I have to be honest here and say that I never thought I would praise the day when I saw Bobbies on the Beat on a regular basis. But here we go…
I have actually seen one, sometimes, two bobbies (proof below-tea break) on the beat in Stratford upon Avon. Walking. 
On the streets. And…smiling at people who were obviously as shocked as me to see the forces of law and order so close at hand.
I think in my case I must be getting old (I am getting old). In the past the presence of too (two) many policemen/women would have set alarm bells ringing along with cries of ‘Big Brother’ and that old favourite, ‘Police state’ but now…with bell bottoms long discarded this old hippy (ish) is hopefully beginning to see some sense in Police Presence, albeit with caution (see the Met).
There appears to be a need. In fact, the ‘need’ was a need a few years back. Even, and this is an important point, even if that need is just about a making people feel comfortable and more importantly, safe. And why not.
Of course, the reality is that if there is an increased visual presence of the copper then the professional footpad, cut purse or ner-do-well is, if any good at his/her er…craft, then they will be up to no good where the policeman is not. But that’s not the point. The point is…’Help is at hand should you need it’.
The presence of the Bobby is useful in other ways. There is such a thing as Community Intelligence. So an approachable Bobby who has listening skills and is available and open to useful information is something that has been lacking for too many years.
Plus, with what appears to be a growth in certain crime i.e. shoplifting and the like, if the Pealer just happens to be near the scene of the crime, or at least can get there quickly, then all the better.
Of course, the Copper in the Car is a necessity and something we have got used to, but there was a price to pay. The men and women in uniform were seen as isolated figures to such an extent that it was easily forgotten that they are just ordinary people, like those they served doing an extraordinary job.
Obviously, there is still work to do on the image but the Bobby at street level goes a little way to correcting that impression.
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