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Debate - is policing of demonstrations heavy handed

2 April 2009

Recent demonstrations have seen the police predicting violence in the media. Is this a tactic to justify heavy handed policing?

Taking our banners to the streets and demonstrating is one of our key democratic rights and as trade unionists it is one of the ways by which we can make our voices heard. But does heavy handed policing of demonstrations put you off taking part?

  • Are the police allowed too much free rein when policing demonstrations?
  • Is this preventing people from exercising their right to demonstrate?
  • Or do the police need extra powers to keep order?

Is this an issue that has affected you? Have your say, and debate the issue here on PCS comment, and a selection of the comments will be published in View, the monthly magazine for PCS members.

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  1. Heavy Handed Policing

    27 April 2009

    Graham Croft: "Unfortunately sometimes innocent by-standers do get caught up with the idiots who use any demonstartion to vent thier own violent tendancies." Great; we'll just tag that onto a condolence card to Mrs Tomlinson and her family ,eh? Or perhaps not......

    Dan Tanzey
    Heavy Handed

    24 April 2009

    Call me old fashioned but the name of this debate is "Is policing of demonstrations heavy handed", which it is, although I am naturally assuming that the debate is refering to the UK. It is not "How do they police demonstartions in other countries?" so I suggest that any reference on how they do it France or anywhere else is immaterial. I am also disappointed at the usual right wing tactic in this debate of referring to demonstrators as "Idiots" with "Violent tendancies". This of course will have the full support of the right wing press like the Daily Star who on 9 April referred to demonstrators in language such as 'Militant' and 'Anarchists', thereby branding everyone with the actions of a few. Incidently, I was a supporter of "Militant" in 1980's and early 1990's and I consider it a privilege to be called 'Militant'.

    Lin Black
    policing demonstrations

    24 April 2009

    Police need more training in handling peaceful protests and demonstrations in a non combative non threatening way, less testerone more intellect. I actually do believe the Government and Police prefer heavy handed mob tactics to encourage protesters to stay away and take our right to free speech with them.....

    Lynda Hornsey
    Who knows?

    22 April 2009

    I am sure that some members of the Police Force can be heavy handed. I am also sure that some of those demonstrating can be extremely provocative. Without witnessing individual events, how can I express a balanced view. How, without having programmed clones as police officers, can we ever eliminate a rogue element? I am of the view that TV coverage is not aired to show the hundreds/thousands of peaceful demonstrators or fair/considerate members of the Police Force. I do not feel that the poll question with just a yes or know answer will tell anyone anything. Graham Rixon PCS Local Rep. and H & S Rep.

    Graham Rixon
    Police tactics

    17 April 2009

    Some of the police officers behaved disgracefully whilst policing the recent G20 demonstrations. They were pictured hitting demonstrators and a demonstrator died as result of police brutality. These are the sort of tactics once would expect under a dictatorship not in a democracy but Britain is gradually moving towards a police state. Our civil liberties are being taken away one by one. The behaviour of the police is a clear infringement of the right of assembly and peaceful protest. The officers responsible for these latest brutal acts must be held accountable and face justice in the law courts.

    Jawid Iqbal
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