After all the horror stories of out of control, racist, militarized, if not 'brown shirt', police departments who have become a law unto themselves, there is a place in the world where the police are not only 'doing it right' but they are doing it with style, flair and humour (British spelling intentional for this story!)
Take a Break! Take a breather from all the negativity and heartache in the news and step into the sunshine for a moment. Where all appears to be, in fact, 'all right with the world.' At least that part of the world inhabited by the Isle of Scilly Police Dept on St. Mary's Island. It is part of the archipelago called the The Isles of Scilly, about 28 miles southwest of the British coast, where they proclaim "A Place Like Nowhere in England."
Thanks to the Guardian for bringing this story to light yesterday, letting the world know about one of Britain's hidden treasures. A police department that is actually trying to connect with its public and is producing brilliant prose in the process. (They are English after all, they use the language in a way that we can only dream about...imho.) And they are bringing their wit and deft turn of phrase to the modern global meeting place, Facebook, through the talents of Sgt. Colin Taylor. (Daily Show, are you listening?)
The Guardian asks Do the Isles of Scilly police have the best Facebook page ever? and after spending a happy hour in the company of these good folk, I can definitely say that I would vote for them. It kept me chuckling long after. And I am going back to their Facebook page to check on the progress of their current dilemma, recruiting for a new Police Counstable; I am thinking of applying myself! Except that I am not much of a baker.... <<(clue: hint...)
This Facebook posting that caught the attention of the Guardian:
Isles of Scilly Police at St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
April 1 at 10:15pm ·
Unique Opportunity
There is a post currently available for a Police Constable on the Isles of Scilly. Quite possibly the most enviable policing post in the UK or even the world, after mine. It only comes around every few years. Amongst other things the successful candidate will possess the following attributes:
The ability to explain cheerfully in infinite different ways to holiday makers that “No you are not hallucinating I am a real Police Officer” and “Yes there are things for me to do here”.
The resolve to issue a parking ticket to your spouse so tactfully so as not find dinner in the dog thereafter.
At 2am whilst still wearing pyjamas under your uniform and wiping sleep from your eyes having been called out on duty from deep REM sleep, resolve a disagreement originating hours beforehand regarding the merits of sea salt verses rock salt between a couple of drunk chefs.
Un-flinching confidence to know what to do when you are alerted to an abandoned seal pup making its way up the main street.
An acceptance that at 6:15pm you will be handed an item of lost property whilst off duty in the Coop queuing for the till with both arms laden with a thawing tub of ice-cream and fish fingers hastily chosen so as to provide a meal for your children before they go to judo at 6:30.
Sounds idyllic? If you have a moment during your day feel free to practice your brief one liner applications online here. Closing day is Friday. Who knows, this time next month you could be rescuing goldfish, investigating fried eggs, competing with Lifeboat crews to make pasties, guarding clogs for Dutchmen and taking your orders from a cat. Only followers of this site need apply as inevitably you will feature here anyway and your mum will want to know what you are up to. Good Luck.
Sgt Colin Taylor
The hilarity of this site continues in the back and forth of the comments:
Jordan Howe: I am a Scillonian who lives in Australia and want to come back for a visit. Can Faye get me deported from Australia?
65 · April 1 at 2:46pm
Isles of Scilly Police: We have a form for that somewhere. Faye will dig it out in the morning Jordan Howe.
83 · April 1 at 2:58pm
View more replies
Carrie Blake: I lost my dignity when my dog pulled me into a river. I'd like that back please
39 · April 1 at 11:00am
Isles of Scilly Police: We have no dignity here sorry. I'll dispatch Faye to get some for you Carrie Blake.
78 · April 1 at 2:14pm
and then there is this brilliant idea in the war on drugs:
Isles of Scilly Police:
March 6 at 8:00am ·
I have an idea that could save laboratory costs when conducting investigations for the Coroner.
Users of New Psychoactive Substances. It would be much appreciated if you would set aside a small sample of your chemical tipple in the little zip lock bag you purchased it in and not ingest it. Simply leave the surplus chemical concoction by your bedside and we will pop along and seize it when needed. Bobs your Uncle, we may not have to run far more complex and costly blood analysis for your Coroners file.
Of course that might not be necessary in your case as you could be mercifully managing the odds. I met with the professionals at http://addaction.org.uk recently. They informed me that a trend is developing. Users of legal highs are less likely to self refer to them for support than are the users of illegal drugs and alcohol. Instead, I am informed, that the customers of these unregulated, untested poisons are increasingly bypassing this valuable early support and presenting themselves direct to Mental Health services as the chronic effects of experimentation reveals itself less favourably.
...
Not a cheery subject so who wants to see a lovely picture of my Guinea Pig "Ginger"?
Colin'
The Guardian also reports:
Such is their popularity, they were recently given an official Facebook verified tick.
Basically, everyone can stop trying now: Isles of Scilly police have won Facebook. We salute you.
From their Facebook Page:
Isles of Scilly Police
March 13 · ·
We are Verified
March 13
A short while ago while Facebook HQ made a personal approach to us at IOSPD. Apparently amongst the billions of FB pages and in between running a multi-billion dollar Social Media empire and skateboarding, these wood pushers get sick kicks out of following our gnarly exploits at St Mary’s Police. They wanted to verify our account like they did with Obama and Bieber. Once we actually understood what these rad kids were saying we agreed “OK, but on two conditions”. Firstly we don’t have to harp on about ruling the free world and secondly we don’t have to show of our six pack abs. Their Lawyers agreed to our terms and now we proudly display a fancy blue tick on our site which says we are what we say we are.
Thanks FB, well sick.
Isles of Scilly Police's photo.
Like · Comment
And the final quote that I will give you (Just read the damn thing!... :-)) expresses what I feel:
Carl Corrigan I must say - this Facebook account is the very best example of how a police force could and should be using social media. It's the way to build communities and bridges in this century. It's done more for Police / citizen relationships in a few months than I have ever seen before.
Personally, I have never been to the Isles, but having followed the posts for long enough, I really want to now, because I would feel safe, noticed and cared for.
Plus I really want to buy PC Mowgli some tuna and tea for everybody else. Thank you for such an entertaining expose of your work chapels, chapels see and Mowgli, please keep going.
27 · February 18 at 12:32pm
Carl Corrigan Not chapels. Damn auto correct. I meant " chaps and chapesses"
This is good for you. Read the Guardian's Story and then Read (and if you are like me, bookmark,) their FaceBook page. This will give you a laugh or two and bring a smile to your face.
Remember that?
BTW, would be fun to Like them on FB, Pass their story along to anyone in need of a smile!
UPDATE:
Buzzfeed's article yesterday:
16 Times The Isles Of Scilly Police Killed It On Social Media