http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/oct/05/blair.police [...]
Sir Ian could point to the successful introduction of community policing and a reduction of the problems of racism at New Scotland Yard, although the cases of Tarique Ghaffur and Shabir Hussain may give the lie to that claim.
But there were other aspects of his reign at New Scotland Yard that clearly did not please the mayor and his deputy. Sir Ian was New Labour and insufferably PC. He displayed the party's inclusive values but also its fascination with control. With good reason, the National Union of Journalists complains that the Met is now harassing journalists and photographers and preventing them covering demonstrations.
More serious was the conduct of the police during protests against President Bush's visit in June when it was alleged that unreasonable violence was used against the marchers. The surveillance and pursuit of legitimate demonstrators three months afterwards is to say the least very worrying. It smacks of a police state.
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