1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cops & Robbers - old style!, August 18, 2010
Once upon a time, up until - maybe - the middle or late 1960's, the Metropolitan Police of London, England, were a proud and (for the age) effective force against crime and criminals.(Remember, this was before personal radios were standard equipment, telephones were FAR from being universally available and the Force was about 20% understrength. The well known, modern, scientific advances in the detection of crime were unheard of and far from becoming available. The Police were unarmed (except for a small 12 inch truncheon (night-stick).
In spite of these apparent disadvantages, the Police were able to hold their own in preventing crime - utilizing Officers patrolling the streets - and in the detection of crime - largely utilizing a large 'network' of Informants and undercover officers.
Extreme and totally unnecessary Puritanical thinking by (non Police) Senior Officers, resulted in a catastrophic and debilitating reorganisation of the Metropolitan Police. This resulted, directly, to the sad state of affairs that exists today. Today, few have any respect of the Police and where, once, many people would be willing to provide information and generally assist the Police, today virtually none does.
The Sweeney is a dramatisation of a select group of men who formed the Flying Squad in the good and effective days of the Metropolitan Police. The Flying Squad was charged with the detection of large scale or particularly heinous crimes - other than Murder. The 'Squad' was remarkably effective and was once much feared by the villains due to its effectiveness - and 'no nonsense' approach to thief taking!
Of course 'lines' were crossed! It would be inane to suggest that all Police are pristine in character and actions. However, over a century of serving the Metropolis had made it obvious that when dealing with unscrupulous, immoral criminals, one is hampered by being forced to wear kid gloves! The result of being forced to wear kid gloves and call everyone Sir - or Madam -has resulted in the debacle that is the Metropolitan Police today. There is no 'bite' and, therefore, no effectiveness in much of today's Policing. (Due to huge advances in scientific detection, a few types of crime are being successfully detected these days, but overall success in the detection of many crimes against the person or which affect individuals greatly are virtually ignored and remain but filed 'Reports' of un-investigated crime. The Public, today, are ill served by a largely ineffectual Police.
The Sweeney, dramatises the work of the 'Flying Squad' in its glory days. Some licence is taken, but it is largely a fair and accurate depiction of the work the Squad did at one time - prior to the Puritanical re-organisation. It was a huge success when first aired and won praise for its authenticity. It is a good and exciting series.
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