london riots

London Riots Lead to Calls for More Police on the Streets

 

have raised concern from British citizens about the ability of the police to restore order to the increasingly chaotic situation.  Police officers do not carry firearms in Britain, but frequently use water cannons and tear gas a means to control riots.  When necessary, however, batons and riot shields are used at a minimum, to restore order.
There are opposing views on the how the riot can be controlled, with calls from London citizens, bloggers, columnists, and even members of Parliament urging the Metropolitan Police (MP) to use more aggressive strategies to control the rioting crowds.  They argue that an army should be used, and a curfew should be enforced to help control looters and arsonists, and restore order to London.
Citizens report feeling abandoned by the MP who are charged with protecting the people of London.  However, the responsibility for crowd control rests not only with the MP, but also with Parliament who has to consent to the police’s use of additional tactics to control the rioters.  Some argue that the use of Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité, or (CRS) a specialized riot force unit that controls massive crowds would work well help contain the London riots; however, in Britain, no such force unit exists.
Critics argue that the present failure of the police to use additional force to control the London riots may be attributed to claims stemming from the Brixton riots which took place 20 year ago.  During the Brixton riots, a judicial investigation found that the police were “disproportionate and indiscriminate” in their use of force to control the riots.   Yet, with the daily increase in arson and thief across London, there is outcry from citizens for immediate and forceful police action to help restore order to the city.
As of Tuesday, more than 16,000 officers were dispersed throughout London to help control the riots; nevertheless, requests for additional police force to put an end the riots continue.

london riots

london riots