An interesting reaction

Well interesting to me, mostly because it was mine.

Wandering down Wood Lane yesterday, I saw a couple of PCSO's standing
near the Esso station watching what I took to be a group of council
workers in hi vis vests.

When I got closer, one of the PCSO's tried to give me a leaflet, which
seemed odd. Then I saw the text on the back of the jackets: 'Community
Payback'

In the past this had always seemed like a good idea, but having seen it
in action, I'm not so sure. I felt distinctly uncomfortable about it.

Why?

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They wear those vests so you know which ones to spit on and throw the
rotting fruit at.

 

A part of my job is finding work for them in my area. Some of them can
be really nasty SOB's, so don't have much symapthy. (Although they are
graded for where they work. The further away from the public the
higher risk, generally.) "Unpaid Work" is just to keep them out of
jail, they've usually done something very wrong.

 

'scum'

 

The PCSO's? good idea

 

Succinct.

 

Actually it was more 'why did I react like that'

UKRM is normally excellent at telling people how they do or should
think. I'm slightly surprised that it's not happened here.

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That may have something to do with it I suppose.


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Well I assume I was one before. Which bit particularly?

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Using the patented Mavis Beacon "Hunt&Peck" Technique, Champ

*Ding*

"Community Payback". FFS...

 

On Thu, 13 May 2010 21:59:48 +0100, Catman

Dunno.

Perhaps you need more potholes. Some of the roads round here look like
they've been bombed, and as I swerve around the holes I often I think
"why can't those fuckers get a chain gang together and fix this shit?"

 

Using the patented Mavis Beacon "Hunt&Peck" Technique, Snowleopard

Fine idea. Without the chains, or the publicity. I have *no* problem
with convicted crims being put to work for no reward as part of their
punishment. I think it's a great idea. I just don't need to see them
publicly humiliated.

 

Wicked Uncle Nigel <> banged this out on
the bongos:

Sounds more like it should be the community kicking them up the
arse... :-/

 

Wicked Uncle Nigel <> banged this out on
the bongos:

Perhaps a dose of humuliation would put them off doing it again?

I can see how it would be less effective on the terminal hard-cases,
but they're unlikely to be let loose on such a project.

 

Having broken at least one wheel this year, I don't think so.

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Or just breed resentment of the general public.

I know which I'd bet on.

 

You think it might have a detrimental effect on the deep respect that
they currently have for their fellow human beings?

 

So whats your answer? Treating them with DVD's and holidays isn't the
right way about it. Locking them up isn't. Community payback isn't.
What the F is?

In the absence of a system that really works, I'll live with making
the lower level offenders perform some restorative justice, where the
public can see it being done and the higher level ones living in shit
in a prison.

 

I think the concept of community payback is ok, but it should be
focussed on getting them to work with the general public, and making
them feel more involved with mainstream society. Not dressing them up
like oompah-lumpas, and getting them to do jobs that don't really need
doing.[1]

[1] Round here a few weeks ago for example there were eight of them
putting up a noticeboard - a job for 2 people at best.

 

"The essence of punishment is twofold. It must persuade a man that he
is shamed by his actions, and persuade him that he may regain self-
esteem in undergoing punishment."