My father was a police officer and I worked closely with police for over 40 years. I am a supporter of the police but as Christinefrance points out, the police force isn't the only branch of public service that is on the receiving end of abuse from the public, or who feel the work they do is totally unrecognised and unappreciated.
It's my belief that underpinning the problems in the Uk can be traced to a problem with anti social and criminal behaviour, often involving the same families. Children who are disruptive, often foul mouthed and aggressive at primary school. There are far too many children growing up with drug/alcohol dependent parents and increasingly, grandparents. People use foul, abusive language in front of and often towards children. Parents/grandparents/carers who are dependent on substances usually provide chaotic levels of care and often expose their children to mood swings, they aren't emotionally available to the children and often fail to protect them. Their children lack routines and often have a poor diet.
We had family centres working to support people whose parenting skills need improving but austerity has led to them being closed. Social work, probation mental health and drug/alcohol services have all been cut to the bone.
As a country we need to support children and families but also to have more effective ways of reducing drug and alcohol dependence and abuse. Talk to police, social workers, nurses, health visitors, teachers - anyone whose work brings them into contact with the public and these issues will be mentioned.
Sorry for the rant folks. The UK is a great place to live, there are so many positives but we have a greater problem with alcohol and other substances than other European countries.
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