Spinning the cock-ups better

One way to try and avoid recriminations when you screw something up is: Declare repeatedly that you did the right thing, and lecture everyone that you just need to help them understand you better. This is called spinning (see George Bush and Tony Blair on Iraq). Today, the politicians and police declare that they did everything correctly, and will continue to do things the same way, but that they need better P.R. in the future

The arrests in Forest Gate came after a tip from a credible source, the Metropolitan Police Authority was told.

Maybe not so credible? Since the source was apparently wrong and the police raided, shot, and inappropriately detained an innocent man?

Sir Ian defended the decision to raid the property but said police "did not find what we were looking for and it seems we were wrong". He added: "There will be other raids but the lesson of Forest Gate is that we have to find new methods of engaging with the Muslim community in particular to reassure them of the necessity and appropriateness of police actions."

So, even when the police are wrong and harm innocent people, then focus on damage control instead of justice, what's needed isn't more careful vetting of intelligence, more surveillance of suspects before raids, more evidence, more accountability, and better policing generally. What's needed is "engagement with the community". Better P.R.! Carry on boys, you're doing a heckuva job so far.