short arm of the law

Introducing Britain's smallest policeman

He has heard all the jokes of course ‑ the short arm of the law is probably the most common insult the wits and drunks enjoy slinging his way. But PC Robin Port, believed to be Britain's smallest policeman, insisted today that what he lacked in height he made up in fitness and strength.

And, anyway, the 5ft constable said he was able to catch very big criminals off guard by tackling their legs.

For years most forces in Britain stipulated that male officers had to be close to 6ft. Forces gradually relaxed their restrictions and there are now no minimum height requirements. Former soldier Port, 29, joined Devon and Cornwall police last year and in his first month on the beat made 17 arrests.

At a media briefing yesterday Port said: "When it comes to jokes about being short I have heard them all before. I've heard the odd comment from the public but most of them come from people who are drunk and incoherent. I have learned that if people want to make an offensive comment towards a police officer they will find something to pick on, be it too short, too tall or having ginger hair or glasses. I am very confident I can hold my own. I have martial arts training so I don't see myself as more at risk than any other police officer. I've got quite a thick skin which is a requirement in this job. The uniform still carries with it a lot of authority. In a situation where I might be faced with a huge, 7ft bloke, their size also makes them vulnerable as I could sweep their legs out." Port, based in Tiverton, Devon, said: "Of the arrests I have made there have been people of all sizes and shapes. This has not once posed an issue."

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