Police guide to sandwich fillings and fluffy pillows: The 'ludicrous' booklet on lifestyle advice given to thousands of bobbies
Last updated at 2:05 AM on 30th May 2011
Simple: Police officers have been given 'ludicrous' guides to living (file picture)
They may know how to crack a case, but it seems the ordinary police officer can’ t even rustle up a boiled egg sandwich.
Police chiefs have issued ‘lifestyle guides’ for bobbies on everything from what fillings to put in a bread roll, to the importance of going to the toilet and fluffing the pillows before bed to ensure a good night’s sleep.
Tips include taking up dancing or gardening to keep fit and reminders to officers not to ‘expect your wife to do the chores’.
Thousands of pages of guidance have been issued by forces offering advice on everyday living.
In a survey of UK forces, around half admitted issuing guides to help ensure officers’ wellbeing, which critics say are ‘ludicrous’.
Many of the instructions relate to healthy eating and exercise.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland suggests officers shift the pounds by taking up ‘gardening, dancing or housework’.
While Durham Constabulary urges staff not to ‘expect your wife to do the chores’ and reminds them to ‘make dates with your spouse’.
One document, from Suffolk Constabulary, suggests officers shop on a full stomach so they are likely to buy less food.
Another manual from West Yorkshire Police advises police to ‘eat sitting down’ to avoid consuming too much.
While Wiltshire Police offers staff a supermarket tour to encourage healthy eating.
It also gives a presentation to staff, with helpful hints such as using herbs, spices and vinegar to reduce salt use.
Several forces dish out tips on the sorts of sandwiches they should bring to work.
A guide by Durham Constabulary which trains young officers in ‘lifestyle management’ suggests fillings including peanut butter and grated apple, and tuna and sweetcorn.
Simple: Critics said the advice, including sandwich spreading, was the kind given to children under 10. Right, a maid fluffs pillows...how it should be done
Other options include malt loaf, flapjack, boiled eggs and nuts.
Staff are reminded: ‘If you make sandwiches the night before, wrap them up and keep them in the fridge’.
The same force also produces a ‘shift survival guide’ telling officers: ‘Remember your needs are important and you need time to yourself to follow hobbies/ interests or just chill.’
It proposes a bedtime routine for officers ‘such as soaking in a hot bath, then reading a book or listening to relaxing music’.
‘Ensure your mattresses and pillows are comfortable and supportive.
‘Try to restrict fluids to prevent visits to the bathroom, although it has to be acknowledged that some people like to have a milky drink prior to bedtime to help soothe them.’
Another handbook by Northamptonshire Police instructs staff to avoid liquids towards the end of a night shift or face having to get up in the middle of the night.
It tells officers: ‘There can be few things more frustrating than just drifting off to sleep then having to get up to visit the toilet.
‘You should avoid liquid towards the end of a night shift - otherwise your full bladder will respond in the correct fashion.’
Critics say the pamphlets are a waste of public money.
David Davies, the Conservative MP for Monmouth and a special constable with the British Transport Police, said: ‘This is frankly ludicrous. It is the kind of advice I would give to my children, who are all under the age of 10.’
But a spokesman for Durham Constabulary defended its guide, saying: ‘It makes good sense to provide staff with advice and support to enable them to function effectively while maintaining a good work/life balance.’
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1392198/Police-guide-sandwich-fillings-fluffy-pillows-given-hundreds-bobbies.html#ixzz1NnYtqCNj
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