11293 report 19 - CAIN - University of Ulster

A. Chapter SummaryBackgroundThe Independent Commission recognised that the public order policing experience of the PoliceService differed significantly from that of any other police force, especially the use of public orderequipment and tactics. The Independent Commission therefore saw the need for research intoother tactical and strategic ways with which to address recurring public order situations. Therecommendations covered the role of the army, the establishment of a parade partnership andmarshal training, and identification of equipment that might be utilised by the Police Service tobetter deal with public order situations and other emergencies.Progress and AccomplishmentsBased on research conducted by the NIO and Steering Group, police commanders now have abroader range of less-than-lethal equipment and operational tactics available for responding topublic order emergencies. The introduction of the Attenuating Energy Projectile (AEP) impactround (replacing the plastic baton round) and the vehicle-mounted water cannon have beensuccessful. The independent evaluations support findings that the Police Service has adopted theproper policies and guidance, as well officer training, for the successful deployment of the AEP andwater cannon.The Human Rights Annual Report on the 2005 Ardoyne and Whiterock parades, and the PoliceOmbudsman investigative report on the 2005 Cambria Street/North Belfast riot, concluded thatthe Police Service performance was acceptable and in compliance with the Human Rights Act1998. Also, the findings determined that the discharge of AEPs and water cannon was minimal andappropriate. Similar evaluations conducted by the oversight team support the determination thatthe NIO and Police Service have fully implemented those recommendations involving the use ofequipment and performance during public order situations.The Police Service has also demonstrated the capacity to deal with public order incidents withoutrelying on increased help from the army or other police services. This capability, for example, wasdemonstrated during the recent Lundy parades in Derry/Londonderry and the annual parades atDrumcree, Co.Armagh. At the same time, the Police Service has successfully worked with thecommunity organisers in planning parades that might be contentious and facilitating the use oftrained marshals to reduce the potential for disruption. Responsibility for successfulimplementation of the public order policing recommendations can be shared by the highly trainedand dedicated commanders and police officers who responded to public order emergencies thatoccurred during the period of the oversight progress.Remaining Areas of ConcernThere are no areas of concern associated with the several recommendations concerning publicorder policing.84