The policing at the G20 in London seems to mark a sea-change in their methods and tactics for the worst. It’s worth reading the pieces by Rachel and John in order to understand how much things seem to have changed since I last went on demonstrations back in the 1970s. Back then, it felt almost like a day out, and an opportunity to express yourself politically. Now it seems as though modern policing creates the very unrest it should be designed to prevent. Perhaps that is the idea – scare people away from the very idea of protest…
Update 20 April 2009: A good article in today’s Guardian from David Gilbertson, former Scotland Yard commander and assistant inspector of constabulary. The money quote:
There is also a case for a programme to change the mindset of today’s young officers, some of whom will be the police leaders of the 2020s and 2030s. They must recognise that the right of lawful protest is inalienable. If they cannot accept this, then perhaps we should consider looking outside the service for the senior officers of tomorrow
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