Police and other agencies need information freely and in real time, to be able to conduct their jobs effectively and properly. Why should there be any ‘constructive alternatives’ other than from the relevant authority? Anyone else surely has not the experience to comment. All to often public opinion (normally the opinion of an outspoken minority) and political view overrule the knowledge and common sense of the people whom actually do the job. The issue here is simple. What Pc Johal did was wrong and for that he is being punished.

A combination shameless plug and something that may be of interest to your readers: I compile lists of data abuses and data losses from the media and elsewhere.