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Multilateral Policing and New Conceptions of Security in the European Union

NCJ Number
157430
Journal
Police Studies Volume: 17 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1994) Pages: 61-75
Author(s)
J Wright; K Bryett
Date Published
1994
Length
15 pages
Annotation
One of the consequences of the development of the European Union (EU) is the relaxation of internal borders, and policing strategies need to be developed that prohibit criminals from moving about with relative ease.
Abstract
Policing strategies and models in Europe need to be developed within a holistic conception of security that stresses multilateralism. The type and range of security problems facing the EU require a police rather than a military response, and a multilateral concept of policing is consistent with European integration patterns. Further, existing international police organizations may not be able to deal effectively with emerging threats. The end of the Cold War has created an incentive to devise new approaches to maintaining security in response to such threats as terrorism, racism, drug smuggling, organized crime, and the arms black market. New multilateral security problems also include state and population disintegration. A multilateral policing approach may be effective, but problems related to accountability, political and legislative constraints, and judicial backup need to be addressed. 11 references and 10 endnotes