PC INTERPRETERS

The Snowflake* generation requires that we have institutions and services trained in the employment of special needs to cater to them. We're seeing a lot of this in day to day life and today I listened to a Radio NZ news report on the Independent Police Conduct Authority on the inappropriate behaviour of a policeman when arresting a passenger after a pursuit in a speeding car in Auckland where road spikes had to be used to stop the car. The man complained the dog handler used derogatory language and kicked him in the head.  The police officer also told man to 'f*** off back to whatever island you came from'

The authority found the restraining officer acted unprofessionally during the course of his arrest.

"He inappropriately threatened [him] with the use of pepper spray and used offensive, derogatory language towards him. [The officer] failed to act in a manner that would be reasonably expected of an experienced, well-trained police officer."

Auckland City District Commander Superintendent Karyn Malthus said police had acknowledged the IPCA's findings and wanted to make it clear that using offensive or derogatory language was completely unacceptable and not in line with police values.

OK, I agree that police officers shouldn't kick people in the head (although this was disputed) and shouldn't make derogatory comments to people but we need to consider the situation - a high speed chase requiring road spikes to stop the car and police dogs to detain the offenders. There is a bit of adrenaline involved in this. These guys weren't on an outing to the local scouts or boy's brigade.


What the police might have to consider - as a nod to this new generation coming through and to avert offending culprits unnecessarily - is to create an extra division into their ranks - the PC Police.

PC Police officers can be trained in contemporary sensitivity issues and ideally be drawn from the same age group as snowflakes. A PC Police officer should ride in the same police car with regular officers and be on hand when interpretation is necessary.

Here is a possible scenario.

A Subaru Impreza car has been stolen in Manukau and is driving at high speeds and erratically in a 50km area near Rainbow's End. Police are alerted and soon give a short chase to the vehicle which runs off the road on a sharp corner and ends up in a small grassy park. Police officers surround the car before the occupants can scarper.

Arresting Officer: Get out of the car scumbags. Out. Now!

PC Interpreter: Hey guys. I know it's a drag but can you kind of get out now?

Arresting Officer: You, you and you s***heads, get down on the ground.

PC Interpreter: Get down guys. Watch your clothes now. Not there. Over there where it's drier. 

Arresting Officer: Hands behind your back you Polack. Right now.

PC Interpreter: Maryznic? It's you isn't? How are you. How's your mum?

Arresting Officer: And you Paddy. You gobshite.

PC Interpreter: Now now Officer Faumuina. Be nice

Arresting Officer: Right, into the wagon arseholes before I kick your arses.

PC Interpreter: Step in guys. Watch the step there. Hey, are you guys hungry? Officer Faumuina                                   might be nice enough to stop at KFC on the way ....

*Snowflake is derogatory slang term for a person, implying that they have an inflated sense of uniqueness, an unwarranted sense of entitlement, or are overly-emotional, easily offended, and unable to deal with opposing opinions. Common usages include the terms special snowflake, Generation Snowflake, and snowflake as a politicised insult.    - Wikipedia.