Public Order Law and Practice

This book deals with the topical subject of public order policing and covers both the legal and practical aspects. The book is divided into two parts, the first part deals with 'General Themes in Public Order Law' covering the legal rules and principles and the key legislation. The second part covers 'Public Order Policing in Context' and looks at considerations in specific contexts, such as public protest. Topics covered range from day-to-day problems such as drunken brawls and football offences to more serious issues such as violent protest and terrorism. The importance and impact of human rights and the ECHR are directly addressed in the book. Extracts from the key legislation are included in the appendices and throughout the book, key points, best practice and pre and post incident checklists are included to ensure that the book is as practical as possible. This book is part of the Blackstone's Practical Policing Series. The series consists of practical guides containing clear and detailed explanations of the relevant legislation, accompanied by practical scenarios, illustrative diagrams and useful checklists.

John Beggs, LLB, Barrister, 3 Sergeants' Inn. He has particular expertise on police firearms and public order operations. He has represented most police forces in the Country, and has appeared in many of the high profile trials, discipline hearings and inquiries involving the police over the last decade.
Amy Street, LLB, Barrister, 3 Sergeants' Inn. She practices in both police and medical law and advises on human rights issues. Amy represents the police in civil actions, and was junior counsel for the Metropolitan Police in the litigation arising out of the policing of the May Day protests in 2001.
George Thomas, LLB, Barrister, 3 Sergeants' Inn. He acts for constabularies nationwide in civil claims covering the full range of policing. He has also been advising and acting for Football Intelligence Units ever since the Football (Disorder) Act 2004 first came into force. He was recently junior counsel for the Metropolitan Police in the May Day 2001 test cases in the High Court. Michael Messenger, Commander, Metropolitan Police. He has responsibility for public order policing, emergency planning, officer safety and uniform counter-terrorism and security. Chair of the London Emergency Services Liaison Panel that is responsible for delivering the generic, multi-agency response to major incidents and disasters.