What a delusion M Tinsley is under in his condemnation of our police? This person needs to close the book of fairytales he or she is reading!

Every day, officers selflessly put their lives at risk, dealing with violent people under the influence of drink, drugs or both.

There are endless streams of paperwork which have to be completed before the offender is brought to court.

Staying late after completing a ten-hour shift, frequently going without breaks, rest days cancelled, exhaustion and stress are all commonplace.

Does M Tinsley not read newspapers or listen to the news? We are seeing increasing numbers of officers killed or injured in the line of duty.

What does he think they are doing with their time? Sitting in chemists or dental surgeries receiving free prescriptions, dental treatment and other freebies? What complete and utter rubbish!

I can assure you they receive none of these benefits. They have to pay along with everyone else! As for the pension, a large portion of a police officer’s salary is deducted each month. In other words, they pay for it!

However, he makes one correct observation – yes, policing today is a difficult job and if he were to spend just one day in an officer’s life, carrying out the various and often dangerous tasks they perform, he would have his eyes well and truly opened.

If he feels he can do better he should join up, then maybe he wouldn’t resent the pittance of a payrise they so very much deserve.

Small minded people like M Tinsley need to show them the respect he very much begrudges.

Mrs D Davis, Chapel Street, Walsall.