Page 159 - Once a copper 10 03 2020

choice as I saw a sawn-off shotgun lying on the ground. I was wearing police
issue gloves, so I carefully picked it up and made my way back to the car,
where I met my partner, who had also decided against running into the
unknown area of potential danger.

Back at the pub, the Licensee told us that he had already dropped his nights
takings down the safety tube that fed straight into the safe, before these
robbers burst into his premises. They had hoped to snatch what they could
and leg it, but they had been foiled. I considered myself fortunate that my
robber hadn’t turned and fired the gun at me and that we survived to fight
more battles. Sadly, the loaded shotgun and ammunition revealed no
traceable fingerprints, so the robbers also got away this time. I looked at it
positively, that this was another firearm that would not be used in crime and
would not be the cause of an innocent death or serious injury.

A few thoughts about what sparked the flame for the riots to follow.

Two days after the worst rioting Handsworth had ever known, taxi drivers were
refusing to go into the area and buses were very infrequent. Policemen
strolled around in fours, spent a lot of time chatting with the older and
middle- aged members of the community. From many conversations I
engaged in, I found folk, regardless of race or religion, to be good
community loving people who felt shame had been brought upon them by
the actions of their youngsters. A common thread was they felt whatever the
dissatisfaction felt by any group, it did not justify riot, arson, wanton damage
and murder. Younger West Indians stood glowering in doorways, the police
being the only target they could aim their frustration and blame at.
Members of the Asian community spoke of 'blacks' in tones of resigned
condescension mixed with fear. Young blacks couldn’t be seen talking with
the police, but the elders told us they felt their youngsters saw themselves at
indigenous and were resentful of Asian community who they saw as invaders
in the community. No regard was apparently shown for the many hours the
Asian community contributed with their strong work ethic to improve their
living conditions. The negative emotion here was clearly one of envy.

As lines police constables stood impassively keeping peace and order, the
pavements were thick with angry young men, roaring, swearing, spitting, but
making no attempt to approach the police.

In Indian sweet-shop cafes, we were provided curry suppers by the Asian
community, appreciative of our presence.

Out among the residents and would-be rioters were members of so-called
agitating political groups like the Workers' Revolutionary Party. They
appeared to know one or two of the white shoppers and passers-by but Page159
seemed to have no West Indian following.