I just came across an interesting article in the UK’s Ilkeston Advertiser:
Derbyshire police officers have become the first in Britain to get a new educational booklet, which includes tips on how to spell.
Superintendent Gary Knighton has distributed the Fast Facts for Policing booklet to all 1,800 officers in the county.
It contains multiplication tables and the correct spellings of the days of the week and months of the year.
The differences between source and sauce, whether and weather and two and too are explained. And officers are advised on how to use the 24-hour clock.
Supt Knighton said: “Spellings and terminology are very important in our line of work and accuracy is key when producing official documents. We’re pleased to be the first force to offer people the opportunity to improve their skills in this way and we hope other constabularies will consider distributing the Fast Facts booklet.”
Multiplication tables? Really?
It sounds a bit ridiculous when you picture cops running down the street, fighting crime while referring to their little books. (It reminds me of this hilarious Conan O’Brien sketch. “Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich! Nooooooooo!”)
Sometimes you have to start with the very basics, the very minimums that help you avoid embarrassment.
Also, keep in mind that if a cop spells a month incorrectly on a speeding ticket, you could probably contest it.
What do you think?
The Grammar Vandal 
I think absolutely! If the cop demonstrates gross incompetence, then, hey, fair game to get off the charge.
As a reporter I often read police reports and wonder where some of these cops went to school. I wish they would use spell check and double check their grammar.
oh yes. This is very true for our police. I had a warrant out for my arrest because of a misprint by a cop. I went to court on the date he stated but he had written the wrong day of the week.(wrong day and incorrectly spelled also) My judge was very amused and was very easy on me. Good thing I saved the ticket as prove.
This video is absolutely hysterical.
You say, “Also, keep in mind that if a cop spells a month incorrectly on a speeding ticket, you could probably contest it.” I hope nobody relies on that for legal advice.
The plural of minimum is minima
I don’t understand the need to distinguish between sauce and source. Is this truly a problem for people?
Whoa, how did I not know that Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich was a midget?!