NCJ Number
34039
Date Published
1976
Length
19 pages
Annotation
A REVIEW OF THE PROBLEMS AND RESPONSES OF THE UNITED KINGDOM POLICE FORCE AS POLITICAL TERRORISM COMPELS THEM TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER.
Abstract
THE POLICE HAVE OPPOSED THE CREATION OF A PARA-MILITARY POLICE UNIT DESIGNED TO DEAL SOLELY WITH TERRORISM AND PUBLIC ORDER DISTURBANCES. IN 1968, AND AGAIN IN 1972, POLICE AND GOVERNMENT MADE WIDE-RANGING AND DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS, SINCE TAKEN UP AND APPLIED, IN THE PUBLIC SECURITY FIELD. MINDFUL OF THE FISCAL AND MANPOWER CONSTRAINTS WITHIN WHICH THEY ARE OPERATING, THE POLICE HAVE DEVELOPED A SOPHISTICATED ARRAY OF SPECIALIST UNITS OPERATING ON THE PREMISE OF SELECTIVE POLICING. SUCH RESPONSE IS SAID TO BE PRESENTLY THE BEST POSSIBLE. INITIATIVE RESTS, HOWEVER, WITH THE TERRORISTS, AND RAPID CHANGES IN SOCIETY MIGHT DESTROY ONE MAJOR ADVANTAGE OF THE POLICE - THEIR PUBLIC SUPPORT. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)