Author Topic: 'Super wardens' go on patrol (Read 496 times)

wooley · « **Reply #15 on:** May 25, 2007, 02:38:47 PM »

Hi Hawk - the thing you might not be aware of is the level of petty anti-social behaviour in the UK. Its bad.

Its a big deal and pretty high on the political agenda, so whilst this may seem mental within a US context, it doesn't surprise me at all.

68Hawk · « **Reply #16 on:** May 25, 2007, 02:54:59 PM »

Thats a fair point Wooley. Still, isn't there a better way to encourage good behavior? I also worry about the trend at camera saturation over there. I just keep hearing more and more things coming out of the UK where they're posting cameras, microphones and taking other measures to enforce behavior. I used to hear talk of enforcing laws. Its a semantic difference, but it might be important.

Nashwan · « **Reply #17 on:** May 25, 2007, 04:49:26 PM »

Quote

I fail to see how this is consistent with any concept of due process as well as innocent until proven guilty in a court.

Their main role is to issue parking tickets but under legislation brought in last year they will also have powers to give on-the-spot fines for anti-social behavior.

On the spot fines in Britain mean you get given a penalty notice (for minor crimes only, like speeding, parking etc). You then have a choice, to pay the penalty fine by sending it off with payment or taking it to the court office etc, which means you admit guilt. The alternative is you deny the offence, or claim extenuating circumstances, in which case you go to court and argue your innocence. The penalty will be larger if you go to court and are found guilty.

So the principle of innocent until proven guilty still exists, because if you refuse to accept guilt and pay the fine, which you have every right to do, they have to prosecute you in court.

Maverick · « **Reply #18 on:** May 25, 2007, 05:17:18 PM »

Then it's not an on the spot fine, it's a summons. Using the terminology that they did implied the "warden" would be assessing then collecting a fine.

The term "anti social" is also rather vague. I would hope thay have a codified set of offenses that are actually written law rather than a subjectively determined "offense".