body was allowed to rest there. And if off-duty police officers choose to travel to London to line the streets in honour of a murdered colleague, who are we to say they shouldn't?

Does anyone honestly think the families of the other victims would want a public funeral for their relatives?

thank you Rosesarered and Niggly, I am sad for the loss of this man's life , for his family, but thousands of police attending? I stand by my first post, it is being used by the met , bet the chief constables phones have been buzzing in every force as they arrange how many officers will attend,

Annie if you think that's what I was saying at 10.18 then I obviously didn't express myself well.
That was not what I meant at all. Degree of bravery does not come into it.

Ana, Anya, this is not about the police officer it is about the police force using his death

I hope none of his relatives are on GN.

The family have requested no cameras inside for the ceremony.
Lets hope they can say goodbye in peace and privacy.

While my gut reaction is to think that the whole thing is an understandable and deserved to honour what he did, I can 'sort-of' see your point, anniebach. I too wondered about the number of Police Officers going to London for the funeral and the image it conveys. Meanwhile, presumably their areas are struggling to police whatever is happening there. It was stressed several times on the news that there was a difficult balance between honouring him and respecting his family's wishes. I wonder if they had much choice, really. His widow couldn't have been in a position to decide anything. I really hope those taking photos and filming don't aim their cameras at the family, but sadly, I bet they do.

Slightly off your point anniebach, did anyone else notice that in the Police book of remembrance, there was another name of an Officer who had been killed on duty since the Westminster attack? I wonder why that wasn't reported, at least not widely. It would have been good if the reporter had commented that entry at least.

Sorry "an understandable and deserved way to honour" etc in the first sentence.

I think you may be missing a point here. This funeral is all about 2 messages the first is the funeral of a man who was killed whilst carrying out his duty, and is for his family and close friends, but the second message is all about symbolism. Whether you or I agree it is about showing the jihadi or anyone else who wishes our democracy harm, a show of unity and strength in our community.

It is not saying that this particular officer was any braver than another, nor is it about the actions of the police on the day. It is sending out a clear message that we honour all those who represent our freedom and democracy.

durhamjen there is only admiration for him here that I can see.
The controversy lies with the force.

I think it's OTT. There has already been a service for all the victims, including PC Palmer. His funeral should be a private affair, obviously with a police presence and attending senior officers etc.

I hate to say this but the Westminster attack was nowhere near as bad as the terrorist atrocities in Nice and Paris. We have to expect that there will probably be more.

It would not show any lack of respect to be a little more reserved about the poor man's death. He was doing his job and did his country proud.

Well said, whitewave

(I think I may have to go for a lie-down...)

and me. You know how to shock ana

whitewave, Yes, I hadn't thought about that. Fair point. I still wonder about the representation from all over the UK and how those Forces are getting by this afternoon. However, taking your point, I think it's probably a good decision to send out that message, irrespective of any difficulties it may cause.

I do take issue with anniebach with her use of the word hypocrisy in any event. I can't see where that does or even could come into it. Surely hypocrisy means that those attending don't really mean the respect and honour they are demonstrating. That's a little harsh, in my opinion.

I still hope his mum is not a member of GN, Nina.
There should be no controversy over this.
I think Tony Benn was the last person to lie overnight in the Palace of Westminster.
I don't think he or his family would object.

I really should check that I've said all I want to before pressing Ctrl-Enter ...

Having been a secretary with the Police back in the 1970s, I know full well that our Police per se aren't necessary wonderful. Most are; some aren't, sadly. However, what is wonderful is that we have a Police Force, most of which are doing a job which we wouldn't do, or want our loved ones to do, putting their lives at risk and, generally, giving us a sense of security and safety. I don't think anyone joins the Police initially if they don't want to do just that. So hypocrisy - I don't think so, anniebach.

I don't have a problem with the late PC's body having rested at the Palace overnight - the building is a national symbol and where he was attacked and died. Also, isn't there always an organised national turn-out for police officers killed on duty?

I do understand the distaste at top-brass (police chiefs, politicians, etc) making a public spectacle of a family tragedy.

I'm as surprised as anyone that not all police officers are armed at Westminster, given its vulnerability and symbolism. Most embassies have armed police standing outside; as have many political 'has-beens' who've held high office.

I feel sorry for the new Met commissioner, too. Her first day in the job.

This thread should never have been started

Annie you are just as guilty about 'using his death' or in this case his funeral. I'm surprised at you.

The PM didn't dash out of the House in all directions as implied. She was ushered out by her security guards who then failed to guide her to the correct vehicle, causing confusion and potentially a very serious calamity. I can only imagine that this idiotic situation has been dealt with and any confusion by security made crystal clear. I don't think any of us would wish to see any minister who ever they are gunned down due to a security lapse.

Well said whitewave , totally agree.

This thread should never have been started

I agree, Anya.

Come on show some respect for the policeman and his family! It was sad other people also lost their lives but the police put their lives on the line every day especially in the major cities. My son works in the Met. when I heard a police officer had been killed I worried sick until I heard from his wife he was ok.
For Gods sake let him rest in peace and don't begrudge a brave man this honour. Anniebach our police are wonderful !!

I feel sorry for the new Met commissioner, too. Her first day in the job.

Jen is that just a figure of speech, or do your really feel sorry for her?