Page 49 - Once a copper 10 03 2020

The timing was now right for the class instructors to introduce us to the joys of
the ‘Practical’ of Role Play in staged situations so we could respond as we felt
a real police officer should.

Some of us thought we could delay our turn by avoiding the eye of the
instructor, to soak up the experiences of the early victims. That was until we
discovered that we were selected randomly from the class list.

It was with some disappointment that I found myself second up, dealing with
my first incident after a re-joining officer had already excelled himself. I was
filled with dread as I heard my name called by Sergeant Lee.

“PC Bennett you’re up next. Go and stand on the cross roads, deal with
whatever presents itself.”

Nervously I waited at the junction. Seconds later I saw what can only be
described as an old banger of a car coming toward me. We’d had Road
Traffic Construction & Use (C & U) Act offences in class the day before, so my
focus was on the state of he car. I stepped out into the road and too weakly
for my liking, raised my hand gesturing the driver to stop. I swore I heard
chuckles from the semi-circle of my classmates watching from a few yards
away.

The car screeched to a halt within a foot or so of my legs. I quickly noted that
both headlamps were missing, the front offside tyre was bald and there were
no mirrors inside or out the car. “Yes!” I thought, pleased with myself that I
had been so observant, albeit it would have been obvious to anyone.

I walked around to the driver’s window and my nervousness increased when I
saw he driver was Sergeant Bowden in civilian clothes. Expecting him to
introduce his brand of humour to the exercise, I jumped in first to try and take
control.

“Do you know why I’ve stopped you driver?” I said in my most forceful voice.
“ain’t got a clue” he said “shouldn’t you be catching crooks instead of
harassing motorists?”

“Can I have your name please driver?” I asked, ignoring his jibe.
“What you want that for?” he said

“There are offences committed by the condition of this vehicle and as the
driver, you must give me your details.” I replied.

“My name’s Turpin mate, initial R.” He said with utmost seriousness.

So nervous, excited and focused was I on the C& U offences stacking up, I
totally missed the irony of ‘Dick Turpin’. It should have hit me when I heard the Page49
laughter from the ranks, but I’m ashamed to admit it did not.