From: Jeremy Peter Howells, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
I don't disagree that the police use of the word 'civilian' is
sometimes used in an insulting manner. I believe it should not be.
However, I think you [jim] wrong in your belief about the
military not having a roll in civil order or policing. They
do not normally do it but its less than a century since cavalry
with swords and infantry with fixed bayonets cleared rioting
strikers on our streets.
The military defer to the police on such matters today but
are not precluded from such activity as is the case in post
war Germany. Enforcement of the provisions of the Riot Act
was in place in the forces until around 1970 and 'Internal
Security Training' forms a part of basic training in the UK
military. Its not a role the military relish as you say but
there are preparations for it.
The police are in effect a civilian force and presence in
our society and that is the way I believe they should remain.
Policing should be by consent and not coercion (at least for
the vast majority of the population who don't commit crime).
As for the police leading a military parade thats usually
for traffice control not to show their pre-emienence over
the military.
Regards
Jerry
--
Setting up checkpoints manned with armed officers, which is
what West Mids did a couple of days ago, has got to be
"coercive"!
Steve.
Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org
List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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