On the Run!

Two vicious criminals are fleeing police following a theft on a train.

Gosh, I think even I might be able to run faster than them.

Old people just do not commit enough crime. I would love to deal with a few more OAPs as I could guarantee a Detection out of every one. This is mainly because they are so slow at committing crimes that they are invariably spotted and identified. They were also first arrested before the Police and Criminal Evidence Act existed and tend to regard solicitors as words beginning with "C"s. This can only aid our cause.

This makes me wonder about the right to legal advice in police stations. Most custody blocks are now recorded on tape and camera and interviews are all taped in any event. There are strict rules about oppressive tactics such as "silence" and deprivation of cigarettes/drugs. Soon most custody sergeant posts will be civilianised meaning that there will be a person in the block whose only aim is to protect the prisoners' welfare, who has nothing to gain by assisting the investigating officers to breach rules.

In light of all this, what on earth do we need solicitors for in the police station?

The only reasons I can think of are:
A) To hold the suspect's hand during interview as he or she will be so scared of the mean police officers.
B) To advise the suspect what the law is - a bit late in most cases.
C) To describe possible defences and allow the suspect to choose from a list.
D) To tell the suspect to say "No comment" to prevent him being caught out in a lie.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright of PC Bloggs.