This is police work?

It has been well reported that, yesterday, a Police Constable, and a Police Community Support Officer were stabbed at a London 'bus-stop.  The Constable is, reportedly, in a serious but stable condition after being slashed across the throat, while his colleague's injuries were less severe.

As a Force Chaplain, as well as a member of the public, I am always as supportive of the Police as I possibly can be. As I meet with Officers, and civilian staff, while undertalking my Chaplaincy duties, I am aware of some of the stress and the pressure of the job - not always seen by those who are only 'on the outside'.

However. while extending every sympathy, and good wish, to the two Officers involved in this incident, I do have one concern.  It would appear that the duty in which they were engaged was - checking 'bus tickets!!

Now it may be that I have missed something in all of this but, it was my understanding that the non-payment of a fare was a civil offence, not a criminal one.  It was also my understanding that the 'bus companies had their own Inspectors, among whose duties is the checking of tickets.  I certainly don't believe that it is necessary to deploy Police Officers to attend to such a task!

With all of the cut-backs planned, and already implemented, for the various Police Forces, I am certain that 'the Met.' could put its available resources to much better use!