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THIRD FORCE -- AN INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP REPORT

NCJ Number
67215
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 53 Issue: 2 Dated: APRIL/JUNE 1980 Pages: 138-146
Author(s)
C. NELSON
Date Published
April 1980
Length
9 pages
Annotation
BECAUSE OF INADEQUATE RESPONSE BY BRITISH POLICE TO DEMONSTRATIONS AND STREET DISTURBANCES, THIS STUDY EXAMINES THE SPECIAL CRIME CONTROL METHODS USED BY FRENCH AND GERMAN POLICE ORGANIZATIONS.
Abstract
DIRECTED BY A CHIEF CONSTABLE AND WITHOUT ADEQUATE LIAISON BETWEEN LOCAL AND NATIONAL LEVELS, THE LOCAL POLICE IN BRITAIN HAVE DIFFICULTY COPING WITH ABNORMAL SITUATIONS, WHETHER REQUIRING RIOT CONTROL OR SEARCH PARTY FORMATION. IN CONTRAST, THE FRENCH AND WEST GERMAN POLICE ORGANIZATIONS CREATE A 'THIRD FORCE' FROM EXISTING ELEMENTS TO MEET PARTICULAR NEEDS ON EITHER THE LOCAL OR NATIONAL LEVELS. THE FRENCH INTERIOR MINISTRY, IN CHARGE OF ALL POLICE ELEMENTS (EXCEPT GENDARMES), DIRECTS THE 'COMPAGNIE REPUBLICAINES DE SECURITE' OPERATION, CALLING UP, AS NEEDED, SECURITY FORCES FOR AIRPORTS, MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAMS, OR CROWD CONTROL COMPONENTS. THE INDIVIDUAL STATE INTERIOR MINISTERS OF THE GERMAN FEDERAL REPUBLIC SUPPLY 'BEREITSCHAFTSPOLIZEI' UPON REQUEST TO THEIR COUNTERPART'S COMMANDS IN ANOTHER STATE. THE FRENCH AND GERMAN POLICE HAVE COORDINATED FIELDS OF OPERATION AND HAVE ESTABLISHED SPECIFIC PROCEDURES FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT AND EQUIPMENT, TRANSPORTATION, UNIFORMS, AND WEAPONS AND SPECIALIZED TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT HANDLING. ORGANIZATIONAL CHARTS ARE INCLUDED.