IN last week s Cambs Times you report that villagers are being invited to meet their local bobby, in surgeries run by a PCSO. At the risk of seeming picky, I hope that the PCSO will be bringing a police officer to the meetings, because a PCSO is not a bo
IN last week's Cambs Times you report that villagers are being invited to meet their local bobby, in surgeries run by a PCSO.
At the risk of seeming picky, I hope that the PCSO will be bringing a police officer to the meetings, because a PCSO is not a "bobby". That nickname was derived from Sir Robert Peel, who started London's Metropolitan Police in 1829, and historically should refer only to a police officer.
Regrettably, I feel there is growing confusion in the minds of many members of the public as to who is, and who is not, a police officer, and if terms like "bobby" are used indiscriminately, then such confusion will increase.
ROGER NEWARK
Doddington
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here