http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8244997.stm

I'd get stuck in, but I also know I'd be looking to take down a suspected scumbag ASAP, which probably means use of my size 13s... Which could lead to me getting arrested

There's all kinds of issues that crop up with the eventual outcomes of this proposal like finding a local police officer at the time, knowing you might have to go to court to give evidence, or even just dealing with the police

I'd get involved, no hesitation. Unfortunately in some areas that might mean I end up in hospital/a coffin with stab wounds.

So if you see a chav hoodie cnut mugging someone are you going to risk getting stabbed as seems to be the norm these days?

Exactly, that's why I'd probably be getting into trouble for 'excessive violence' myself

In a word yes. I couldn't just stand by and watch some innocent person get mugged, someone needs to show these chavs where the line is.

I can still beat someone to a pulp even with a stab wound in my side, so yeah i'd go for it.

Though I can see myself getting arrested for beating the crap out of a police officer!

How about one in your heart?

I would only get involved to protect my family or close friends. It's not worth the risk for anyone else.

Besides, you'll get arrested as well. And charged too, to keep the police statistics looking good.

I don't know how I would react, it's very much based on instinct I reckon.

Until I'm in the situation, I'd say it's impossible to say how I'd react.

The closest I've come is chasing a yoof down the street when he stole something from the shop I was working in. I was working on my own, and a regular was in the store when a kid came in and just blatently walked out with some beers. I shouted at the regular "watch the shop" and legged it after him.

So: was it the principle of the theft, or the beer?

I'm not to sure I agree with you there, why would they trial this out, or even put the idea forward, if they were going to punish the people who stop these things happening?

I don't think that they will punish you provided you use reasonable force against the person doing the mugging. If you go crazy and beat them to a pulp then yes, you probably will be prosecuted, but dragging them to the floor, pinning them to the ground/wall/fence/person, what ever, then they have no reason to arrest you and charge you, you've stopped a crime, or you've helped them sort one out, there's no point in punishing them. It could be that reason people just watch these things happen, they're scared they'll get arrested and prosecuted.

You are such a balanced, reasonable and considerate person, with copious common sense and rationality. You can't possibly be a policeman...

I'm not, well done, but that is my goal in life. So, I take it your view is that every copper is out there to punish anyone? It's not, they support the community, they won't be out to get the Samaritan that stops the mugger, what incentive is there then to wheel out and put this system in place?

Not all coppers, but too many for my liking. Life has the habit of handing me bad cards when I could do without it.

As for why: excessive paperwork, incompetent managers, government targets...

I know there are some fantastic policemen/women out there. But will one of those be there when something unfortunate happens? Too close to call

A trial scheme in which mock muggings occur, and where local councils will see if people will jump in to help someone out, which will then be fed back to the Government.

More paper work? Well, more evidence against the criminal, if he/she is pinned to the floor, then it's a pretty safe bet is was said person.

Government targets? How are they going to set a target to the public? Yes, they did it with recycling, but they can't force people to chase after a mugger! If they did? I would LOVE to see them enforce it.

I reckon it could work, if I would stop a mugging, I'm not sure though.