We're supposed to trust the police. We're supposed to believe that they'll keep us safe and ensure that the law is exercised and justice is done. But how are we supposed to do that when they can't even swear themselves in properly?
Drug dealers, burglars and drink-drivers have walked free after a police botch-up led to officers carrying out illegal investigations.
In a major embarrassment for Police Minister Anne Tolley, officers returning to the force were incorrectly sworn in, meaning criminal charges had to be dropped.
As the article points out, this is the third time this has happened. Police have routinely failed to swear in their constables properly, requiring urgent patch-up legislation in 2009 and 2013. You'd think tha tthey'd have learned to do it right after one such monumental fuckup, but no - they're still making the same mistake five years later. Its enough to give you the impression that they don't actually pay attention to the laws they're supposed to enforce, and instead just do whatever they want. And it doesn't exactly improve the reputation of the police; instead they look like the muppet show.
This isn't acceptable. It has resulted in people escaping prosecution. Those responsible need to be held to account for this. Sadly, I think thats about as likely as a vigorous investigation of electoral law violations.
