Current Issues - 2004

July 2004

Policing Immature Communities - PoliceBeat Editorial

Not for the first time was it apparent that there is no policing solution to marching issues. True, the police can force marches through areas where residents are determined to resist but this approach, which admittedly would suit some people, cannot be acceptable. The socio-geography of Belfast and other areas has changed so much that traditional routes are not necessarily thronged with the same welcoming streetlined crowds they once were.

The longer term answer to the disgraceful scenes in North Belfast and Lurgan, and incidentally to the regular Saturday night disturbance in Londonderry, has to be more sensible and mature responsible behaviour from communities. The unshirkable job of the police is to uphold the law and that includes the determinations of the Parades Commission. Any disagreement with the Parades Commission should not be used as a ready excuse for violence directed at or by the marchers and their supporters aimed at the police and the army.

The fall out from the rioting is that once again the spotlight falls on the conduct of the police rather than where the light should be shone strongest – on community failure to cope with the real issue of mutual respect. Politicians prefer to take refuge in dealing with their lack of political progress and meaningful engagement by demanding inquiries into the use of CS sprays in Londonderry, in calls for DPP representatives to resign and for the intervention of the Police Ombudsman.

As a police service the PSNI is steadily becoming more progressive; it is a pity that the same cannot be said for some of the more difficult and intractable elements in both our communities. Somehow, this does not seem like a good time to phase out one third of our frontline policing strength. Only 25 officers (only!) were injured in North Belfast, seven were Full-Time Reserve officers. Who wants to take a gamble on next summer by reducing operational police numbers further?