The daily life of police constables did not consist of walking about doing little, nor were constables the perfect neutral ideal or part of a police thriller. While policemen received public attention for their actions during disturbances and strikes, or for dramatic rescues of people and animals, the vast majority of their work was routine. They walked their beats, checking the security of doors, and talking with neighbours. They directed traffic, stopped runaway horses, and fished people out of rivers and canals. Civilians handed over lost children and property, and stray dogs. The law-breaking they discovered tended to be minor thefts, miscellaneous violations of public order, and traffic infractions. Priority was given to obvious dangers such as fires and to duties easily checked by their senior officers. Injuries were generally minor and rarely heroic. Constables were kicked, bitten, and pelted with missiles; they fell off their bicycles, off walls, and down stairs. Remaining calm while handling suicides or dealing with victims of road collisions required not thinking about particulars too much. Some duties gained policemen respect; others did not. The same action could win them praise from some individuals and scorn from others.