The Case Against Paramilitary Policing

In the late 1980s, paramilitarism was adopted as the policing strategy for public order events, with the belief that it was highly effective and in line with the tradition of impartial policing by consent. This book challenges that notion, arguing that paramilitarism actually contributed to the problem it claimed to minimize and that solutions need to be sought for public order policing that make the police politically accountable, ensure justice for the routinely policed, and reverse the drift toward paramilitarism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the late 1980s, a prevailing belief in policing public order events was rooted in paramilitarism, where militarily trained and equipped units were tasked with swiftly and efficiently addressing outbreaks of disorder. This philosophy posited that the rigorous training, discipline, and specialization inherent in paramilitary units guaranteed an optimal and impartial response, aligning with the tradition of "impartial policing by consent." However, this book, originally published in 1990, challenges this notion by presenting a contrary argument. It demonstrates that police impartiality was an illusion, and policing by consent did not encompass the consent of the routinely policed. Moreover, paramilitarism, rather than being the solution it purported to be, actually exacerbated the very problem it aimed to minimize.

To substantiate this argument, the book employs a comprehensive approach. It conducts concrete analyses of various public disorder events, encompassing political, industrial, and social contexts. A comparative examination of similar work in the United States and Australia adds depth to the analysis. Additionally, substantial fieldwork observations and interviews with a police special patrol group and its supervising officers provide firsthand insights into the dynamics of public order policing.

Jefferson expands the discussion by advocating for solutions in addressing public order policing. He emphasizes the need to make the police politically accountable, ensuring that such accountability is fair and aligns with the perspectives of the routinely policed. Furthermore, Jefferson seeks to reverse the trend toward paramilitarism, recognizing its potential risks and drawbacks.

In conclusion, this book offers a thought-provoking examination of the policing of public order events during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It challenges the conventional wisdom of paramilitarism and presents a compelling argument for a shift towards more democratic, accountable, and inclusive approaches to public order policing. By examining the evidence from a range of events, comparative studies, and fieldwork, the book provides valuable insights into the complexities and challenges of maintaining public safety and order in a rapidly changing world.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032448886