"I have never seen a situation so dismal that a policeman couldn't make it worse"

This quote by Irish playwright Brendan Behan is a funny and satirical take on the function of police in society. Behan recommends that no matter how bad a situation may appear, a police officer has the capability to make it even worse. This might be translated as a commentary on the power and authority that cops hold, and how they can typically intensify or exacerbate a situation instead of diffusing it. It could also be viewed as a criticism of the actions of some law enforcement officer who might use extreme force or make poor decisions in tense situations. Overall, Behan's quote highlights the capacity for police to make a bad scenario even worse, instead of giving help or resolution.