Line of Fire [Paperback]

Brian Paddick's autobiography was produced to support his unsuccessful bid for London Mayor in 2008 and, in a sense, it reflects the politics of the party he represented - unrealistic, carping and with an over-reliance on celebrity. Not that Paddick goes in for self-pity but he has little grasp of the fact that the world does not revolve around himself. Paddick's problems started early in life when he felt excluded from the family attention he felt he deserved and which was given to his twin brother. His sexuality fueled his desire to be liked and it was only when a woman officer suggested he should be himself that he felt confident enough to self identify on his own terms.

However, that self identification was marred by his paranoia that his homosexuality might be discovered when it is evident that his schoolmates knew about it and so did most of his colleagues in the Metropolitan Police. Notwithstanding his frequent references to the anti-gay police culture, every time his sexuality was broached his colleagues made it clear they didn't care. Paddick fails to acknowledge that the one person for whom it was an issue was himself, not his colleagues. Indeed, the only person who indulged in physical "gay bashing" was his erstwhile partner James Renolleau who punched Paddick to the ground and kicked him while he lay in the gutter.

Renolleau later claimed Paddick smoked cannabis at the flat they shared together although Paddick says it was Renolleau who was the smoker and subsequently received damages from the Daily Mail who had published the story. The story was only worth publishing in the first place because Paddick's policy (one initiated by Sir John Stevens) of only cautioning people in possession of small amounts of cannabis in Lambeth was controversial. Like much of Paddick's policing policies it showed little appreciation of policing society rather than pandering to communities. He was often naïve in his comments which alienated people by their sheer thoughtlessness.

Of course Paddick also misses the point in his rantings against the Daily Mail. Their role in society is to articulate the values they think should exist in society. Their objective is to sell papers pandering to their self perceived prejudices and, as has been observed elsewhere, truth is often not a consideration. Having been willing to cultivate journalists Paddick should not have been surprised when his revelation about his sexuality was made public that the tabloids would look for (and if necessary) fabricate a story. However, Paddick appears unable to consider the story within the context of failed community policing.

That said, one can sense Paddick's frustration (which is widely shared throughout the justice system as a whole) of the utter incompetence of politicians with their headline seeking "initiatives on crime" and their failure to deal with its causes or effects. In addition, he never loses sight of the dangerous nature of policing or of the bravery of officers on the front line although he never seems to accept that the police service necessarily suffers from institutionalised problems. Some of the best parts of the book concern his early experiences on the beat.

Paddick finally left the Metropolitan Police after a public disagreement with the then commissioner, Sir Ian Blair, about the information available during the Stockwell killing of Jean Charles de Menzies. Throughout Paddick seems concerned to establish himself as the main source of integrity and honesty and a martyr to the truth. Given the choice of shooting Blair or throwing himself in the river he did neither, stepping out of the firing line on to the limelight of the celebrity circuit. Ironically Blair, who showed similar characteristics of self-centredness and lack of judgement, as that of Paddick, followed him out of the Met once Boris Johnson was elected.

Paddick's colleague Ian Hayman has had publication of his version of events delayed by court action. It will be interesting to see how his version of events differs from that of Paddick. I'm sure Paddick believes in his own role as the bringer of truth but the real world is not as black and white as he seeks to present it in this volume. Well worth the read but judgement should be reserved until the whole picture has been painted.

When you consider what Brian Paddick has been through, what surprises most about this book is that the tone is not one of defensiveness, ranting anger, or recrimination. But then, as you get to know Brian Paddick as the story unfolds, you realise that actually this is entirely in keeping with his character - it is difficult to imagine a more honest, balanced, hard working, and above all fair bloke.

The style starts off in a fairly episodic style, and is a bit wooden, but when we get further into the police chapters it really takes off. The parts about his persecution by the press really do hold your attention vividly and it becomes 'un-put-downable'. Inevitably, the pace then slackens a bit, but it is still engrossing - the insights into policing and politics are thoughtfully presented and you can tell that Brian Paddick really did love his job and cared about public service. He also has quite a lot of insight into himself - he is prepared to admit errors of judgement for example, but he is also proud of what he achieved. No false modesty, but no egotism either. As I read on I found myself wondering what I would have done if I had faced the same dilemmas. I've never had to face those tests of character, but I don't think I would have had the guts and integrity that he showed and I ended up really admiring the way he has stuck by his values and beliefs. So Brian Paddick comes across as a rounded, humane, gifted and very likeable person. The Met, despite everything, does come out of it better than I anticipated - and I ended up with a lot more respect for the police than I expected [with some reservations]. Actually, it is the facts about the Daily Mail which really shock - if you're a Daily Mail reader, read this book - and hang your head in shame. Actually - even if you're not a DM reader I can recommend this book wholeheartedly. I learned a lot.

AS this was part of my husbands birthday presents it was well recieved. It arrived on time safe & sound & well packed. He loves this book & enjoys reading it. He'll keep it for a long time. Thank you will buy from you again. Cheers