What's even more infuriating is that, from the perspective of the local police department, they are practically caught between four powers, being pushed around back and forth.
The English Poor Laws enforcers demand strict implementation, the local Magistrates request them not to cause a scene, the Home Office remains silent, and the public's anger is entirely uncontainable.
"In my opinion, the problem isn't illegal activity, but public sentiment," Goodie sighed. "And the police have virtually no tools to enforce public sentiment."
As soon as Goodie finished speaking, the special police meeting instantly turned into a venting session for the Police Chiefs.
"In York, we've even started receiving written requests from patrolmen, asking to be relocated away from the Poorhouse precincts, because officers don't want to face situations they know they can't resolve but must intervene."
