Degrees of Inclusion part 2

As ever, @DedicatedPeeler has stepped in to clear muddied waters: My blog on Friday was a direct response to the emotional hurt that was related to me by officers. In his second paragraph Gareth highlights that that is an important issue to address.  He recognised that the wellbeing of officers is critical to maintain if meaningful debate is to be had:

“The reason I’ve decided to blog, is that the info that is out there is sparse. I can’t comment on other’s communications, or indeed other people’s opinion, as it is theirs. I also don’t contend how people ‘feel’ about this. It is their prerogative and totally individual. I can shine a light on some of the research that I found and why a lot of the myths/concerns around at the minute don’t stack up. It may help paint some foreground and some background into the debate, and context is always so important.”

He then goes on to explain exactly what the decision means and frames it in a wider context.   It is vital for Officers to have clear information and where the college of Policing has neglected to provide this clearly Gareth has stepped up.

You can read his full blog here: http://http://wp.me/p4UkzN-1y
It is an excellent example of his work which is always factually based, and mindful of the audience he is speaking to.  He finishes his blog with another statement which highlights why I have so much time and respect for him:

“As a final note, the slating of graduates as police officers has just been shocking. I have met some cops who have been poor who have been graduates, I’ve also met some cops who weren’t graduates, who were also poor. That is a recruitment/development issue and not an educational one. Tarring educated cops as ‘bag carriers’ is nothing but anti-intellectualism and serves no other purpose than to divide. Gone are the days when graduates entering the profession was rare, it’s just a pity that the same attitudes have stuck around despite the world moving on. This is a debate that we need to have, at least keep it civil and respectful – as befits the service which we represent.”

I sincerely hope that the debate can continue with this same level of mindfulness, I just wish that the source had of been the College itself, not an individual.

Namasté  Jules