Originally Posted by Eurosceptic Atlanticist

What uniform they wear doesn't really bother me - provided it looks professional - the measure for me is how they treat civilians and what policies they pursue. For me, that's the measure of the police state, not the uniform.

As for the 'fear factor'. Personally I think it's a good thing that people have a small amount of fear when they encounter the Police (that is, fear of getting into trouble as opposed to fear for personal safety) - I think it's only healthy and it might help change behaviour.

The yobs round here treat the Police with about as much respect as something they had just stepped in. If a uniform could help change that, then great.