I thought the stories had the ring of truth to them (apart from the time travel!) and now I know why. I just saw the names of John Blake and Keith Gausden on the credits as police advisors. I worked with them both in the early 80's in Lambeth. I will watch the remaining episodes with even more interest!
In honour of the old days, I post here this article which recently appeared in Police Review magasine:
JANE'S POLICE REVIEW COMMUNITY - FEBRUARY 08, 2008
This week with Ch Supt Jim Webster
Early in 1981, I had just finished my street duties course at the Met and was about to start my first night duty shift. Around 9 pm, I saw a man walking towards me at Lambeth Bridge, London. I was sure I had seen his face before but, being my first day on duty, I was equally sure I could not have known him.
I stopped the man, having decided I would search him, having no real idea of the powers to do either. He gave me his name, which meant nothing to me, and, of course, he had nothing incriminating on him. Still, with a rush of youthful enthusiasm, I told him I was going to arrest him as I thought he was wanted. I called the station and asked them to check the wanted posters. It turned out he was wanted by the Flying Squad for armed robbery, aggravated burglary and going equipped. It was an eventful first day.
About a year later, I met the same man in the cells at Horseferry Magistrates' Court. When I asked him why he did not just walk away or punch me on the nose, he told me he knew he would eventually be arrested by the Flying Squad and that when he was, he could expect a rough ride and a long stay in police cells before re-entering the prison system. He knew that being arrested late at night on a weekday, would mean he could be charged that night and into court and prison the following day. He was clear I did not know what I was doing, which meant there would be no 'putting words into his mouth'. Also, he said that as an 'old lag' he knew it would be the end of his criminal career and he could see it was the start of my policing career and did not want it to get off to a bad start!
Ch Supt Jim Webster is BCU commander in Plymouth, for Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.
