NCJ Number
85016
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 55 Issue: 3 Dated: (July-September 1982) Pages: 262-278
Date Published
1982
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Policing in England is complicated by the citizen ideologies (conservative, liberal, radical) used to interpret the causes and advocate responses to civil disorder, notably the 1981 riots.
Abstract
Conservative ideologues viewed the riots as an attack upon the rule of law and a threat to public order. The underlying cause of the riots is perceived to be a lack of respect for and submission to the authoritative institutions in society. This breakdown in authority is believed to be particularly aggravated among West Indian youths. The appropriate response to civil disorder is believed to be a reassertion of authority, particularly through more aggressive policing. Liberals viewed the riots as the product of a sick society whose economic and social policies have precipitated the decline of inner cities and police-community relations. The solution is seen to be a diagnosis of such problems and the adoption of policies that will correct them. Radicals viewed the riots as a manifestation fundamentally flawed socioeconomic institutions that must be radically changed or eliminated altogether. Radicals charge that racism is deeply ingrained within the police and society. The presence of these three ideologies across British society complicates the adoption of a police policy that has public consensus. The police must guard against identifying themselves with a particular ideology by using professional symbols in interpreting their responsibilities. The extremes of strict law enforcement and the use of situational discretion that may mean ignoring law violations both carry the potential for aggravating the forces of disorder. Ultimately the police must adopt a policy that will most effectively maintain public tranquility. This usually means striking some balance between competing public ideologies, a very difficult task. Twenty-seven references are listed.