I retired from the magistracy in 2015 after 17 years mainly as a presiding justice

United Kingdom
My current blog can be accessed at https://thejusticeofthepeaceblog.blogspot.com/

DEVON & CORNWALL POLICE ARE AN EXAMPLE TO THE MET.

 

11. Feb. 2010. – 11:18:41

On 6th February I commented on the police chief in Hounslow blaming magistrates` courts for the high rate of burglaries in the town. It was his contention that if burglars were remanded in custody between court appearances the problem would be almost solved. His colleagues in Devon and Exeter Police are more realistic and are getting on with their job of protecting us, the public, instead of trying to shift the blame to others.

In 2008, 610 house burglaries were reported compared with 402 in 2009 — a reduction of more than 34 per cent. Detective Sergeant Tim Thornton, of Exeter’s burglary team said the city’s burglary squad continually monitor the movements of known offenders. He continued, "The process is quite simple — find out who is responsible by gathering evidence from a number of sources, ensure prompt arrests and secure convictions. It’s then about keeping track of known offenders, monitoring their movements and habits and working on intelligence. If they re-offend or are not rehabilitated the process is repeated.”

It could be argued that comparing crime in Wild West London and crime in rural Exeter is not comparing like with like. It cannot be argued that by attacking the courts Chief Superintendent Bilsen in Hounslow has revealed a mind set which if typical in the Metropolitan Police Service is disgraceful. I hope that by now the Commissioner of the Met has reminded his senior officers of where their job begins and ends; certainly not by slagging off magistrates.

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