Policing as a causal factor – a fresh view on riots and social unrest

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to comment on the outbreak of disturbances in England and

other parts of the world. It seeks to argue that in many cases rioting and the breakdown of public order is

a direct response to policing practice. While many policy makers argue that a likely rise in public unrest

during the economic downturn is an argument for raising funding for law enforcement, an examination of

disturbances in England, France, the USA and Tunisia suggests that it is not the absence but the heavy

and unrestrained presence of police that sparks disorder. This in turn relates to the functions policy

makers have loaded onto the police, which have little to do with public safety but strain relations between

law enforcement and the community.

Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a policy assessment.

Findings – Rioting in England began not because of the absence of police but because of poor police

practice. The outbreak of riots at a time of austerity suggests that resources should be focused on core

police functions, not the maintenance of public health or public morals.

Originality/value – The paper provides a new look at the breakdown in public order.