Policeman battles bad language

Chief Inspector Dave Jackson said swearing in public is 'unacceptable'

A senior police officers has vowed to tackle people using bad language in public places.

Chief Inspector Dave Jackson said he will not tolerate foul or abusive language on the streets and would warn anyone heard using it.

Mr Jackson is the man responsible for the area of Newcastle central command which covers the square mile of the city centre and includes most of the drinking areas.

He believes the use of foul language is unacceptable anywhere at any time and said swearing reflected a drop in standards across the whole of society.

Mr Jackson said: "It is against the law to use offensive language in a public place and as much as some people deem it acceptable, we don't deem it acceptable and never have done.

If they refuse to [stop swearing], they will be arrested - it is straightforward Chief Inspector Dave Jackson

"The law makes it perfectly clear... but police officers cannot police every person in the city every minute of every day.

"But if someone uses offensive language in a public place and it is witnessed by police officers or someone makes a complaint, then the officer can ask them to desist.

"If they refuse to do so, they will be arrested - it is straightforward.

"If they have been drinking alcohol then the easiest way to handle the situation is to arrest them for drunk and disorderly.

"If they haven't been drinking then Section 5 of the Public Order act caters for it.

He added: "If I was walking down the Bigg Market on a Friday night and someone was using really strong, foul language I would personally be offended by it and that is sufficient to meet the criteria for the Act."