But what about if you encounter 'zero-tolerance' FCC-type RPIs? Judging by posts made on here, they seem to go straight for prosecution.
It's a bit odd with FCC, although you obviously don't know who you're going to encounter.
Many RPIs simply go for the PF when it's pretty clear and obvious (to an outsider like me that knows a little - although that can sometimes be a dangerous thing) they should be going for a prosecution. PFs are quick and easy though, and they frequently 'sell them' as a nice quick and easy way to get the person on his/her way, and then mention you can easily appeal. Sometimes I wonder why they don't just give someone with a perfectly valid ticket a PF and say 'hey, take this, give me £20 and appeal'!
RPIs on their own also seem to be the worst offenders for letting off obvious fare evaders, while happily dishing out PFs to those who offer no resistance at all. Can I blame them? Possibly not, but it still isn't helping deter the habitual offenders.
FCC also has a dedicated fraud detection team, which I have no problem with them having obviously, except my lovely friendly RPI that was harassing me joined it and he clearly loved the power. Hence holding me for nearly four hours to fill his notebook with the same question asked over and over for the whole period covered by my season ticket(s).
I haven't seen him since I complained and heard he'd been moved along the line, but if you met him then good luck - you'll need it. That said, if you
were a fraudster then I'm on his side, but he still needs to be able to tell the difference and be sure he actually knows what he's doing!