Quite a mixed opinion on the police in this thread. As a Brit, our police do things differently... maybe you would like you state run by our law
system.
Prison overcrowding: No tent cities, we just let the prisoners out early. If the jails are full, we give suspended jail time, community service, a
small fine or complete discharge. Judges have been order on occasion to not send people to jail if they can help it.
Speeding: Your not going to get clocked by an officer sat in a traffic car, instead you will get caught by either:
a) Gatso speed camera's. These are radar activitated, supposedly sited in "accident blackspots" (lies), and will happily go off just a few mph
above the limit, regardless of the road conditions. The first you know of it is the double flash from the camera, then the automatic inclusion of
points on your licence, followed by a fine through the post. Once people know the location of the camera's, they just slowed down before hand, then
speed back up out once out of the detection range.
b) Mobile speed cameras. These are sited in vans, and can be seen parked up in lay bys or on overpasses. No flash from the camera, just automatic
points and a fine. The vans are visible from a distance, but by then they've already clocked you.
c) SPECs average speed camera's. Found on busy motorways and dual carrigways, these record your number plate as you enter the zone, and time how long
it takes you to exit. Your average speed is calculated and then if your over the limit, theres points on your licence followed by a fine in the post.
The ANPR technology only works on front numberplates, so motorbikes can do what they want in those zones
All of these camera's are controlled by a local "Safety Camera Partenership", not the police. Most people see them as another way to get money from
the public.
So if you really do want to swap policing styles, I'll happily accept. The tent city you'd have to put up here wouldn't be as comfortable weather
wise, but I think it would give our criminals something to think about before they commit a crime. UK prisons have been described by prisoners to be
like holiday camps. 3 hot meals a day, TVs/Playstations/Hifi's if requested, festive celebrations etc...
On the plus side, our police do work hard, however they are hampered by government quota's, red tape, paperwork and many other niggling bits and
pieces which keep them off the streets for most of the day.
Just remember, if you think your police are just there to get you, and abuse their powers, what would life be like without the police?? I'm sure you
wouldn't like it much.