I guess it is all about "visible policing" and I am sure it has nothing to do with shooting fish in a barrel on Sydenham Hill. I think you average PO would rather be doing something useful but no doubt a fast track grad higher up the totem pole has though that it would be a good idea.

I must be getting old as my cynicism is showing through.

Having said that, I actually saw two live police on Manor Mount the other day stop a car driving the wrong way down it. I though I was seeing things but the other half saw them as well.