NCJ Number
92574
Date Published
Unknown
Length
42 pages
Annotation
In examining the police role in countering civil disorders in Australasia and Fiji, this paper considers the history and current situation with respect to civil disorder; the involvement of revolutionary groups; the adequacy of police strategies, tactics, finance, equipment, training, and staffing; and the effectiveness of existing legislation; also included are an examination of the use of military forces and paramilitary 'third force' police structures and a civil-disorder risk assessment for each geographic area considered.
Abstract
In all the jurisdictions considered, there are factors common to those present in Brixton and Southall, British communities that have suffered civil disorders. In Australia and New Zealand there are inner city slum areas with large numbers of underprivileged, unemployed, and mixed racial minorities. Australia and New Zealand face additional risk as a result of the increasing militancy of the Aborigines and Maoris, as their claims for land rights and reparation for past wrongs have the potential to become 'flash points' of civil disorder. While enjoying relative calm, Fiji is faced with the growing disenchantment of youth and the racial tension between the indigenous Fijian and persons of Indian extraction. While the police cannot relieve the causative factors in riots, since such action lies in the political arena, the police are expected to prevent or control riots. The police must engage in media and community awareness programs. Legislation providing for emergency powers, particularly with respect to the command and control of other emergency services and public utilities, is essential. Police must also have the right to monitor groups and persons who advocate violence as a means of obtaining their objectives. Police must also be provided with adequate protective and tactical equipment. To facilitate joint police actions, all Australian police organizations should adopt common antiriot tactics and training programs. While recourse to military force may be necessary in extreme cases, it is preferable to use police from a number of jurisdictions. Recommendations and a bibliography of 105 listings are included.