Chief Constable Of Durham On Visit (Press, 29 October 1970)

In an interview conducted in Christchurch, the Chief Constable of Durham, Mr A. A. Muir, spoke about the implications of Britain's liberalisation of homosexual laws, noting that there has been no significant change in the country's way of life as a result. He asserted that British policemen have never actively targeted homosexuals unless they were found to be interfering with minors. Mr Muir's visit to New Zealand was made possible through a British Council grant, and he oversees a police force comprised of 2,600 officers, handling their appointments, promotions, and disciplinary matters. Mr Muir explained that the average British policeman has a reasonable understanding of the issues faced by homosexuals and approaches these matters with a degree of professionalism. However, he critiques some homosexual law reformers, suggesting that their actions can exacerbate the situation rather than improve it. He argued that these reformers often provoke backlash from conservative groups, which he referred to as "wowsers," who then call for stricter measures against the homosexual community. In his broader commentary on policing in Britain, Mr Muir identified violence among criminals as a primary concern for the police force today. He noted a worrying trend among criminals, who are increasingly approaching their activities with a military-like strategy, resorting to violence when necessary. He highlighted that since the end of the Second World War, there have been more fatalities among police officers than ever before. The Chief Constable also touched upon the development of drug-related policing, indicating that, unlike a decade ago, every police force in Britain now has a dedicated drug squad. This reflects the evolving nature of crime and law enforcement in the country. While acknowledging that policing large-scale anti-war and civil rights demonstrations consumes significant police resources, he expressed that he does not support banning such demonstrations. His remarks indicate a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing modern policing and societal changes in the UK.

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