Citizen speed traps
BBC Breakfast had this story about volunteers manning speed traps and how it’s a Big Society topic. They use handheld speed cameras and note the details of any speeding motorists and pass on the details to the police. Mention was made that a number of drivers had been fined or arrested for various driving offences.
But if they aren’t police, then the evidence they collect is invalid in court. So what’s the point in having them as cheap PCSOs if they don’t do anything, except maybe act as a bit of a deterrent.
And it’s not a Big Society issue either. Upholding the law should always be done by the police.
See BigBrotherWatch for their take on it.
SadButMadLad's Blog 
“But if they aren’t police, then the evidence they collect is invalid in court. So what’s the point in having them …”
Because there are lots of people who, faced with an ‘official’ letter, will just pay up.
This little wheeze works for the same reason scams ALWAYS work – people are gullible!
JuliaM
November 16, 2010 at 16:07
“Upholding the law should always be done by the police.”
I disagree with this point. It is a good example of the state removing power from the public. For example why if you see a robbery shouldn’t you intervene and if possible make a citizen’s arrest?
However in your speed trap example I do agree because this is a matter of technical evidence, not of upholding the law.
Disenfranchised of Buckingham
November 20, 2010 at 01:20
But you aren’t upholding the law when you do a citizen’s arrest, you’re just holding the person till the police come and do the proper arrest. That’s what I understand the procedure to be. ICBW
SadButMadLad
November 20, 2010 at 18:17