View Full Version : Paddick: It's a stitch-up
Caspar Hauser
25-06-2002, 11:48
From The Mirror
PADDICK: IT'S A STITCH-UP (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/allnews/page.cfm?objectid=11976176&method=full&siteid=50143)
EXCLUSIVE: Yard 'will ignore his crime cuts'
By Harry Arnold
SUPPORTERS of the police chief behind a go-soft policy on cannabis possession fear there is a "stitch-up" campaign against him.
Backers of Commander Brian Paddick's South London experiment hit out after fresh questions were levelled against his controversial idea. The new police boss of Mr Paddick's Lambeth area, which includes Brixton, said: "The centre of Brixton alone is a crack market worth £12million a year.
"Brian Moore, speaking amid reports that dealing in crack- cocaine in Britain has risen 200 per cent, called Brixton a "24-hour crack supermarket".
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Mike Fuller, head of Scotland Yard's drugs directorate, also said there were "significant flaws" in the Lambeth experiment.
Paddick's supporters say the force is ignoring its own figures and research.
They have produced a report suggesting the decision to effectively ignore cannabis-smoking has been an astonishing success.
They claim their findings will be ignored by Scotland Yard in an attempt to "stitch up" Paddick and end his career.
The policy of not arresting people for cannabis possession was introduced in Lambeth by the commander a year ago. He wanted to focus scarce resources on street crime.
His initiative divided police opinion and increasingly there have been claims of failure.
Leaked information has suggested that hard drug use is soaring, more people are being encouraged to smoke cannabis, and children as young as 10 are turning up at school "stoned".
Now the evidence of Paddick supporters - revealed on the eve of a Home Office conference on crack-cocaine - shows "massive reductions" in crime.
Between January and April this year, street robbery in the borough of Lambeth has halved - the biggest fall in London, the report claims. Millions of pounds has been saved in police and court time as a result.
There has also been no increase in the number of drug dealers in Lambeth, nor have there been more people coming into the area to buy cannabis.
The report also makes clear that crime was falling well before the separate "safer streets" clampdown in the capital.
It says there is no evidence of any link between cannabis use and other crime. And head teachers in Lambeth have not reported increases in cannabis use in schools since the pilot began.
A leading supporter of Commander Paddick said: "Our investigation into the effects of the new policy indicates that it has been spectacularly successful in reducing crime.
"The figures speak for themselves. And there have been none of the dire consequences we were warned about.
"Our fear is that our report will be totally ignored by senior officers and those whose interests it serves to smear and discredit a pioneering police officer."The source added: "If this experiment fails, it will be known as 'Paddick's idea'. If it succeeds, it will be called 'a triumph for Scotland Yard'."
It's just so typical :(
The facts can be obscured by a few rabid leaders in the Daily Mail and the truth lost behind hysteria.
What I find ironic and I may be misrepresenting Paddick is that I am not aware that he ever said that he was certain the policy would work anyway. It was experimental and whilst its success (in reality) is a great credit to the bloke IMHO its failure would still have been a credit! simply for having the guts to try.
jema
Who indeed! They've been keeping very quiet, whoever they are. Be interesting to read their report though.
{edited to add} Well done that look-out in Austria! ;)
I saw that Kate Howey on the news last night for the first time. Does anybody know where she gets her information from?
The reason I ask, is because she seemed to be in direct contradiction with what I've been hearing about the "softly, softly" approach. She seemed to be saying that things had got worse and not better.:confused:
The guy who was filling in for Brian didn't seem to really want to look at solutions, he seemed to come from the school of thought that all drugs are dangerous, not matter what they are.
Originally posted by Scott
Does anybody know where she gets her information from?
My next door neighbour's cousin's daughter knows someone who does a paper round in her area. She can't be sure but thinks she takes the Daily Mail, Daily Express, High Jump monthly and the Belfast Newsletter.
john x
Beach Bum
25-06-2002, 15:12
Brian Moore's comments are in regards to crack- cocaine. As far as I know, Brian Paddick's policy was applied only to pot. I'm not sure how these subjects are connected.
I'm sure if I try hard enough I can blame Paddick's pot policy for Bush being elected.
Originally posted by Beach Bum
I'm sure if I try hard enough I can blame Paddick's pot policy for Bush being elected.
And Seaman being off his line for Ronaldinho's free kick!
john x
Does anyone know Harry Arnold? (a keyboard name, surely). Would be nice to track down these people and check out their, ahem, methodology,
She should stick to what she does best..... :D
Was this article published in print? I bought the Mirror today, but couldn't find it :(
Caspar Hauser
25-06-2002, 19:29
Don't know DrJazzz. Got it from their homepage. :p
Caspar Hauser
26-06-2002, 06:41
Seems 'hard facts' forced Brian Moore and Mike Fuller to change their minds.
From BBC NEWS
Schools questioned on cannabis (http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk/england/newsid_2066000/2066303.stm)
... Mr. Moore, who replaced Commander Paddick after he was moved to a desk job at Scotland Yard, said: "Some opinion formers have raised concerns more children of the nine and 10-year-old level are taking cannabis than before the pilot."
Lambeth's 66 primary and 10 secondary schools are being asked whether they have excluded more children for cannabis since the scheme began.
They are also being asked whether more cannabis and drug paraphernalia has been found.
Mr Moore said: "The feedback is very clear so far that there has been no escalation, which I think is a re-assuring response to some of the concerns." ...
... There have also been claims of people being drawn into Lambeth to buy and sell cannabis as a result of the scheme.
But Deputy Assistant Commissioner Mike Fuller said: "There is no discernible difference in terms of the number of people we are finding in possession of cannabis compared to before the pilot."
A total of 1,190 people have been warned for possession since the scheme began last July.
Of those, 52.7% were from outside the borough, a similar proportion to those caught in possession before the pilot, suggesting people were not flooding into the area to buy drugs.
Do you think there will be an apology from Kate Hoey? ;)
Dr Jazz: The article was on Monday.
Caspar: You're doing a brilliant job of "media-monitor", from far away Austria. I'm tempted to start a thread to nominate "top prize from Brixton market for Caspar". I'd suggest a loaf of Jamaican bun, a heavy cinnamony bread with currents and stuff in it. :)
There is a scenario that says the Met want to roll this thing out, but want to placate the critics by giving due deference to their concerns. It's a dangerous came to play though. Allegations too easily becaome established as "facts". Of the two, Stevens has played a straighter bat than Fuller. As I recall, it was the latter who first raised concerns about stoned children and who also racialised the MORI results, giving an emphasis which the data just doesn't support. And he's the guy in charge of the evaluation, for goodness sake!
The concerns raised iby Brian Moore in the BBC story are perfectly reasonable ones. With an experimental policy, it is entirely appropriate to be asking questions about what effects the policy is having, and to be very watchful for indications that the policy is having a negative effect. That is entirely responsible; it would be quiote wrong to just disseminate propoganda stating that it's working wonderfully and not ask any questions which might produce unwated conclusions. (The 'New Labour' approach.)
Trouble is, that if the police reveal that they are asking these questions, the Daily Smear is likely to use them as inspiration for new allegations.
ats: I don't think anyone would disagree with concerns, especially if they relate to children. What's at issue is the way in which these concerns are raised, allowed to run in the media and gain credence, before being refuted.
The proper way to run a trial is:
Define the trial;
Define the criteria whereby it will be assessed;
Run the trial;
Evaluate the results.
If, as the trial is running, concerns are raised which point to new criteria, then the proper response is "Those are legitimate concerns. We've taken them on board and here is how we're going to encompass them within the trial". In this case, by canvassing schools and analysing the dealer arrests in terms of in- abd out-borough.
The wrong response is to feed the media with stories about stoned children, an influx of dealers etc...and then some weeks later pop up with data refuting these claims. The initial leaks make the headlines, the refutation doesn't.
Caspar Hauser
27-06-2002, 13:42
Since pooka named me 'media-monitor' (something I've actually done for a charity as part of my National Service) some more 'good' publicity for the trial. :p
Police chief says cannabis softly, softly approach is a success (http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_617077.html)
A senior police officer says the 'softly, softly' approach to cannabis in Lambeth has been a statistical success.
Scotland Yard Deputy Commissioner Ian Blair says the experiment in Lambeth, south London is undoubtedly beneficial to the police.
The pilot project, in which those found with small amounts of the drug are warned rather than arrested, began almost a year ago.
Mr Blair told a meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority: "We are in the middle of a bit of a media storm over this with different commentators taking different points of view.
"The experiment itself is undoubtedly, in statistical terms, a success - we have clearly saved officer time, about two man years."
In January to May this year there were 740 warnings for cannabis possession, in which people had their drugs confiscated, compared with 249 arrests in the same period last year, he said.
There were also an additional 1,250 stop and searches for drugs and arrests for supply of Class A substances like crack, a significant rise.
"However, the perception of the experiment is different," said Mr Blair. "There is a clear perception being discussed that children are now smoking cannabis and we are going to suffer from drugs tourism."
He said schools had been surveyed and there was no evidence whatsoever of an increase in drug use by children.
There was also no evidence of people arrested for drugs being more likely now to have come from outside Lambeth, he said.
A sweet from the end jar for Caspar :)
What to say? About bleedin time!
Clearly, these people have been reading these boards - you're welcome ;)
I can't say I find the article above the endorsement it should be. Whether it is bias on the part of the writer, or Ian Blair, I don't know, but who cares that 'two man years have been saved'?. That's £60,000.
I care far more that millions of pounds has been saved in court costs, prison costs, that community relations are at a high, and most importantly, that crime has fallen, and continues to fall.
harry's afro hut
27-06-2002, 15:27
abreast of this as much as I should but HOW FUCKING LONG does it take to investigate Brian, (hopefully) exonerate him and get him back in his job??
I know, I know, its power politics and all that but this has been running for months now yet the charges were relatively simple. Does anybody have a handle on when they are going to sort this out??
Cheers...
Caspar Hauser
27-06-2002, 15:38
A more detailed report about the MPA meeting concerning 'Paddick/Cannabis Trial' from PA News.
Paddick's 'Softly, Softly' Approach To Cannabis Statistical Success
A controversial "softly, softly'' approach to cannabis under a pilot project headed by openly gay Commander Brian Paddick has been a "statistical success'', a senior police officer said today.
Scotland Yard Deputy Commissioner Ian Blair, the force's second-in-command, said the experiment in Lambeth, south London was "undoubtedly'' beneficial to the police.
The pilot project, in which those found with small amounts of the drug are warned rather than arrested, began almost a year ago under Commander Brian Paddick - he has since been moved to a desk job and is under investigation following allegations by his ex-boyfriend that he had smoked cannabis with the Commander in his home.
Mr Blair told a meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority: "The experiment itself is undoubtedly, in statistical terms, a success - we have clearly saved officer time, about two man years.''
"However, the perception of the experiment is different,'' said Mr Blair. "There is a clear perception being discussed that children are now smoking cannabis and we are going to suffer from drugs tourism.'' He said schools had been surveyed and there was "no evidence whatsoever'' of an increase in drug use by children.
There was also no evidence of people arrested for drugs being more likely now to have come from outside Lambeth, he said.
On the subject of Commander Paddick, he said: "We want to get rid of this issue that Commander Paddick is being blamed for this or that he made a mistake. Whether the experiment is a success or not Commander Paddick's achievement is in being bold enough to take such an innovative approach.''
He said the Metropolitan Police would always look to support innovation.
Commissioner Sir John Stevens also made clear that responsibility for introducing the experiment rested with him, not Commander Paddick. He said: "What took place in Lambeth was with my agreement and authority. Things don't happen in boroughs without my authorising them.''
Despite Mr Blair's comments some members of the authority called for an independent evaluation of the experiment. They criticised the lack of a defined timescale, saying it was "ridiculous''that someone could be arrested for possessing cannabis in the rest of London but not in Lambeth.
Mr Blair said the experiment was continuing in Lambeth but not being rolled out elsewhere because police were awaiting Home Secretary David Blunkett's response to the Home Affairs Select Committee on the issue of cannabis reclassification - the response is due by July 15.
At last, all the mood music going the right way, I'd say - although these things can be deceptive.
If one were to cavil, it would be the phrase "the perception of the experiment is different". Who's perception? And based on what other than tidbits and innuendos from DAC Fuller and La Hoey.
Either these people are terminally machiavellian or remarkably uncoordinated and incompetent.
Anyways, all this makes things a tad brigher for BP?
Surprisingly, (ahem) as far as I can see, the Standard has chosen not to run this story
{edited to add} I tell a lie - this is the extent of it:
Cannabis tactics pay off for police
A controversial "softly, softly" approach to cannabis has been a "statistical success", a senior police officer says.
Scotland Yard Deputy Commissioner Ian Blair, the force's second-in-command, said the experiment in Lambeth, south London, was "undoubtedly" beneficial to the police.
The pilot project, in which those found with small amounts of the drug are warned rather than arrested, began under Commander Brian Paddick - he has since been moved to a desk job following allegations about his private life.
Peter Matisse
27-06-2002, 16:58
Three cheers for Ian Blair and Sir John Stevens !
At last some support for Brian !
And at last some facts instead of the hysterical ranting of a Martini MP, Kate Hoey.
A Martini MP ? Anytime. anyplace, anywhere, someone who just wants to be an MP, has no concern where or who they represent. Does not answer letters from consituents, does not answer e-mails from constituents.
When was the last time Ms Hoey asked a question in the house about the state of housing in Lambeth.
When was the last time Ms Hoey asked a question in the house about the state of education and schools in Lambeth.
Ms Hoey made a complete hash of the government job she was given in Sports and was got rid of. Now she is an embarrassment to the government. Witness Tony Blairs's treatment of her attempt to disparage the cannabis experiment in the house recently.
Ms Hoey only got elected because Lambeth was a safe Labour seat, if she stands again it remains to be seen if it stays that way.
If we are going to have a witch hunt I know the witch I would nominate.
Just to add:
Curious that a service organisation should measure the success of the trial in terms of it being "beneficial to the police". Erm, what about the people of Lambeth.
Says something about the mindset at the top perhaps. 7/10 for effort, I'd say.
Anyways, lets hope this gets sorted properly soon. Better things to worry about than canabbis!
Originally posted by harry's afro hut
abreast of this as much as I should but HOW FUCKING LONG does it take to investigate Brian, (hopefully) exonerate him and get him back in his job??
Cheers...
Whatever the result of the inquiry, it is almost certain that Brian Paddick will not return to his job in Lambeth.
He would not be able to do his job properly as he would be followed, quite literally, 24 hours a day by the tabloid press.
john x
Are we forgetting that crime has come down?
Why does no-one mention this fact in the media? Surely it is by far the most important....
It's not just cannabis, but the whole global world of narcotics - a massive industry which keeps some very nasty people powerful, and pits the masses against each other - could collapse if it turns out that it is the policy of prohibition, not the drugs themselves which is the massive problem.
That's why someone has flown in from the USA to rubbish the Paddick experiment. Because it has them scared shitless.
edited to add.... I doubt that very much john. There are some advantages to being a high-ranking police officer and I think even the tabloids would be wary of harassing such a person.
Originally posted by DrJazzz
edited to add.... I doubt that very much john. There are some advantages to being a high-ranking police officer and I think even the tabloids would be wary of harassing such a person.
Would you like to venture a small wager on that DrJazzz, say ten english pounds?
john x
There is an arguement, john, that says if they don't put Brian Paddick back in Lambeth, then some other policeman will get the same treatment when next they want to whip up a law and order scare. If the tabloids get the whif that they've got the whip hand over the Met, they won't give up. Law and order is the one issue over which Daily Mail readers can salivate and beat a Labour governement at the same time.
At some point, bullies have to be faced down and they go away. They'd give Paddick a hard time for about 3 months, and lots of recurrent snide comments thereafter, but basically the media (and the public) soon tire of a story. Assuming that canabbis is reclassified and/or the trial rolled out, then as long as he doesn't get Jean Paul Gaultier (sp) to redesign their uniforms in pink leather, he should be ok. ;)
Don't get me wrong...........
I'm not advocating that he shouldn't come back to Lambeth. As a part-time Brixton resident, I sincerely hope he does. (Give me a break I'm also a part-time resident of Belfast where we have to suffer the 'RUC', so any progressive policing would be nice.) All I am trying to point out is that there will be difficulties if he is allowed to return to Lambeth.
The right-wing press should not dictate such matters in our society, but so often they do.
john x
I wasn't thinking that's what you were suggesting john. I was just rehearsing the arguement that I think the powers that be would do well to muse on. And I suspect they are no fools.
3stripes
27-06-2002, 21:50
" suffer the 'RUC' "
suffered at the hands of Gerry Adams/ Martin McGuiness/IRA. I know a lot of people that have
I think 3 stripes does a global search across the boards for "RUC" every 10 mins!
As I type, Newsnight are covering the trial. So far, kids who think it's legal!!!!
The programme will be kept until tomorrow night at
here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/audiovideo/programmes/newsnight/newsid_2063000/2063155.stm)
It's the usual stuff, I'm afraid - Julie Fawcett, Dr Garida (sp), DAC Fuller, Ira Campbell. And an interview with Asa Hutchinson from America plus Bob Ainsworth, Home Office Minister
Originally posted by 3stripes
" suffer the 'RUC' "
suffered at the hands of Gerry Adams/ Martin McGuiness/IRA. I know a lot of people that have
Sorry , the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Different name, same corrupt, sectarian bigots. As it happens, Gerry Adams is my MP, and he is a hell of a lot better than Kate Hoey I can tell you.
john x
Originally posted by pooka
As I type, Newsnight are covering the trial. So far, kids who think it's legal!!!!
That American guy from the DEA was talking an awful lot of Bollocks!
john x
But Ainsworth is holding up reasonably.
3stripes
27-06-2002, 23:27
Now I see the reason for your support
You must be the only one on this board with a murderer/torturer as an MP. Why don't you ask him where the body of Jean Mcconville his, her children would really love to know after all these years. After Gerry's men came and took her away from all her kids tortured her and mutilated her leaving all those kids without their mother, but hey, he's a good MP
This forum's about stuff in South London 3 stripes: Sectarian bollox is in the Politics forum
Originally posted by 3stripes
Why don't you ask him where the body of Jean Mcconville his, her children would really love to know after all these years. After Gerry's men came and took her away from all her kids tortured her and mutilated her leaving all those kids without their mother, but hey, he's a good MP
3stripes
Your hypocracy is sickening! If this poor woman hadn't been killed by the IRA, she would be nothing more to you than just another dumb fenian. You talk about sympathy for her kids, but all you are doing is using her death as a stick to beat the IRA. If her body was never found, how do you know she was mutilated. The IRA were wrong to kill her but please don't judge them by the same standards as your own psychopathic Loyalist murder gangs.
john x
<edited to add:>
pooka is right. Stop jumping into other forums with your strange beliefs!
Take it somewhere else guys! If it's not about, or somehow connected with Brixton/South London it runs the risk of being chopped. Take it to Politics please.
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