The daily rind: Police anger after officers are mocked for enjoying bacon sandwiches and tea in the sun while on the job
- The officers, including a sergeant, were snapped on Plymouth promenade
- One local said he couldn't believe his eyes when he saw the group of PCs
- Fellow officers have leaped to the defense of their resting colleagues online
- Police are allowed a 45-minute break over the course of their eight hour shift
Police officers have hit out after a photo surfaced of officers enjoying bacon sandwiches and tea while on the job.
The picture, taken in Plymouth, shows eight police officers enjoying a 45-minute refreshment break on the seaside.
They are seen chatting and enjoying the weather with cups of tea and bacon sarnies.
The PCs were spotted at The Coffee Shack on the Plymouth seaside, a popular spot for emergency service workers
Five patrol cars and a police van were visible outside The Coffee Shack on Hoe Road in Plymouth, which is a popular spot for 999 workers.
Many passers-by were surprised to see so many officers taking a break together - although police are allowed a 45-minute break during their eight-hour shift.
One local told the Sun: 'I thought there must be a drugs raid going on or something.
'I was strolling down to the Hoe as it was nice weather and when I came over the hill I couldn't believe my eyes.
'It was like the Plymouth force had decided to meet up for a cup of tea in the sun for a chinwag.'
Four crimes were reported during the tea break, but they were dealt with by other officers on patrol.
Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Superintendent David Thorne said that the PCs' radios remained on and were contactable in case of emergency.
The pictures sparked backlash from Devon Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez
Fellow officers on Twitter have leaped to the defense of their tea-drinking colleagues
He said: 'On occasions officers will take breaks in commercial establishments so they are visible to the public.
'I understand the concerns regarding the number at this location but the officers were within their areas of responsibility.'
The story angered several Devon and Cornwall police officers, who took to Twitter to vent their frustrations.
PCSO Kirsty Down tweeted: 'Next time put your phone down and go pull up a chair with them, say hello, and see how human we are! We would welcome you with open arms!'
West Yorkshire Police Dogs tweeted: 'Hope you're enjoying your Good Friday. Staff are out there today as ever patrolling, maybe even mealing in public. #CoppersCuppa'.
Plenty of officers joined in with the playful hashtags #BrewsForBlues and #cuppasforcoppers
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