it was on the pier while I was waiting for the boat, they pulled up in their police boat and searched everyone's bags. Unlike Terence's experience they explained what they were looking for and the guy showed me his ID when I asked. It was a very quick search of my bag so no frisking or further questions. I keep my leatherman strapped to my boot so that could have been an issue but according to the form they gave me it was a "stop and account" so as long as I had a valid reason for carrying it I'd have been fine. I can totally see how some police could be complete dicks about this but these guys were very reasonable and acted in the spirit of "stop and account" instead of "stop and accuse"
10 comments so far
Stopped by the river police? Where you swimming home? ;-)
1 year ago by bensmithuk
was it the boots?
1 year ago by constantine
seriously i could never live in the UK if cops searched me at a whim, i get really defensive and my first instinct is to run.
1 year ago by constantine
@Constantine Running away would be hard on a boat.
1 year ago by JebBrilliant
@danlane did they comment about that machete you carry around?
1 year ago by barneyc
it was on the pier while I was waiting for the boat, they pulled up in their police boat and searched everyone's bags. Unlike Terence's experience they explained what they were looking for and the guy showed me his ID when I asked. It was a very quick search of my bag so no frisking or further questions. I keep my leatherman strapped to my boot so that could have been an issue but according to the form they gave me it was a "stop and account" so as long as I had a valid reason for carrying it I'd have been fine. I can totally see how some police could be complete dicks about this but these guys were very reasonable and acted in the spirit of "stop and account" instead of "stop and accuse"
1 year ago by danlane
I wonder if they'd have been less happy and nice if you'd started filming them though.
1 year ago by dennymeta
To be fair since being back, whilst the police presence has been overwhelming my personal encounters have been nothing other than very pleasant
1 year ago by barneyc
i don't care, the fact that they're around troubles me.
1 year ago by constantine
their presence shouldn't scare you, what they can get up to if they abuse their already excessive powers should
1 year ago by barneyc