Voice Of The Argus (October 15) quotes the police as saying they had never before encountered such a good-natured and peaceful protest as that against the Saltdean badger cull.

Why, then, was it deemed necessary for the police to video-record those who were protesting. as shown on TV news? Will this video record now be destroyed or deleted? If not, why not?

No offences were committed. No one was charged or even arrested. For what legitimate purpose do the police need to keep such a record?

Or is there something altogether more sinister about this? Have we now really arrived in the age of Orwell's Big Brother, when the police record anything and everything we do, regardless of how innocent?

Why also did a police spokesman on TV (an inspector) refer to "allowing" people to protest? Since when in this democratic country did we need to request the police to allow us to protest in a peaceable manner?

The Sussex police force sets a performance target that seems content to allow 20 to 30 per cent of burglars to get away with their crimes but has sufficient resources to film innocent citizens in their legitimate activities.

One gets the distinct impression that the police regard the general populace as the enemy to be regarded with suspicion at all times.

I have to say their actions, as regularly recorded in The Argus and on TV, gives us - the common herd - good reason to regard them in that light.

I am 65 and was brought up in an age when the police were genuinely regarded as the ordinary citizen's best friend.

As a child and in my younger years, my experience proved this was so. About 30 years ago, I had two minor traffic offences (Glamorgan for obstruction; Brighton for speeding).

Both charges were justified and I have no complaint about either, nor any lingering grudge.

I am neither related to nor (knowingly) a friend or acquaintance of anyone in conflict with the police in any way.

I have no axe to grind about the police other than I believe they cost too much (an 18 per cent increase this year) and exercise their authority in an arrogant, patronising and people-unfriendly way.

Their main concern seems to be publicity, photo-opportunities and sycophancy towards politicians.

-Tony Sturley, Warren Way, Telscombe Cliffs