NCJ Number
50718
Journal
Australian Police Journal Volume: 32 Issue: 3 Dated: (JULY 1978) Pages: 131-144
Date Published
1978
Length
14 pages
Annotation
COOPERATION BETWEEN AUSTRALIA'S MILITARY FORCES AND POLICE IN PLANNING FOR THE HANDLING OF CIVIL DISORDERS AND NATURAL DISASTERS IS DISCUSSED.
Abstract
ALTHOUGH THE DISCUSSION TOUCHES ON THE REESTABLISHMENT OF ORDER IN THE EVENT OF DEVASTATION FROM A NUCLEAR ATTACK OR NATURAL DISASTER (FIRES, FLOODS, EARTHQUAKES, ETC.), IT IS PRIMARILY CONCERNED WITH SITUATIONS RESULTING FROM POLITICAL OR INDUSTRIAL STRIFE. HERE THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE MILITARY IN POLICE EFFORTS TO REESTABLISH POLITICAL ORDER INVOLVES COMPLEX ISSUES. IT IS NECESSARY TO PREPARE TO COPE WITH SUCH EMERGENCIES. YET ADVANCE PREPARATIONS HAVE DANGERS OF THEIR OWN -E.G., PUBLIC DISQUIET IF THE POLICE AND THE MILITARY ARE SEEN TRAINING TOGETHER OPENLY AND REGULARLY. THERE IS A NEED FOR A NATIONAL PLAN TO DEAL WITH THE TYPE OF EMERGENCY THAT COULD BE EXPECTED TO ARISE IN AUSTRALIA FROM POLITICAL OR INDUSTRIAL TURMOIL. THE PLAN SHOULD INCORPORATE ALL ASPECTS OF COMMAND, INTELLIGENCE, LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS, AND TRAINING. MILITARY INVOLVEMENT SHOULD BE LIMITED PRIMARILY TO SUPPORT, EXCEPT IN EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES. THE JOINT AIM OF THE MILITARY AND POLICE FORCES IN A SITUATION OF POLITICAL OR INDUSTRIAL TURMOIL WOULD BE TO REESTABLISH A STABLE POLITICAL ORDER BY RESTORING VALUE IN THE CURRENCY, COUNTERING PROPAGANDA WITH ACCURATE REPORTS, RESTORING ALL SOCIAL SERVICES AND AGENCIES, AND REESTABLISHING A POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE CONDUCIVE TO FREE ELECTIONS. REFERENCES TO RELEVANT AUSTRALIAN LAW ARE INCLUDED, TOGETHER WITH A BIBLIOGRAPHY. (LKM)