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. I’m appearing at https://gwylcrimecymrufestival.co.uk/2021-guests/ in April. I’m on the bill doing a chat with Lee and Andrew Child. Yes, that Lee Child, the Reacher guy. It’s a free digital event run by Wales first crime literary festival. Why don’t you join us?
Matt Johnson 
we need a working class government or at least 50/50 to be governed by multi millionaires is no good for the herd as they put it.
LikeLike
Plain to see why you are done a lot of people have no respect for the law and the abuse the police have been taking is rediculous and unacceptable l don’t blame you and if things don’t change there will be many more police that are trying to keep law and order do the same as you There is no way you should have to take abuse from the public
LikeLike
So sorry you have been made to feel this way..
We need people like you
LikeLike
My father, mother and husband were all serving Police Officers. My father joined after his service in the RAF during WW2. My mother joined towards the end of the 40s. My husband started out as a cadet in the 60s and I worked in the Information Room of Somerset and Bath force as it was known then. None of us were afraid to let our neighbours and friends know what we did as a job; we were proud that we served for the good of those around us. Nowadays no officer with any sense lets his/her friends and neighbours know what he/she does or where they live. My father and husband would turn in their graves to learn about all that goes on now. My mother and I despair at the rubbish and chaos going on now. It comes as no surprise that the writer of this piece has reached breaking point – I am amazed that he has reached 20 years service under current circumstances. I hope he takes himself off to better places with his head held high – he deserves to walk tall with pride and I also hope he finds peace surrounded by his family. Well done that man and the best of everything to you as you go forward from here.
LikeLike
This is so sad and sobering.I have a prayer list I use everyday and police officers are the center of my heart.I can not imagine being the officer or his/her family member.Your letter was so raw and utterly believable.My fear is that you are only the beginning and even though I need you I also understand and don’t blame you.Thank you for your service and may God bless you and bring you peace in your life.I know I speak for many.
LikeLike
A very well written and presented thought provoking article which
LikeLike
Matt, Hi I’m Matt. I run a NFP called Systemic Frog that has a building social media presence. We have guests on and talk about their life experiences within the context of the decline to which you refer…but mostly we like to address these issues in the context of trying to make things better. A Great Redress if you will, a return to culture, to values and to hope.
Would love to have you on for a Podcast one Friday night. Please do get in touch. Left my email on the log in…
Would love to hear from you.
All the best, Matt
LikeLike
Please do email me. With 350K reads now, it’s taking me a while to read all the comments.
LikeLike
I’m ex rmp and ex gmp retired injured on duty I run 5 companies still miss the job but I’m afraid you very succinctly summed up the decline of our beloved job ,shut your gate hunker down and let it be,believe it or not there are still plenty of good people out there but how do we wake the silent majority to the real and present danger that is the erosion of society as we knew it?
LikeLike
This is very well said all of it true,we have no laws any more people do what they like now and don’t get punished because it goes against “their human rights” I am sick of it the police are there to uphold the law, let them do there job, I am sorry this officer was made to feel this way, thank you for your service
LikeLike
I did 30 years and I was done. Like what you wrote. I was an Insp and
Looked after people and hated complaints trying to do my officers legs for doing a hard job and having unpolished shoes . Well done you!
LikeLike
Great words👏👏👏
LikeLike
I cannot tell you how many emotions I am feeling right now. Political correctness is everywhere and as you say no one takes responsibility or is held accountable for their actions. To all serving Police officers ,respect ,thank you for everything that you do each day and stay safe. I wish that there was something that I could do to help !
LikeLike
I’m not surprised at this….having been subjected to gang mentality for seven years plus in an apparently nice area. Seven years of the situation being condoned by the Police by their inactivity. And then to be accused of harrassing the Police by trying desperately to make a statement and press charges beggars belief. A statement won’t be taken because it shows up their mistake and my suffering which a Court would not tolerate. I was pro-good Policing ten years ago. Now I admit readily that I was wrong to trust the Police. Fact.
LikeLike
As an ex Cop myself, who had enough I agree with every single word
LikeLike
I retired 2009 after 30 years never made Sargent, always answered my phone, never late to work but often late home, always watched my back because I felt I had to, on my retirement was given a visit by ACC and listened to a speech about how good she was and not even a “thanks for coming” to me.
LikeLike
Thank you for all you have done in your time in the force. Be well.
LikeLike
Thank you for your service. It is sad that the country has lost its greatness. I have no answers to the self-inflicted problems society has generated or aloud to happen. I no longer live in the UK but hope it one day prospers and returns to upholding law and order
LikeLike
Never a truer word spoken regardless of which force you gave yourself to.
LikeLike
Bravo. I’m an ex Police Constable myself and a Veteran. I can see how the Bobbies are being used as puppets to force an agenda. Get this gentleman a message, go look up Police for Freedom it’s launching in the UK already operating in Spain and Oz, its a new police constabulary, a career for those who want to police for and with the people, against tyranny. He might want to join and spread the word
LikeLike
Matt Johnson a true and honest account of policing today. Well done.
LikeLike
Powerful! My relatives many ex military and most ex police serving in various units all have expressed their dismay at the direction policing has taken, starting in the Thatcher years and worsening up to date,my thoughts be with you and hope you find peace.
LikeLike
Thanks for your honesty and courage. I did over 30 years and had very similar feelings of despair when I left 13 years ago. Even I could not foresee just how utterly hopeless it would become. I would not join the Police now, not that I would be welcomed , since I do not meet the required unofficial essential criteria. I used to be proud to serve but watching the Police mirror UK society as it became a loose grouping of vocal self interest ‘oppressed’ professionally sensitive groups was utterly demoralising. The Met completely lost it’s way and exchanged ideals of enforcing law without fear or favour for trying to be friends to every perceived ‘ oppressed’ group. Sadly , as ever the only support from politicians and media comes after the death of an officer. Then they dust down the cliches and prepared speeches work on faking sincerity for a day or so, before normal business resumes.
LikeLike
Agreed…..it’s not a nice world we live in today.
LikeLike
I have for a long time felt sad, for the genuine people like you caught up in the current madness.
The morals and twisted ideals get aired and take over common sense and decency..
I am sure the general public wod prefer to see someone of your calibre, in charge of a real police force like we used to have.
Instead we have self serving career politicians and police management as you rightly say, pandering to the latest fad or group to further their own interests, instead of doing the job they are paid for to protect the people!
LikeLike
To be honest this sounds similar to my job, teaching. The same self serving bosses, the same feelings of entitlement by parents and students along with a complete disregard for your fellow human being. And dont even get me started on OFSTED inspections. I did ten years in the army and have been a teacher for 17. I can’t wait until my pension is good enough for me to quit this toilet of a job.
LikeLike
Oh mate, thank you for your service. After 20 years of life in green and blue it is tough and those on the frontline get the least help because they’re the many and so are expendable. I was worried that you was signing off from more than the job but I’m hoping your not. Keep the energy mate and adding to the good in the world.
LikeLike
I totally agree with all you have said in your peace. I’m sorry you have done with it all.
I served nearly 30 years in the army (full and. TA) and left for the same reasons you have put in your peace.
Thanks for your service
Craig
LikeLike
Deeply worrying for any society and who could possibly blame him?
LikeLike
We the public feel the same corrupt government testing us all to the limits we need a change and fast open the country stop this draconian parliament we the people are done
LikeLike
I fully understand your words. Go home to your family and hug them. Put yourself & them first from now on. Go out & breath.
I retired 12 yrs ago after a full 30. My wife retired four years ago after 27yrs as a result of injuries on duty. She is now registered disabled. You’ve done your bit, take the time to recover. We couldn’t have worked what the job is now.
LikeLike
I am a senior police officer with 28 years service and this sums up exactly how I feel. I’m done. Currently going through I’ll Health Retirement process due to the impact this once noble but now poisoned career has had on my physical and mental health. Shame on you society. Shame on those senior leaders who adopt an ‘Emperor’s New Clothes’ attitude to ridiculous woke policies, who police by apology, who have allowed us to lose ground and credibility we will never regain, who has prevented us from being guardians of law & order, who have demoralised and demotivated the moral and motivated, who put their career aspirations above anything and anyone. I’m done.
LikeLike
Mate, write the series.
LikeLike
I was brought up in the 40s and 50s when a copper was treated with respect and admiration. What has happened in the towns and shires of England that has changed society so much. I’m an old man who has seen more than 87 years o life and feel sorry for the future of our younger generation. Please think long and hard about the men and women in our emergency services, they need you as you need them.
LikeLike
You have endured enough by serving in both the armed forces and the police. Its time to live a quiet life and have no worries. I respect all that you have done for the honest people of this country and it’s now time to step back and let the others get on with it. I wish you a happy retirement and good health. Thank you for all you have done !
LikeLike
I can understand you frustration but in truth, nothing will change. It never does.
When I joined, all the old sweats told me that the job is fucked. I thought then, you silly old sods.
I went on to have a wonderful career, and I loved it.
Then one day I woke up and thought the jobs fucked.
I worked under a number of commissioners, some good, some inspiring, and some shit. Some fought for the troops and handled the politicians. Some threw us under the bus Either way not much changed.
I wish you success in your new career.
Gary. ( retired 10 years and loving it)
LikeLike
This is a far too common view from many officers. I retired 4 years ago from tge police and I felt the same then. It’s got so much worse since. The public will get the police it deserves and no amount of dancing and prancing in a rainbow costume will keep us safe. It’s diabolical how the politicians and the media allow this to continue and not just against policing. All public, front-line services are treated poorly. But police officers have no means to protest at the grossly inaccurate or unfair treatment, they’re not employees and have no employment rights so they get screwed over every time. I despair for the future of policing.
LikeLike
So sad they are officers of the law but are expected to clean up every kind of mess humanity can create.
Now and again a determined county police chief says he is going to clean up the streets and have zero tollorence on crime – usually it is very succesfull and then it all seems to dissappear!
Yes I know must check my spelling!
LikeLike
It’s to late already, the long march through the institution’s has been allowed to grow and now it’s fruit is ripe we want to cut down the tree? It should have been pulled up years ago by it’s roots. Sadly it’s done. Read the Bible my friend, in the last days perilous times will come. We are in those days and it will not stop till Christ returns. But for the Church we are ready because we were warned, when you see these things look up your salvation draws near. You may think all this is rubbish? And that is ok, because we were already told, in the last days there will come scoffers. The sad truth is, we are a nation built on Christian beliefs, like Israel we have turned our backs on God, he did not spare the Jews do you think he will treat us differently? No he will not. Except Jesus into your life because the heart of the problem is the human heart and until it’s changed nothing will change.
LikeLike
Fantastic and so true. I’m 55 year old , full service soldier of Afro Caribbean descent, and all of the above I perceive to be true. This country can burn for all I care. An entitled public who seem to know all their rights and no of their responsibilities. I like the quote:
“Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.” The quote, from a postapocalyptic novel by the author G. Michael Hopf, sums up a stunningly pervasive cyclical vision of history.
LikeLike
How true you have my heart felt support in your statement
LikeLike
He above is so true and well put. Thanks
LikeLike
It is such a shame that circumstances have left you feeling this way. I am a strong believer in the police. i like to think our country is great but with events as they are that is rapidly becoming a fading dream. Why do protests have to end in violence? It makes people think that it is others from other parts of the country attending just to be violent. If only the government would employ thousands more police so there would be one for almost every couple of streets. Men that feel as you do about law and order. I despair when I read about the crimes that are happening now in our country and it makes me fear for the future. I hate the thought that a policeman of your worth and thinking has had to come to this end. I wish you well for the future.
LikeLike
You all were in a no win situation. On Saturday l felt outraged at all the critcism levellef against you we have the best police force in the world
LikeLike
Wow! This brought tears to my eyes. What a well written expression of the frustration & heartache not to mention exhaustion of just trying to do a job, a job you chose because you wanted to help your community and fellow man, unfortunately only forever being thrashed and bashed and belittled. It’s like being hit by a door over and over without any relief and slowly running out of energy to uphold yourself. I feel so sorry for our police and others who choose a career that sees humans at our very worst and most vulnerable. It’s very obvious the world has forsaken God.
LikeLike
Wholeheartedly agree with all you have said. I myself am a former soldier and police officer of 20 plus years law enforcement experience and I too resigned for pretty much the same reasons without consciously framing them in my own head in such an insightful and articulate manner. Kind regards, Frank Catterall.
Ex Royal Artillery, Merseyside Police and Royal Cayman Islands Police.
LikeLike
Remind me again why my family & I emigrated over 10 years ago (to the Far East) to get away from the filth and filthy rotten England. You wrecked my childhood, then my twenties, then my thirties, and you set about me in my forties. Good riddance UK.
LikeLike
Reading and taking in all that you say above, I have no doubt in my own mind, that what ever you choose to do in the future, you will succeed and motivate those around, if not only to contemplate, reflect and consider as you have done. I wish you all the very best for the future.
Tim
LikeLike
Matt, the most bizarre of all this, is that the vast majority support you completely. We hate everything you’ve just described but the levers of control seem to actively want to ruin this country. I massively respect you and your fellow decent officers 100% and that’s talking as a man who was occasionally on the wrong side as a youth, but a quick hard chat, and a very short time on remand sorted that rubbish out. Thank you to all those good decent police who make this country safe and secure.
LikeLike
I would be curious to understand the reasons that the letter quoted at length within article appears to be unsigned.
LikeLike
Well said, I served between 1959 and 2004, no high rank, and little has changed, I was hurt at a couple of riots in the 60s and the 80s and got little thanks. My biggest rant has been about inept senior officers and the “pals club” that keeps them in place and the Political Control of the Police which is against the Democratic principles of this Country and the College of Policing!! Nothing changes and it really needs to, thanks for your clear comments.
LikeLike