[jambutty]

Ah! But in those days people and especially kids had a fearful respect for the police. Today the police seem to be seen in a different light.

The ultimate sanction was to be frog marched home and handed over to the parents and the police KNEW that suitable punishment would be meted out.

Where once the police were seen as friends of the public today too many people see them as enemies until they become a victim of a crime. Then they want instant justice.

However I view this possibility as the thin end of a very nasty wedge and the idea that a copper can dish out instant punishment without trial is to be resisted.