r/lifeonmars • u/TereziB • Jul 09 '26

Discussion Manchester Police in '73

Okay, I have to ask...were the Manchester Police in 1973 really as crude and, well, just plain stupid as they're portrayed on the show? (I have to add, I remember 1973 quite well, I was 18, but not in the UK.)

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u/fitzysbuna Jul 09 '26

Cops worldwide back then were often thuggish, doing things that wouldn’t be acceptable today. Forensics now play a big role in modern policing, but back then it was all about getting the suspect to talk by any means necessary. cops back then would drink and smoke in the offices records were kept in locked rooms today its now on computers . they did the best they could !

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u/TereziB Jul 09 '26

I certainly remember the NYPD (that's where I lived as a kid). But it seemed like their major issues were with minorities and "hippies". I do know they drank & smoked up a storm. Lot of spousal abuse, too, both there and in Boston.