Bad days down in the Smoke

Looks like we shall be losing a few voices from this corner of the blogosphere.

Bush Ranger (A Police blogger from Shepherds Bush) disappeared around 10 a.m. local time on Saturday (I was in the process of posting a comment when his blog just disappeared). World Weary Detective has stopped posting with the following quote;

“On Friday 3rd March 2006, the Management Board of the Metropolitan Police Service issued the following statement to all members of staff:

'Recently the organisation has become aware of a series of web-logs or blogs - where authors - claiming to be police officers - have offered their views on a number of issues in a highly personalised, often controversial manner.'

This statement is followed by 'guidance' on writing blogs. In summary, this states that although 'blogging' cannot be stopped, the 'impact of expressing views and opinions that are damaging to the organisation or bring the organisation into disrepute' must be considered. Disciplinary proceedings may be considered against posters of material that may be (among other things) defamatory, offensive or otherwise inappropriate.”

The hilarious ‘Brians Brief Encounters’ has been nobbled. Bow Street Runner is still posting for the moment, but it looks as though Management are having a hissy fit because the various posts from serving front line officers is painting them in a bad light. Judging from the lack of arrests at February's violent demonstrations due to decisions made at high level; maybe it’s time some of the Met’s management board needed silencing or sacking. They appear to have forgotten (If they ever understood) that great individuals build great organisations and not the other way around.

That said, some officers are simply electing to vote with their feet. See this article about UK officers being recruited to work in NZ and Australia.