Policing and justice

The Commissioner of the Metropolitan police, Sir Paul Stephenson, recently expressed concern at the growing trend to "punish" offenders either with a caution or with an on-the-spot fine. He had concluded that the balance had swung too far in this direction and needed review.

His view is that something like 400,00o offenders annually currently given a fine or caution would be better dealt with via a court appearance, and that the public would have greater confidence in the police if violent thugs had the salutary experience of appearing in court, and if they were made to be supervised by the probation service, or something similar.

The suspicion is that the objective of these out of court penalties is to save time, both in the courts and for officers having to attend court. If so, it is ineffective and self-defeating. Offenders must be exposed to the full rigour of the law, not merely fined as if for a parking offence.

Sir Paul is undoubtedly right, and his doubts should be heeded. This country needs an effective and prompt enforcement service, with no penny pinching.