Stab Proof Scarecrows

by Lance Manley

A memoir looking at policing in the UK from a trainee's perspective. Someone who joined with high aspirations of helping to protect people and serve the public trust, only to resign while still in probation after becoming throroughly disillusioned with the modern world of coppering.

Genres: Biography

514 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2010

Reviews

[Cole · Rating 2 out of 5]

An entertaining read. Full of amusing anecdotes with particular attention paid to the pathetic softness of British Police forces and the leniency shown to criminal elements in our society that should be treated is vastly harsher terms. The sections on race and diversity training also highlight how backward and skewed the Police's priorities are to pay so much attention to ideological and social engineering propaganda.

The author seems like a bit of a wet lettuce though and it's unsurprising he didn't last in the job. He clearly bought some of his tough time on himself despite having legitimate grievances.

[Stuart Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hard read

Would have been easier without the author's constantly whingeing tone. He obviously has a chip on each shoulder. Would not recommend this to others.

[Boosmummy · Rating 3 out of 5]

some of the situations written about were interesting but found that the writers way of describing what happened to him in the force to be nothing more than whinging in parts that I lost sympathy sometimes. yes he was treated unfairly especially with how he related to kids, i found his approach to them how it should be. Yes modern policing is too pc for its own good & the good of most citizens but it could've been put with less "oh poor me". I'm glad he got his final meeting though if only for his own peace of mind.

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very honest and 'warts and all' account of policing in the City of London, I found it very compelling and could not put it down. I gather it has upset the heirachy but then that is easy I suppose.

[Peggy Dyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Subject matter good but I was put off by the author's tone, just too many complaints about how he was treated.

[Elvis · Rating 1 out of 5]

A poorly written rant by a bitter non-achiever.