Okay, so there's been a lot of stories and debate of late in respect of our yoof, whether it be young community cops, mind boggling shootings involving kids etc.
I thought it was high time to bring to your attention the somewhat bizarre anomalies in current, admittedly Scottish, Law in respect to minimum/maximum age.
In no particular order of significance;
- Over 7 - Legally responsible
- Under 16 - Be considered a juvenile for criminal proceedings, a child for the purposes of the Children & Young Persons (Scotland) Act or a bus fare
- 16 - Marriage
- 16 - Drink alcohol (except spirits) with a meal at a restaurant or lounge bar/hotel
- 16 - Buy cigarettes
- 16 - Have sex
- 16 - Drive a moped
- 17 - Drive a car
- Under 18 - Considered a Child for the purposes of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995
- 18 - Drink spirits and purchase from off-sales
- 18 - Watch R rated film
- 18(1/2) - Join the Polis
I have also started a Poll on my side bar in respect to the most appropriate minimum age YOU think is correct for Police Officers and for that matter PCSOs (England/Wales/N.Ireland) or Community and Neighbourhood Wardens (Scotland).
Please participate. It's a good cause.
Update - October 2007 - Fags are now 18.
© Noddy
Published by Toy Town™ Times
For joining the police I think 21 is the right age. By that time you've had chance to gather some life experience, mature and see a bit of life before committing yourself to a career that is very demanding, both professionally & personally.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, that's a difficult one.
ReplyDeleteAmongst my offspring I have an under 20, who works, and an over 20 who won't get out of bed. They also have a grandfather who thinks 'they' should bring back national service. And vote Labour. (Bear with me on this...)
Just watched some, golly, six, of our PCSO's being dropped off from a PCSO van - Fella's over 45 (why do they all limp?) partnered with ladies under 30.
So, national service as PCSO's, from 20 to er...35? Mutating into 'proper coppers' later. And no limping. Yes?