That which does not kill us has to get up extra early in the morning if it wants to get us next time.
Ben AaronovitchIf you find yourself talking to the police, my advice is to stay calm but look guilty; it's your safest bet.
Ben AaronovitchNot being invited in is one of the boxes on the โsuspicious behaviorโ bingo form that every copper carries around in their head along with โstupidly overpowerful dogโ and being too quick to supply an alibi. Fill all the boxes and you too could win an all-ยญexpenses-paid visit to your local police station.
Ben AaronovitchThe first rule about a black womanโs hair is you donโt talk about a black womanโs hair. And the second rule is you donโt ever touch a black womanโs hair without getting written permission first.
Ben AaronovitchThe Metropolitan Police Service is still, despite what people think, a working-class organisation and as such rejects totally the notion of an officer class. That is why every newly minted constable, regardless of their educational background, has to spend a two-year probationary period as an ordinary plod on the streets. This is because nothing builds character like being abused, spat at and vomited by members of the public.
Ben Aaronovitch