Courts and bug product

[M J D Brown]

In reply to my question as to why policemen are  invariably referred to 
as Police
Officers , Simon Watkin wrote on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 11:36 
AM:

> ... because they hold the office of police constable.

I would certainly agree that this would make them _officials_  but not, 
I think entitled to be known as _officers_ below gazetted rank, thus 
relating to status rather than function.  It would seem current practice 
differs from that of my younger days, vide current designation as 
infestation mitigation officers (rat catchers), etc.

Mike.