Liberty and Order: Public Order Policing in a Capital City

This 1994 book investigates the impact of increased police powers and equipment on basic democratic freedoms, examining police operations from protest marches to riots and royal ceremonials to street carnivals. It prompts debates about a drift into authoritarianism in Britain.

Format: Hardback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking behind-the-scenes examination of public order policing, originally published in 1994, delves into the profound impact of expanding police powers and equipment on fundamental democratic freedoms. It provides a comprehensive and analytical account of police operations, encompassing a wide range of scenarios, from peaceful protest marches to violent riots, as well as from royal ceremonies to street carnivals. In the face of confrontational government policies that ignite inner-city riots and violent protests, the response of the state is often to arm the police with enhanced legal powers and the arsenal of riot control measures. This has led to debates in Britain about a potential drift towards authoritarianism. Within the political and broader context of public order, this text examines the policing of political protest, drawing upon extensive and detailed observations of actual events.

The authors of this study argue that the increasing use of police powers and equipment has had a detrimental effect on democratic freedoms. They highlight the disproportionate use of force by police officers against peaceful protesters, leading to injuries and even fatalities. The authors also point out the erosion of civil liberties and the curtailment of individual rights, as the police are granted sweeping powers to prevent and control public disorder.

One of the key findings of the study is the disproportionate impact of public order policing on marginalized communities. These communities are often the targets of police brutality and discrimination, as they are perceived as a threat to public order. The authors argue that this targeting is not only unjust but also counterproductive, as it exacerbates social tensions and undermines trust between the police and the community.

The study also explores the role of the media in shaping public perception of public order policing. The media often portrays the police as the heroes of the story, highlighting their bravery and effectiveness in controlling public disorder. However, the authors argue that this portrayal is misleading and fails to acknowledge the human rights violations and civil liberties abuses that occur during police operations.

The authors propose several recommendations to address the issues raised in the study. They call for a more balanced approach to public order policing, where the emphasis is on prevention rather than repression. They also advocate for greater transparency and accountability in the use of police powers, as well as the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms to monitor and investigate police misconduct.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking study provides a critical analysis of public order policing and its impact on democratic freedoms. It highlights the disproportionate use of force by the police, the erosion of civil liberties, and the targeting of marginalized communities. The authors call for a more balanced approach to public order policing, greater transparency and accountability, and the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms to ensure that police powers are used in a manner that respects human rights and promotes social justice.

Weight: 635g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032042718