Power to the people

[Newt]

ask a copper (copper ,old fashioned policeman alleged to actually go outside the police station or car)

 

Copper from the fact that patrolling policemen (bottom of the pecking order) were issued badges made of copper since it was a cheap and easily worked metal that could be shined and so came to be know by the slang term "copper".

[Bobj]

another explanation, Newt: To cut to the chase, the police sense of "copper" and "cop" probably comes originally from the Latin word "capere," meaning "to seize," which also gave us "capture." "Cop" as a slang term meaning "to catch, snatch or grab" appeared in English in the 18th century, ironically originally used among thieves -- a "copper" was a street thief. But by the middle of the 19th century, criminals apprehended by the police were said to have themselves been "copped" -- caught -- by the "coppers" or "cops." And there you have the etiology of "cop." Case, as the cops say, closed.

[Guest Brumagem Phil]

"peelers"

 

G'nite

[MrWiggly]

"peelers"

 

G'nite

 

 

From Sir Robert Peel, I believe. Who founded the original police force. For which also comes "Bobbies" ...

 

But what about "The Fuzz" ? "The Busies" ? "The Sweenie" ? and "Mr Plod" ?

 

 

Old Yorkshire expression ... "Cop for that !!"

Edited June 15, 2007 by MrWiggly

[DavyR]

But what about "The Fuzz" ? "The Busies" ? "The Sweenie" ? and "Mr Plod" ?

 

Wikipedia does it again: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_slang...police_officers

[Dan]

Hmm, it used to be the rule that a speed limit would not be put in place unless 80% (I think) would stick to the limit. It may seem odd but there is absolutely no point in putting up a speed limit that is grossly ignored. There are enough complaints on forums about inapropriate speed limits.

 

The way to reduce speed effectively is to engineer the roads, which is why you see roundabouts, chicanes and humps, which we hate as drivers.

 

The big trouble is we all have 2 views, those on the sped outside our houses/schools etc and the opposite when we are driving outside someone elses! hipocrites we are!!

 

Having said that its good when local politicians actually listen and do what the local residents want.

 

Dan