So how would you respond to ensure the authorities attend in time to illegal fishing?
I wouldn't, you have reminded me why the public should not get involved. I'm waiting to see what happens when a dyslexic or senile citizen gives a wrong code. That will be fun. Or they use it to take out some vindictive agenda, probably someone from the name and shame list. makes me doubt the handing out of these codes to the general public. Are the police in favour of this? It could be a disaster waiting to happen.
Seriously, I just wonder if its all thought through enough, like your scenario, reporting that someone could be violent just to ensure a quick response. Have you thought that through? And how much will other members of the public think it through before they pickup the phone, how much will they attend to what they say given your example. I just wonder if there's any real wisdom behind any of it. If it was a serious crime, then I would think differently but, this is still a petty crime in my book.
Personally I will leave it to the EA officers and the police, they do a good enough job, there are enough of them to ensure enough prosecutions every year to remind anglers what happens, and they are trained to do and report the job properly. they know whats needed and how to do it with proper training in all aspects of this. If you or any others want to act as crime reporters, thats up to you and them, but my own reasoning leads me to think its not such a wise initiative so, its not for me..
I think your quip about Dixon of Dock Green does the front line police officer a disservice, most I have known are well capable of handling this situation.