SIR – We have been told that we are to go back to 1950s policing. I can’t wait. Firstly, it would save massive amounts of cash for sure. As a young bobby in that period, in the old “city force”, I worked a lot of overtime. It’s different from today, for normal police work we weren’t paid for overtime, we had time off in lieu.
We were only paid for overtime when someone else paid, such as duty at race meetings, football and cricket matches and the like.
Now we’ll see how the city was policed in the 50s. Bearing in mind that estates such as Warndon, Ronkswood (just beginning) as was Dines Green, hadn’t been really developed. All the outer areas received round-the-clock coverage of a foot patrol officer, with a pedal cycle, if necessary, 24/7.
Depending on circumstances, there would be usually 10 or 12 foot patrol officers covering the city centre. All through the day there was always a PC on the Cross until 11pm. At least one patrol car with a crew of two would roam the city 24/7. We were amalgamated with the surrounding forces in 1969 to improve efficiency. Don’t make me laugh!
O J BARTON
Worcester
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