The force I work for has a media liasion person (and I guess so does every other one in the country). It's so that there's a single point of contact, and if there is a victim there details can be kept confidential until such time as relatives have been informed.
It's not AFAIK a "secrecy" culture. More, looking after the people we "serve". I'm sure if anyone on here, or a member of your family were injured, or God (for those of you who believe in one) forbid, killed, you wouldn't want to hear it on the Six O'Clock news or read it in the Sun?
I'm sure you'd much rather be told face to face, than by some piece of paper, or some Joe Bloggs on the idiot box.
And having delivered a few too many sympathy messages as they are now called, I sure as hell know which I'd rather.
Yes, sometimes, officers do things that will wind you or even I up. But please don't forget a few things.
1) We are human, we breath and bleed just like you.
2) We join the job from all walks of society. Just take a look around.
3) Not everyone one likes us. Kinda like Marmite, you either like it or you don't!
And if I deal with anyone, I honestly try and deal with them how I'd like to be dealt with, there have been a few exceptions, but that bloke was trying to beat the shit outta me!!
Hell you could pick on Fire Brigade, Ambulance staff,The AA, civil servants (they're the sods that keep putting taxes up!)
