This, from the Guardian website, 22 January 2014: ‘The
Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) says that the need to control
continued protests "from ongoing and potential future austerity
measures" justifies the introduction of water cannon in Britain for the
first time.’
Is it justified? No: ‘The report says there is no intelligence to suggest there is an
increased likelihood of serious riots within England and Wales, but states
"it would be fair to assume that the ongoing and potential future
austerity measures are likely to lead to continued protest".’ (My
italics.)
Would it be a fair assumption? Not necessarily. Another
assumption would have to be made first – that Acpo members have their fingers on the
pulse, much as they do with stop and search and the use of firearms. Not,
m’lud, proven. And, in any case, continued protest is a democratic right, not
an argument to be used to support the acquisition of bright, shiny new
equipment. In case you were wondering, ‘A new water cannon costs between
£600,000 and £1m depending on its specification and lasts for 25 to 30 years.’
Acpo anticipates that any water cannon will be regarded as ‘a
national asset’.
Apparently, the use of water cannon would have been considered
(if only they’d had them) during the Tottenham riots in August 2011, but they
would have had only limited impact on the "fast, agile disorder" seen
then. So they can be used only in wide open spaces where the demonstrators –
sorry, rioters – obediently stand around in nice orderly ranks so they can
receive a soaking from the newly acquired national assets.
Such penetrating analysis and insight helps me to sleep
better at night. Aren’t our police wonderful?
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