Dining Out

I know I've mentioned this topic before so for those who are aware of it please excuse me whilst I rant about this once again but what happened to me and a colleague today needs saying because it wound me up.

My mate and I were taking refs away from our home station and thought we would take in a local cafe which came recommended.

We were sat towards the rear of the cafe but thanks to the fact that it was situated on a corner and quite a large premises we were still visible from the street but only if you looked.

Half way through our meal I glanced up to notice that people were actually stopping to look at us through the window. Some were pointing and telling people they were with to look at us while we ate. This continued for most of the meal.

Then out of no where, a woman walked past, looked in, saw us and took her phone out of her bag and started to take photos of us while we ate.

We certainly didn't smile for the photos and judging by our facial expressions and waving her away, her friends may wonder why she took photos of us if she shows them.

I was too gobsmacked to interupt my food, get up, walk the length of the cafe and go and speak to her but she knows we werent happy, yet continued to photograph us.

After paying up and leaving to return to duty it was almost like the pub scene from An American Werewolf in London, suddenly everyone stopped what they were doing and stared.

I said to one gawper "I take it you haven't seen policemen eat before."

One turned and said "It's alright for some!" so I turned and replied

"Yes, it certainly is, I mean, you are out in your own free time with your family and can eat anytime you like, whilst my family are at home without me. So it is alright for some isn't it?!"

The reply will go with me to my grave:

"What a waste of tax payers money!"

Well, dear reader, I can safely say that I went off on one after that. I was polite but extremely firm informing him that in future he should mind his own business and to keep ill educated comments like that to himself. I pointed out that I am not a robot, I need food and assuming he works, he probably has breaks too.

I frequently leave half eaten meals to race off to calls and then attempt to reheat them later or eat cold. Thanks to my job, I double on food expenses as I either have to take something in which I've had to buy extra or order out. I frequently end up with indigestion and have lately suffered with high cholesterol.

What amazes me is the complete and utter disregard for the fact that under this uniform is a living, breathing human.

How would they like it if I sat and gawped at them through a restaurant window? Took photos and dare say to them that they shouldn't be eating.

Will the photos taken of us appear in the paper with the headline:

"Police skive whilst tax money goes on food"

or

"Police integrate with the community" ?



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