Jase...
When I was working along side the RN I made several trips from the training areas and refuge they use on Dartmoor terminating in the pub at Princeton and I cant think of a much more rural area than where you live (other than up here in Scotland). So I'm surprised it has been an issue for you.
The numbers or marines who yomp around the area tooled up I would have thought the locals were used to seeing guns!
I was invited to a clayshoot when down there which took place only just off the road?
I think you should take the advice of others who have spoken before and at least get your denial on record.
As for the Police they came in all shapes and sizes. One who came to tell my family my brother had been killed by a drunk driver still sends my mum some flowers each year around the anniversary of his death and he was a consumate professional that couldnt have been a nicer guy if he tried.
On the other hand some years later I had the misfortune to be behind a car that knocked a little girl down and killed her and after calling an ambulance and making a statement to an officer I did as he requested and went to move my car (I'd put it close to the girl with the hazards on to protect where she lay) As I did this I was grabbed by the arm and told "f off, its not a spectator sport" I was badly shaken up and although he apoligised when he realiased what was going on I always thought what a terrible way to greet the public. I wasnt very old back then and was pretty upset by it, however now I'd have his number and complain.
We need more like the "Eric" the family friend and we need to support these guys for the difficult job they do.
It strikes me the Police service is in real turmoil with the "old school" constantly having to make up for the ones who just sit back and take their pay whilst following the path of least resistance.
A friend who is a decent guy is full of stories of some of his colleagues who will cherefully "find" a drunk and disorderly to nick on a cold evening simply so they are back in a nice warm nick for a few hours doing paperwork.
Alternatively if they come across some "real" drunks they will cherfully leave it until they have worn themselves out on each other for fear of getting thumped before jumping in to stop things
I dont think that any "genuine" officer would be offended by your querying what happend with his superiors, after all if he was doing his duty, its not a problem for him, if he wasn't then he deserves to be followed up and have his motivation corrected.
Nice to see some good guys posting
Good luck
If it has a trigger, I'm gonna enjoy it!