A police officer wrote this on March 15, 2021 at 5:27 pm. I’ve reproduced it here because I found it humbling, worrying and really quite frightening.
‘I’m a cop of 20 years. I’m leaving. I’m done.
I’m done with the duplicitous liars and twisters of truth in Parliament, who have destroyed policing in order to further their own careers. I’m done with those charlatans and snake oil salesmen and women who spread their bile, whose acid eats away at society and it’s values and future. I’m done with the utter lack of consequences for their corruption.
I’m done with duplicitous liars and twisters of truth in the media and “journalism” with their spin, lies, misrepresentation and half truths. I’m done with their 24 hours news, their twitter echo chambers, their pile on tactics and agendas, in order to invent the next “big” story or extend the life of the old one. I’m done with their sickening pretence that they are on some crusade to make the world a better place.
I’m done …
I’m done with the socially corrosive special interest groups who want to be top of the victimhood ladder and are prepared to burn the world and anyone different to them, to ensure they are heard above anyone else. Their constant screaming for attention and ever more fantastical claims, that bear no scrutiny, but which they know they will never be challenged on, because, you know “cancel culture”.
I’m done with the public, their violence, their lying, their abuse, their spitting, their constant screaming for instant gratification and destruction of anything and everyone around them if they don’t get their own way, like a bunch of petulant adolescents. I’m done with their demand for every right real or imagined and their utter lack of personal or social responsibility to each other.
I’m done with the senior officers who will jump on any bandwagon, throw any officer under a bus for doing their job, do anything at all to get that next rank and more power. I’m done with them pretending to be cops, when they are just politicians in uniform. At least real politicians don’t seek to hide their stench and are there for all the world to see, in all their obnoxious, odious glory.
I’m done with the far left and far right, two sides of the same violent, socially corrosive and destructive coin, trampling over anyone and everyone, destroying anything in their paths, if it doesn’t conform to the “right” narrative or world view. I’m done with their red and black flags, their balaclavas, their violence, bullying and intimidation. I’m done with them calling themselves Nazis or Antifa and pretending they are any different to the opposition. I’m done with their anti locution and persecution of anyone that isn’t on their side. I’m done with their cheerleaders in the media, who adopt their cause but absolve themselves of any responsibility for the harm they cause.
I’m done with the Soviet era scale bureaucracy that stops me doing my job, the projects that strangely never fail, the nepotism in the promotion boards and the boys and girls clubs in policing that look after each other, no matter how incompetent and screw everyone else who isn’t in their gang. I’m done with their self promoting cliques and associations, they hide behind when they are professionally incompetent, but always useful for a photo opportunity to make the force look good with whatever group is having their week or is fashionable that day.
I’m done with the (few) corrupt cops who drag all our names through the mud and the false narrative that the vast majority of front line cops are tainted.
I’m done seeing my brothers and sisters on the front line battered, criticised, unsupported and demoralised. I’m done with their fortitude, inherent goodness and sense of service, that makes them run forward, knowing the armchair critics will crucify them after. I’m done with their false hope that things will improve, that society will value them. I’m done with them being lied to by our leaders and then lying to themselves, that, maybe, just maybe, this time those leaders can be trusted, I’m done with seeing those youngster suffer and age far too fast as a decent life passes them by as they waste their lives on this.
I’m done with grandstanding cops, dancing for YouTube, wearing rainbows as self promotion, kneeling for a twitter photo, lecturing the public about things that shouldn’t concern us, forgetting we are the law police, not the public morals police, Im done with them doing anything other rather than actual policing. I’m done with the false narrative that suggests this is the norm and that all cops are more interested in being woke social workers than doing their job. A false narrative we have facilitated by allowing this self indulgent, shameless self promotion of a few individuals, to proliferate.
I’m done with cops being told they are somehow lesser without a degree and that instincts are bias and bad. That experience and street knowledge is discriminatory. I’m done with the lies that the College of Policing is on our side. That the courts value and support us. That the IOPC isn’t an insidiously untrustworthy organisation out to get us. That the HMIC understands policing.
I’m done with the anxiety, the anger, the constant state of heightened arousal in case of danger, even when I should be feeling safe in my own home. I’m done with the corrosive damage to my physical and mental health, sacrificed for a country and public, serving both in green and blue, for a country that couldn’t give a toss.
I’m done with the deaths, the suffering, the violence, the dishonesty, the predatory behaviour and all the other public faeces that you ask us to clean up.
I’m done with the the indescribable levels of frustration, rage, hate and despair that all the above has filled my life with, when all I wanted to do was look after the good people and lock up the bad. I’m done with the cynicism and distrust that it’s left me and the times I’ve put my family last, to ensure I was there for someone else’s. I’m done with the pain it causes them to see what this job does to us.
I’m a cop of 20 years service and I’m done with it. Sort your own mess up. Or don’t, and let it all collapse around you.
I’m done, and really don’t care anymore.’
This frightens me, and it should frighten you.
I hope it’s not to late to remind the few, when ill of them they speak,
That they are all that stands between the monsters and the weak.
And, while you’re here, let me share some news. No Ordinary Day, the truth behind the murder of WPC Yvonne Fletcher, was published by Ad Lib on June 8th 2023. If you serve or served, know someone who served, or you have an interest in how our police service ended up in the state it is today, its a book you should read. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ordinary-Day-Espionage-terrorism-corruption/dp/1802471448/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1691325061&sr=8-1
Matt Johnson 
Spoken as a true legend I say no more…..
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Enjoy your retirement. You (and I) have worked for it and have earned it honestly.
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Wow.
There is someone with intelligence. Lost!
Different service, Different Country but see the same thing..
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Thank you for all you have given to us the public. We, the people of this Great country are grateful for all you have sacrificed. I agree that the current world situation is not good. Hopefully people will see the error of their ways and respect the great service that you all provide. I dread the day there are no police to police us. God help us all.
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There is not one comment that I disagree with.This is a disgrace and it’s been coming for years,Thank god I to am out of it.
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Well said Sir -powerful stuff.
I retired in 1996 after 31 years
I saw the beginnings of the social engineering by Home Office mandarins and politicians. I saw the complete screw up that was the CPS – if they were any good they’d have been in private practice.
The clone factory at Bramshill has been made worse 100fold now that it’s staffed by the woke and the politically correct.
I acknowledge we were dinosaurs but we got the job done, crooks were dealt with and fear was spread amongst the antisocial.
Modern cops have my utmost sympathy – I think that camera phones are the fruit of the devil.
I hope that your words become compulsory reading for every police officer no matter their rank or length of service.
It is a huge shame that you have felt the need to leave but I have no doubt that your personal qualities will find a suitable outlet for your talent.
I wish you well in your future and remain sympathetic to most of those left to do the dirty work
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I hope you lot in Parliament are listening to this hero, just remember ,when the mob come baying for your blood there won’t be anyone left to protect yoy, and then you will know how joe public have had to suffer for years. If you don’t sort the far left,the far right and all the PC brigade out quickly and immediately ,it’s your turn next,TAKE HEED.
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Brilliant
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“In times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act”…
It’s also soul destroying. Live long and prosper, Sir.
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Yes i should think you have had a bellyful of the lies and corruption of the laws and justice system that have been ruined to the will of Tony Blair and his wife under the terms of the Maastricht Treaty which laid the foundations and laws including the EU human rights law which takes away our control of everything Logical which we know to be wrong . Being an ex serviceman myself law and order has been turned on its head and quite frankly its in a terrible state of affairs the Politicians have let the Corruption of that Dictatorship ruin our Sovereign laws and how we Govern ourselves the Media tells lies 24 7 and its used as a Propaganda weapon against the Police. The keeping of Law and Order under the current system has been made impossible to be a Policeman i take my hat off to you all and thank you all for your service , a very Difficult job indeed.
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Well said that person. I for one am proud of you to have spoken your truth and every word I agree with. This world of youth is destroying my beloved Country. I have no answers unfortunately as I would be called a racists or any other name these hooligans make up for only their own purposes. Take care and thank you for your services to the people who care
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As a 27 yr member of a Canadisn Police Service, I can completely relate. I see our younger members barely meking it, and setting their sights on early retirement. I finally made up my mind and will be retiring with full service shortly. Its truly bittersweet.
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It’s very sad to read about the many disappointing issues that you say … That you’re done with. All I can say is .. Perhaps after 20 years it’s maybe time to be done and go home and put your feet up . We in the UK need not defeatist who are DONE with everything that’s going on . We need police who WANT to save the public, to fight whatever it is that is either irrelevant,irrational and dangerous. Who else can the masses turn to in times of extreme and very frightening situations. ? Saying you’re done is a good thing for yourself when you realise that you’re no longer upto the job that requires a strong mental attitude. We’re not going to hold it against you, because actually you’re making a space for someone younger, motivated and competent. Enjoy your retirement in good health. 👍🏻
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Thank you for sharing this very revealing and heartfelt article. The real need to retreat from demanding public service when devotion to delivering good in the world is undermined, is not surprising. Retreating from the frontlines was a daily part of historical battle rhythms. That allowed for regrouping, recovery, refocus and the rebuilding capacity for the next day’s battle. I cannot say if regular disengagement would have helped this officer but better mental health duty of care and stress management should undoubtedly be made available without stigma for the UKs first responders. I will show my full respects and thanks to those ensuring this country’s rule of law and security when passing them in the street from now on.
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What you have bravely shared is amazing. Thankyou !!! ❤️❤️❤️
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Well said. Your not I. Your own. We the normal joe public empathise with you
Sick of it all
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This has captured all the feelings in my heart and soul, that with which 19 years of policing has so graciously left me anyway. Matt, you speak a wonderful, but very sad truth. Good luck to you, I will be avidly following you and wishing you well. I love this piece. All the best – claire
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Whilst the statement and emotions are true and the officer is obviously sick to death of the whole circus “who wouldn’t be”?. However this applies to most of mankind no matter what job or function they may serve in society . The world is definitely imperfect and unfair, cruel, corrupt and much more.
There is no recipe or magic solution to the chaos we call life, we carry on and hope to make a difference for ourselves and the next generation.
The haves and havenots are and will always be at odds, good against evil etc it’s man’s nature’ the trick is not to eradicate it “that won’t happen” but just to manage it in order to survive.
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It’s very hard to argue with anything this Police Officer has written. It saddens me that an obviously dedicated officer should feel so dispirited that he now wishes to leave the Police Force. I am nearer 80 than 70 and all my life I have watched the politicians come and go, some good, some awful. I can’t recall a time when our Country was governed by such pigmies!
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Yeah, I get all that and 100% agree. The only thing I can add is that, as done as so many of us are, we will still go up on the line tomorrow and fight on. That in no way is to demean those who get to the point of “Enough!”. Their service and sacrifice are never forgotten and always appreciated by the actual majority. Sadly, a silent one because of the screaming woke infants. Or the frothing far right . And the Left’s “cheerleaders “ ( a great choice of words). But there are those who will go back out there, up on the line or outside the wire or whatever you want to call it. And they need our love and support and admiration, even if only expressed in the smallest of ways. There is a great line in the movie Rogue One (yes, total Star Wars nerd) about a fighter armed with a stick and nothing left to lose winning the day. The narrative continues about taking the first chance and the next and the next and on and on until the day is won or the chances are spent. That’s what the cops that your author admires do. For some, the chances are spent earlier than others, and unfortunately the community and, sadly departments, don’t applaud it. But no-one signed up to get applause. There’s enough entitled snowflakes in Hollywood doing that. No, it is done because “if not us, who?” And “if not now, when?”
Wasted? If a police officer has made one difference for the better to one life, protected y person, convicted one villain, improved one community – no matter how small the change is – how can it be *completely* wasted?
Bravo to your anonymous author for having the courage to say those things. They need to be said, and repeated, and repeated and on and on until the chances are spent.
Thank you for sharing this
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I read that fully understanding where you were coming from. I myself did 20 years and was done with it mostly for the reasons you covered, but including (as an RUC Officer) seeing convicted terrorists being given prominent government (Northern Ireland Assembly) appointments and now sitting on the Policing Board while ignoring the laws they force on the law abiding members of society!
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I am sad and sorry that it has come to this for you. My grandfather was a policeman after serving in WW1 and I put todays police up there with him. I am sorry that people don’ t respect our police, and that you feel you cannot stay. I am sorry that the selfish in this world have brought about your decision. I wish you well.
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Great words Matt and ones that are all too true. I managed 21 years after 12 years in the military so just scraped a full pension. Even though the job always was, is a will be f+@?%d it’s a love hate relationship that I don’t think will ever go away. For me it was and always should be about the good guys doing the right thing for the right people, not wanting any praise, pedestal or promotion but just the occasional bit of appreciation for doing a sometimes difficult job in often trying circumstances. I’ve forgotten or pushed to the back of my mind plenty of the stuff I’ve seen and dealt with until I read other cops stories that bring the memories back with a hint of sadness and maybe a tear. Most folk, leaders (I use that term loosely), politicians, media and the other diatribe you mention don’t understand the commitment police officers make at the expense of themselves and their family so all the very best and good luck with your future!
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I totally agree with your statement. My sister is a DC and I find it appauling that police officers are not classed as front line workers in this Pandemic. WHY does the government think that out Police Officers are not as important as the NHS. Whom I think are doing an amazing job. It’s our Police that have to deal with the threats of being spat at and mauled by people who are sick to say they have covid even if they haven’t. The police don’t have a Choice in having to go into houses of criminals who don’t care if they have or haven’t got covid. We need to fight for our Police service, GET THEM VACCINED AND NOW.
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No words really, my own nephew had to leave police, the world is well and truly f****d
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Hear, hear! Please hear!!
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Everything that is good is treated the same, currupt lawyers, currupt media ITV still playing the Megan lies to keep the story fresh to recoup the massive fee they paid for the interview. RUC have that treatment by Sinn Fein and media supporters for 30 years. Lay down your uniform and leave it to them.
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Nah , you lost me at wales first 😁
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How sad to read this. However,as a retired Police officer myself, I totally understand where you’re coming from. I retired 21yrs ago and saw the best of policing in my service, although even then,tge writing was on the wall. You cannot redress the balance of at least 40yrs of liberalism in this country. God help us in the future. I wish you good luck & peace in whatever you do .
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A++++ Where are the FED???? Silent as ever!
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WE HAVE THE BEST POLICE FORCE IN THE WORLD.PLEASE RESPECT THEM.
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A real shame that someone with so much experience should be lost at this vital time. The Police are dammed if they do, dammed if they don’t, The media have got a lot answer for. Take care.
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I’m done with this Government that doesn’t support our Police, as there’s not enough Police in towns and cities. More protection gear is needed too.
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So sad but I understand exactly where he is coming from.
There is no respect or tolerance for others. No respect for the laws of this country. It is all me, me, me and blame others.
I for one am very thankful we have our police and thank them for all they do to uphold the law and protect us in an ungrateful society.
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Frighteningly true ! Brilliantly
Written . Heart rending . Increasingly there are important jobs that no one will want to do – Police and NHS and teaching and the armed services – all the backbone of the country . What does that say about those that govern and those who are governed !
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Here Here been through it in the RUC GC. Quite simply you are just a number. Left with PTSD & numerous suicide attempts. My mental health is just shit.
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If only we had just a handful of like minded people in Westminster, who were not afraid to ask the real questions, the questions such as the ones to which this guy knows the answers but will never be made public because Boris no balls and his self serving band would never allow it.
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So right, every word. 20 years and 10 years prior as a Royal Engineer. Thank you for putting it all in a nutshell.
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I have read this and agree whole heartedly with all that is written well done for speaking up sir. Let the police be police ,when they catch a criminal punish them properly so they won’t do it again not keep letting them off. Life should mean life and if you get 5 years you should serve 5 years. When the police chase a car that has been stolen and 4 youths run away when they are court and no one admits to driving give them all the same sentence instead of letting them all off .grow a pair and make this country worth living in
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Thank you for your service and your efforts to keep us safe and uphold the law. I wish you all the very best for the future – a chance to enjoy life and family, at last, without the threat of conflict round every corner
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Excellent article. I was a member of the Victoria police in Australia and after 35yrs l can fully understand this members utter frustration with the attitude , not only from the public but the dismal effort that command puts in to provide you,with assistance in times of trouble. I had to get out also. Good luck to this .member.
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I am glad that I wasn’t the only one! I wish I could have condensed years of my own rants into the same space as your article.
I live in Australia and the same issues plague policing, I suspect, wherever you are in the world. Over-promoted and unimaginative sycophants in charge of an unforgiving coal-face.
I wish you well in all your future endeavours.
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So well and true meaningful, how the hell do ordinary folk find a way out of this shithole that we are in. I support wholeheartedly our Armed forces, NHS & our boys & girls in blue/green, and are sick to the teeth of what’s going on, as a Civvi just what can I do ??
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Thank you for your view and interpretation of your experience being a police officer. You Sir are the real deal as to what it means to be a police officer. I thank you for your honesty and wish there was a way all policing could be done with your values. It’s a crying shame to see that money and power is the ultimate evil that our society has fallen too. I’m not very good at putting my thought on paper, but I did want to leave you a huge thank you for your services. You are truely a hero
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This has got to be one of the saddest things I have ever read and a poor reflection of society
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Well thank God I just retired
But A police officer.. One of us allegedly killed this poor girl
So bit of humility needed…
Just saying
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I took early retirement from the Met two years ago after 25 years service. I agree entirely with this article which is clearly written by an intelligent and conscientious officer. I feel his pain, frustration and anger.
I wish those still serving good luck. They need it now more than ever!
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I am just an ordinary, senior citizen. I am so sorry that conditions for officers have become so degraded – by some very lawless citizens and self-promoting “superiors” in government and in professional management.
It is a sad and alarming commentary on society/management values and expectations.
I was a child of the 50’s, taught that the policeman is our friend. If we got into trouble we were told go to a policeman. I totally believed that teaching and still do. I have had little need of a police officer’s help, but when I do, I have always been grateful for the kind, polite assistance that I have received.
I suspect that a large majority of seniors feel similarly. We were also taught to
highly respect the police because they protected us from harm.
Teachers were to be respected (obeyed). Actually, we were taught respect for all elders; it was safe to do so at that time.
I suppose it isn’t politically correct for me to throw religion into the mix.
Every family on the block went to church on Sunday (different denominations).
We all grew up with the same rules (Ten Commandments) which were carried over into the home and reinforced at school.
Throw out the rule book and chaos ensues. It has taken decades to become this corrupted: ME, My Self, My Rights, My Health/Welfare etc., with little concern for the well-being of Others.
I shall not take any more of your time.
I just wanted to express my gratitude for all service well-done
and my chagrin at the reality that is hurting all of us.
Sincerely,
The proud, supportive mother of two officers, and now a granddaughter-in-
training.
Editor: If my name is required, you may print it, as long as there would be no
backlash on my family or me. That is paramount.
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Matt, I don’t blame you for your resentment and frustrations, I know I wouldn’t stand for the hypocrisy either. Thank you for your service!
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I’m very sad to read this but I fully understand what the officer is portraying the world has lost its way and social media and spin are more important than doing the right thing, I’m sorry that a police officer isn’t allowed to kick the bad guy’s arse in case some do-gooder is there with his mobile phone to video and put it on youtube after they have edited it to make the cop look like a thug, I’m even more sorry that spineless career politicians like Keir Starmer use any means to get on there pedestal to scream save the perpetrator and punish the victim, remember him he’s the one who let Jimmy Saville off scot-free and who went one to molest 100’s of children, I’m very sorry that there are no consequences for bad behavior. The politicians the media and we as parents are to blame, it will get worse the battle is lost.
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