Page 63 - Once a copper 10 03 2020

Local Procedure Course

Having passed the ten-week intensive course that dealt with the more serious
offences such as Murder, Blackmail, Robbery and a whole host of sexual
offences, my Local Procedure Course saw me back at Tally Ho! on Monday
30 June 1980 for two weeks to digest the wonders of more local bye laws.
th
Many of these seemed ridiculous and out-dated, but as they had not yet
been expunged, we had to hear about them.

I found myself wondering if I would ever summons an ice-cream vendor for
sounding his chimes outside of permitted hours or whether I would have the
nerve to prosecute a housewife for beating her doormat on wall that faced
onto the street (Did they still do that?). Barking dogs, football and parking on
grass verges were certainly not among the offences I was looking forward to
dealing with.

This week we were told where we would be stationed and as I lived just off
the patch, I was relieved to hear I would start my police career proper at D3
Erdington Police Station, which was on the ‘D’ Division. I would have to report
to Chief Superintendent J Bagnall at 9am sharp on Monday 14th July 1980.

The highlight of the week for me was a visit to Birmingham Magistrates Court
where we met and were introduced to the court Police Sergeant or ‘he who
must be obeyed’ (for any readers old enough to remember Rumpole of The
Bailey). Up until the early ‘80s discipline was such that you were inspected
before going into court to ensure you were properly attired. If a Senior
Officer was passing and wearing his cap, as a mark of respect and discipline
we were expected to throw up a salute.

D1 – Divisional Headquarters – Queens Road Police Station
Initial training over, I made my way to Queens Road the following Monday
morning, my boots polished and uniform pressed. The office Sergeant
welcomed me, and I sensed he felt genuinely sorry for me when I said I had
come to see Chief Superintendent Bagnall. As he escorted me through the
building, he whispered that I shouldn’t feel nervous, that the Chief Supers
bark was worse than his bite. That he felt it necessary to warn me about him
did nothing to relieve my nerves.

I was told to stand outside his office and wait for the light outside to go from
red to green, knock the door then march in and stand in front of his desk, not
to sit unless invited to. I was so glad the Sergeant gave me that advice, my
legs were like jelly and I may have sat at the first opportunity.

The Sergeant left me standing there and it seemed like an eternity before red
Page63
went to green, but it may only have been a few minutes. I opened the door,