YOUR report that there has been an increase in violence against public employees does not surprise me (October 29).
The balance in teaching, policing, nursing etc, has tipped too far away from natural justice and common sense towards political correctness.
Justifiable restraint can no longer be used in the management of disturbed, aggressive service users, without the conscientious public servant risking losing their job and pension, and being driven to a nervous breakdown.
As your report points out, union officials are concerned that backup is not provided by employers.
They often become judgmental towards staff working under stressful circumstances, failing to differentiate between deliberately excessive and reasonable use of force when restraining violent service-users.
So I welcome the recent ruling by a Hampshire magistrate that a teacher was entitled to use "reasonable force" when exercising his lawful authority over a disruptive pupil.
If the public wants effective services then it should support public servants, not crucify them.
John Simpson,
Geldof Road,
York.
Updated: 11:39 Friday, November 02, 2001
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article