Cops and Citizens

We always thought that policing by consent was the British way. Our constables were simply citizens in uniform. Not for us the weapons, masks and boots of the continental riot police and their political masters. If you wanted a difference between us and the rest, this was it: no policeman in Britain would ever go about his business with his face covered.
This was a style of policing that minimised the risk of violence and abuse. It was a philosophy that, to this day, keeps the majority of our officers from bearing firearms. It is an approach that has overwhelming public support.

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