Private police in the UK, the cyberpunk dystopia is nigh.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17242956

This story is funny but mostly petrifying, as it is the back story to half of all cyberpunk video games. "Private security firms could investigate some crimes and patrol neighbourhoods under plans being drawn up for police in England and Wales"; now where can I get myself a trench coat and a pair of robot legs?

@Emperor_Jimmu said:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17242956

This story is funny but mostly petrifying, as it is the back story to half of all cyberpunk video games. "Private security firms could investigate some crimes and patrol neighbourhoods under plans being drawn up for police in England and Wales"; now where can I get myself a trench coat and a pair of robot legs?

Cyberpunk? More like steampunk. Next thing we'll see are private firefighting companies that work for profit (like they did until the 19th century). That ended well:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Chicago_Fire

@GuyIncognito said:

Next thing we'll see are private firefighting companies that work for profit (like they did until the 19th century).

It's happening again, kinda: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39516346/ns/us_news-life/t/no-pay-no-spray-firefighters-let-home-burn/

It would be heavily regulated. They wouldn't have free reign to do what they want. I mean, I don't like the idea either, but I'm not going to paint it as some horrible and terrifying thing when we barely know any details of how it'll work in practice.

It says they won't be able arrest anyone but if it gets more widespread, those involved will complain about not having enough powers to do their job correctly. I don't like the sound of this one bit. I have very littlle faith in the police as it is. Still,, I don't think it'll get off the ground in a significant way.

omfg it is the nezt syndicate irl

You can probably get a trenchcoat off ebay...

This sounds like a bad idea, give anybody any kinda authority like that and they go crazy with it.

@Emperor_Jimmu said:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17242956

This story is funny but mostly petrifying, as it is the back story to half of all cyberpunk video games. "Private security firms could investigate some crimes and patrol neighbourhoods under plans being drawn up for police in England and Wales"; now where can I get myself a trench coat and a pair of robot legs?

Mr. Resetti, you always were a force against chaos

If it means we'll have more police officers working on the street, I don't mind.

I think this is a good idea. Private firms aren't neccesarily evil, they just tend to be more efficient, effective and innovative.

Oh noez! Private companies are eviiiil!

...Why do people always cry about private companies doing that kinda business, I trust a private company more than the government to be honest. It is easier for a government to bury stuff and be corrupt without consequence.

hopefully this idea will be quashed when people realize how stupid it is.

The best stuff happens in the UK. 

@Emperor_Jimmu: Time to make a choice, duder. DART-chip or augmentation?

People hate paying for policemen. They always want more of them but they hate that they require a salary.

Got to build a new policeman, one that doesn't need to eat, sleep, doesn't feel fear, that upholds the law and serves the public trust. I'd buy that for a dollar.

People hate paying for policemen. They always want more of them but they hate that they require a salary. Got to build a new policeman, one that doesn't need to eat, sleep, doesn't feel fear, that upholds the law and serves the public trust. I'd buy that for a dollar.

So it's an upgraded neighborhood watch? Ehh.