Farewell Inspector Rebus

Yes, the Lothian and Borders Police have finally pensioned him off:

EVERY police officer in Scotland will have to undergo regular fitness tests under plans to get overweight staff into shape, The Scotsman has learned.

Chief constables want to introduce routine fitness checks for serving officers, which will see police undertake a series of tests such as running, step-ups and cycling.

Hang on a moment and hear me out. Believe it or not, I've actually been into the Inspector's office now and again. Solely in the course of duty, you understand. And guess what - there's never been any sign of police officers performing press-ups or 100-metre sprints. But the inhabitants of the Ox - one of whom is the great man himself - do undertake something far more challenging than mere training in "suppleness, strength and stamina". They actually, think. As in reading books and newspapers. As in watching the news on the pub television instead of MTV. As in the pub having a supply of dictionaries for us to consult.

Police officers need to be "fit for purpose", as the modern jargon goes. But in my book that means having an almost religious reverence for Britain's traditional liberties and the rule of law. That's far more important than physical fitness. Let's keep Rebus on the force and get rid of some the Chief Constables who don't seem to have a clue about the proper role of the police in a civilised society.