13 September 2006

Getting above themselves

I suppose that it's a sign of the times. PC George Dixon would have been appalled. The BBC reports:
"Reckless drivers who use legal loopholes to avoid conviction are being targeted in a new police initiative.
The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) is training police and CPS lawyers to make stronger cases.
Police are frustrated that lawyers well versed in motoring laws are using small print to win acquittals for those charged with reckless or drink-driving. Acpo is also introducing a team made up of a lawyer and a former police officer to help prosecute speed camera cases.
The association hopes motorists will avoid contesting their speeding charge because if they lose, their costs will include up to £4,000 for the cost of the team.
And police say they will be keeping a close eye on drivers who they think have been wrongly acquitted of crimes."

Note that last sentence: the police will decide who has been wrongly acquitted. An interesting new legal concept.

ACPO seems to be bereft of any idea of legal process. Or of common sense.

No comments: