Police Versus Politics

This last 24 hours there has been a tremendous backlash between the press, police and politicians regarding the police service being used as lobbyists for the government.

Probe urged over police 'lobby' row.

Neutrality 'compromised'

Chief constables have charges to answer

Police turned into New Labour lobbyists

MPs probe police 'politicisation'

What ever your point of view on this, why are we surprised when Chief Officer positions are subject to Home Office approval, that Chief Officers are called upon to support the government when things begin to look dicey?

Especially as it would appear that the number of police forces in the UK are set to be drastically reduced - There's bound to be loads of competition for the senior posts in the newly restructured UK police service.