Public Order: Law and Practice

John Beggs QC · George Thomas · Susanna Rickard

Jan 2012 · OUP Oxford

About this ebook

How can police officers engaged in public order policing ensure they act lawfully, secure safe criminal convictions, avoid civil claims and, perhaps most importantly, maintain the peace? Tackling one of the most difficult areas of modern day policing, Public Order: Law and Practice presents practical, straightforward advice that is grounded in the letter of the law, helping police officers to make decisions under pressure and take control of potentially volatile situations. Topics covered range from day-to-day problems such as drunken brawls and football offences to more serious issues such as violent protest and terrorism, providing you with the full spectrum of possible encounters and highlighting transferable skills. The book contains many useful practical features including definition boxes for commonly-used terms, and case studies and scenarios. Key points and best practices are summarised throughout the chapters, helping you to absorb the information and providing for a practical quick reference. Throughout, the authors offer you tips for dealing with both the common and less common in public order policing, while taking account of the latest case law and legislation. This book is part of the Blackstone's Practical Policing Series. The series consists of practical guides containing clear and detailed explanations of the relevant legislation, accompanied by practical scenarios, illustrative diagrams and useful checklists.

About the author

John Beggs QC was called to the Bar in 1989 and took silk in 2009. He specialises in all aspects of police law and has acted for the police service in numerous public order cases. He represented the Metropolitan Police Service in the House of Lords in Austin (containment) and Laporte (breach of the peace). George Thomas is a barrister specialising in public order litigation. As well as acting as junior counsel in Austin v Commissioner of Police, he has acted in numerous civil claims following other major public order incidents. He has provided tactical advice at command level throughout the country. Susanna Rickard was called to the Bar in 2009 and is a barrister specialising, inter alia, in police law. She advises and represents forces around the UK in civil proceedings. Following from her student days as a very well-behaved activist, public order law is one of her favourite areas. Michael Messinger, former Commander, Metropolitan Police, had responsibility for public order policing, emergency planning, officer safety and uniform counter-terrorism and security. He was also Chair of the London Emergency Services Liaison Panel, responsible for delivering the generic, multi-agency response to major incidents and disasters.