OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR LOCAL POLICE OFFICER

At a time when nationally public confidence in the police is at an all time low and police services are suffering due to the constant cuts being made by central government, one man has been putting an overwhelmingly positive public face forward for the local force.

PC Tom (as he is affectionately known in Irlam and Cadishead) has become somewhat of a local celebrity with his inspired, witty and honest posts about what life is like on the beat around his area. This has led to trouble for him on more than one occasion, the latest of which centres around a post made on the 7th of May to the constabularies local Facebook group.

A complaint has been made by a local teacher regarding the content of the post, which gives a light hearted ribbing of local 'Yoofs' who have been plaguing the area with their antics for some time.

This led to the post being removed from social media and poor Tom being subjected to an investigation regarding his apparent breaching of standards of behaviour during his duties as an officer.

This has sparked a flurry of support for the much loved officer on Social Media with many furious that because of one singular complaint an investigation is now taking place.

In contrast as at this moment not one single person has said a negative comment about the officer in a post on SalfordOnline's Facebook page, with most saying they find his unique way of reporting on crimes in the area as hilariously entertaining and a dose of reality.

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"Youths were throwing stones at residents houses and residents themselves"

Maybe better to spend the time and effort on that instead of investigating poor PC Tom?

Wrote one member

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I love the lighthearted way our local bobbies tell us about not so good stuff going on in our area. It's great that they are letting people know that they are human and very approachable.

Said another

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Hope he doesn't get in trouble. I didn't see anything wrong with the post. I must be old fashioned or have a bit of sense taking it for the tongue in cheek as it is. World has gone mad!!!!

And the list goes on....

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Sick to death of ppl being mard!! He says it like it is... as far as I can see there is not one word out of place... think the person complaining was being 'humour-ist' and discrimination against someone just cos your dull is a little sad.

and on and on and on.....

Clearly showing that for this one complaint there are far far more who are not complaining...

To read all of the comments I have provided a nice Link To Salford Online Posting.

It would seem that some people are unable to see his posts for what they are, a jokey bit of banter between the public and the force, banter which does a lot to bridge the gap between them and bring a much needed real human face to it's officers in Salford.

Tom's 'Rant?' in full...

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"Good Morning everyone.

"An update on what's occurred in the area over the past 24hrs or so. It would be very quiet if it wasn't for one thing...or several "things"

"Kids/Yoofs/Yobs/Delinquents (cross out which one).

"There was a call to Heron Drive, Irlam to youths sitting or jumping on vehicles. The youths had gone home to mummy when officers arrived and no damage was found.

"There was a report of drunken youths on the fields at Sandy Lane, Irlam. Again, they had made off back to mummy, probably claiming that they had been doing their science project homework at a mates. How to get alcohol out of £3.60 dinner money.

"Please try and find out what your little Keanu or Beyonce are doing at night. If they're drinking or smoking weed, there will be signs. If they are, they will no doubt be causing mither in the street.

"Youths were throwing stones at residents houses and residents themselves, from the railway viaduct over Roseway Avenue, Cadishead.

"And finally, there was a call to Tesco at Woodrow Way, Irlam. Security called to report one man and his dog at the Cashpoint machines.

"Many cashpoint areas have points where you can leave deposits for the bank. They did so.... Defecating at the cashpoint... Not the dog.... The man.We have a description (Of the man- not the deposit) and CCTV of the incident. The dog is entirely innocent... Wonder if it's a shih-tzu?

"Only me in today as the PCSO's don't work on Sunday's. They have the day off to play with their crayons and Lego.

"Take care and lock your kids up till school time on Monday."

How anyone can find offence in his post or even defend the antics of those who set out to cause mischief and mayhem for residents in their local community is beyond me. It sends a negative message to those who are guilty of causing problems, that message being that they can carry on as the police officers tasked with policing the area investigated and punished for doing nothing more than telling the people the stark truth of what is happening on the streets. This particular officer chose to do this by inserting a little humour into his reports.

So I have to ask what is the real problem here? An officer giving a positive if somewhat jokey account of the things they have to deal with each day? OR seemingly the only person in Salford without a sense of humour that found his amusing post offensive?

So come on GMP, do the right thing GMP, drop this silly and pointless investigation, its  both unnecessary and unwarranted.

The man does more to promote public confidence in the force than you seem to understand.

He presents a human face for our local bobbies and highlights the often silly things that they deal with day in day out whilst proudly serving our City.

Tom is living proof that our officers are not automatons just doing a job, they are real human beings doing an exceptional and important job, often under the worst of circumstances.

Give the man a break, a pay rise and commendation for doing more for the positive image of the police than has been done in years.