Scruples

We had a peaceful Countryside demonstration here a few years ago and some of the police were coshing people left, right and center.

 

And tasers too...they scare me!!! Seems so cruel!

On 10th September 2008 15:14, Sue Ryder wrote:

We had a peaceful Countryside demonstration here a few years ago and some of the police were coshing people left, right and center.

 

Hi Sue,

I do not know to which demonstration you are referring but I have read about similar events. The problem is fairly complex.For example, most foot officers at demonstrations are the relatively inexperienced younger people. Dealing with demonstrations as a policeman can be exceptionally stressful, frightening, and dangerous at times. A policeman may overreact because of these factors. He shouldn't I know, but sometimes the basic 'Flight or Fight' 'ID' impulse, the primeval impulse to 'survive' is stronger than any thing else; especially if the young officer is frightened and/or inexperienced.

I also have to say that, in my experience, some demonstrators will provoke a robust response from the police because of incidents of violence that may have occurred on the 'blind side of the ref' so to speak. It is easier to spot an officer wielding a baton, than his receiving a crafty but well placed attack from somewhere amongst a seething body of demonstrators.

Finally, before a police officer draws and uses his baton, the situation will have developed to the point where as a last resort, these weapons should be used. Remember, the officer is authorised to use such appropriate force as is reasonable under the circumstances. Only the officer at the scene can really judge when that is; and be prepared to answer for his actions in a court of law.

On 10th September 2008 03:49, Diana Sinclair wrote:

You are a police officer. If you were ordered to break up a peaceful demonstration using a club, would you obey?

hi Diana,

I am onto the original question now. the answer is; every police officer is a servant of the law firstly and foremostly, this means any officer of whatever rank. Each officer has the responsibility for his own actions and cannot be ordered to do an unlawful act, as breaking up a peaceful demonstration with excessive force would be. The same applies to police who carry guns. No one can order you to use the firearm, it has to be your decision and you are the one called to account if it turns out to be the wrong decision when argued about in court, sometimes years later.

So, the answer is, no, you would not obey if you considered it was an 'unlawful' order.