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Policing and Conflict in northern Ireland
360
Abstract / Journal of Criminal Justice 29 (2001) 359±362
changes in punishment ideas and practices to a more detailed consideration of the research and theory concerning the social organization of the prison. Such detail of the social organization of the prison is essential to grasp the full meaning of incarceration from those who know it best, namely, the inmates themselves. Chapter 10 addresses the rise of the prisoner rights movement in relation to the civil rights activism and civil disobedience of the 1960s and 1970s. Faith in the state and its agencies of crime control had waned. Different from previous reform efforts, which expanded the penal system, the new call was for restraint with specific checks aimed at narrowing the powers of the penal system. Chapter 11 examines several major penal reform efforts that characterized the decentralization of the correction's movement during the 1960s and 1970s. The chapter documents that while the goals of the various decentralized reforms appeared very different from preceding penal reforms, the practices and outcomes were not only similar but even more farreaching. By the end of the 1970s, declining faith in the rehabilitative ideal and decentralized correctional reforms peaked. Chapters 12 and 13 describe and assess some of the consequences of America's subsequent embrace of a ``get-tough-on-crime'' ethos. A series of gettough strategies that together supported a new ``zero tolerance on crime'' orientation were quickly implemented. These chapters consider the context of the 1980s and 1990s in relation to this series of gettough-on-crime ideas, practices, and consequences. Chapter 14 extends the image of the prison as a total institution into mainstream culture and society. As some observers have claimed, Americans now live in a minimum- (Blomberg, 1987), medium-, or even maximum-``security'' society (Marx, 1988) in which both criminal offenders and citizens alike are subject to new technologies and surveillance capacities that record and monitor their daily lives and movements. This concluding chapter considers the past, present, and future of penology and social control in relation to this growing culture of control that increasingly characterizes American society. Policing and conflict in Northern Ireland Wright J, Bryett K. St. Martin's Press, New York, NY. ISBN: 0-333-74324-5, 2000; pp 155, hardcover $59.95.
In this book, the authors examine the role of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), Northern Ireland's Protestant-dominated police force, in the more than eighty years of conflict since Northern Ireland was formed.
In the first chapter, the authors begin by giving a brief history of the RUC and its role in the conflict in Northern Ireland. It then explores the `totality of relationships' in the British Isles, in an attempt to move analysis away from simple Protestant/Catholic or Irish/English dichotomies. First, they discuss the contentious relationship of the British and Irish governments regarding policing and justice administration. Next, they examine the importance of policing in the question of sovereignty between Northern Ireland Protestants and the Republic of Ireland. Finally, the authors examine the complexities of the RUC's directives in the context of relations between Northern Ireland Protestants and the British government. In the second chapter, the authors discuss their research of policing practices in other societies with internal cleavages. They begin by examining the case of the Basque region of Spain. They discuss how the culturally distinct Basques have created their own police force, which exists in a tiered fashion with the Spanish national police. Next the authors examine the case of policing in South Africa, where Apartheid policies created a role of enforcing White power rather than law and order. Finally, the authors consider the case of the Netherlands, where the pillarization of the various minority groups has led to a distinctively tiered system of crime control and community facility. The authors conclude with a discussion of Northern Ireland in the context of these models. In the third chapter, the authors examine public and political opinion on police reform. Through the use of surveys, committee reports, and written and verbal opinions, the authors explore political and social groups' views on policing from Sinn Fein to the Progressive Unionist Party. The authors conclude with an attempt to find areas of common ground between the various groups, in the hopes of finding ways to negotiate a reform solution acceptable to the majority. In the fourth chapter, the authors attempt to define a best practice model for policing in Northern Ireland. The authors begin by discussing best practice policies in contemporary policing. Next, they revisit the models discussed in Chapter 2 to determine the best practice policies from societies with internal divisions. Finally, they discuss the possibility of applying the best practice models they have uncovered to the situation in Northern Ireland. In the fifth chapter, the authors use the best practice models they have created to discuss possibilities for police reform in Northern Ireland. To begin with, the authors argue that disbanding the RUC is a zero-sum problem. They therefore see the best solution in minimizing the importance of the extremes of disbanding or not disbanding. Next, they consider the possibility of agency
Abstract / Journal of Criminal Justice 29 (2001) 359±362
reform and increased police accountability. Finally, the authors consider the possibilities of structural reform through tiering. In the sixth chapter, the authors propose methods for reform based on their research and discussion. The authors begin by arguing against structural reform. They contend that although it could incorporate some of the best practice models, the dangers inherent in splintering the police force make it an undesirable option. Next, the authors present arguments for agency-centered reform, improved police accountability, and repealing emergency legislation. The authors conclude by arguing in favor of increased civilian and international participation in policing in Northern Ireland. In the third chapter, the authors examine public and political opinion on police reform. Through the use of surveys, committee reports, and written and verbal opinions, the authors explore political and social groups' views on policing from Sinn Fein to the Progressive Unionist Party. The authors conclude with an attempt to find areas of common ground between the various groups, in the hopes of finding ways to negotiate a reform solution acceptable to the majority. In the fourth chapter, the authors attempt to define a best practice model for policing in Northern Ireland. The authors begin by discussing best practice policies in contemporary policing. Next, they revisit the models discussed in Chapter 2 to determine the best practice policies from societies with internal divisions. Finally, they discuss the possibility of applying the best practice models they have uncovered to the situation in Northern Ireland. In the fifth chapter, the authors use the best practice models they have created to discuss possibilities for police reform in Northern Ireland. To begin with, the authors argue that disbanding the RUC is a zero-sum problem. They therefore see the best solution in minimizing the importance of the extremes of disbanding or not disbanding. Next, they consider the possibility of agency reform and increased police accountability. Finally, the authors consider the possibilities of structural reform through tiering. In the sixth chapter, the authors propose methods for reform based on their research and discussion. The authors begin by arguing against structural reform. They contend that although it could incorporate some of the best practice models, the dangers inherent in splintering the police force make it an undesirable option. Next, the authors present arguments for agency-centered reform, improved police accountability, and repealing emergency legislation. The authors conclude by arguing in favor of increased civilian and international participation in policing in Northern Ireland.
361
The crime drop in America Edited by Alfred Blumstein and Joel Wallman, Cambridge University Press, New York, NY. ISBN: 0-521-79712-8, 2000, 318 pp., paperback Ð $69.50
This book is a collection of articles that examine possible explanations for the steady reduction of violence in America over the past eight years. It begins with the editors' introduction, which briefly describes the recent reduction in violence. It then describes the major sources of crime data in the United States and gives historical background for the crime drop. The editors then provide a summary of the articles presented in the book. ``Disaggregating the Violence Trends'' by Alfred Blumstein provides an overview of the elements that comprise the crime drop. Blumstein discusses such factors as the methods of crime measurement for different types of crimes, the historical trends of crime rates, and the age groups of offenders. He also considers the role of handguns, shifts in the drug market, and changes in demographic composition. In examining these factors, the author gives a detailed historical account of the crime drop. He concludes with a brief hypothesis that suggests the decline in the drug trade precipitated by the efforts of police and community groups, along with the improvement in the economy, may play a significant role in explaining the crime drop. ``Guns and Gun Violence'' by Garen Wintemute discusses the role of firearms in the crime drop. The author begins with an explanation of the relationship of firearms to violent crime. He then gives a historical account of gun violence, examining such factors as victim and perpetrator characteristics, the role of the big city in violent crime, and the increasing transition from revolvers to semiautomatic handguns in violent crime. Wintemute then discusses the relationship of the gun market and violent crime, gun seizures, and supply-side efforts at reducing the effect of guns on gun violence. He concludes with a discussion of methods used to deter gun violence. ``The Limited Importance of Prison Expansion'' by William Spelman examines whether the increased effectiveness of incarceration has had an effect on the crime drop. Spelman discusses both simulation studies and econometric studies of the effectiveness of increased incarceration. He concludes that prison expansion is partially responsible for the crime drop. ``Patterns in Adult Homicide: 1980 ± 1995'' by Richard Rosenfeld examines the impact of age rates and other factors on the crime drop in America. Sex, race, and victim ± offender relationships are all discussed in this article. Dr. Rosenfeld also examines the
Abstract / Journal of Criminal Justice 29 (2001) 359±362
changes in punishment ideas and practices to a more detailed consideration of the research and theory concerning the social organization of the prison. Such detail of the social organization of the prison is essential to grasp the full meaning of incarceration from those who know it best, namely, the inmates themselves. Chapter 10 addresses the rise of the prisoner rights movement in relation to the civil rights activism and civil disobedience of the 1960s and 1970s. Faith in the state and its agencies of crime control had waned. Different from previous reform efforts, which expanded the penal system, the new call was for restraint with specific checks aimed at narrowing the powers of the penal system. Chapter 11 examines several major penal reform efforts that characterized the decentralization of the correction's movement during the 1960s and 1970s. The chapter documents that while the goals of the various decentralized reforms appeared very different from preceding penal reforms, the practices and outcomes were not only similar but even more farreaching. By the end of the 1970s, declining faith in the rehabilitative ideal and decentralized correctional reforms peaked. Chapters 12 and 13 describe and assess some of the consequences of America's subsequent embrace of a ``get-tough-on-crime'' ethos. A series of gettough strategies that together supported a new ``zero tolerance on crime'' orientation were quickly implemented. These chapters consider the context of the 1980s and 1990s in relation to this series of gettough-on-crime ideas, practices, and consequences. Chapter 14 extends the image of the prison as a total institution into mainstream culture and society. As some observers have claimed, Americans now live in a minimum- (Blomberg, 1987), medium-, or even maximum-``security'' society (Marx, 1988) in which both criminal offenders and citizens alike are subject to new technologies and surveillance capacities that record and monitor their daily lives and movements. This concluding chapter considers the past, present, and future of penology and social control in relation to this growing culture of control that increasingly characterizes American society. Policing and conflict in Northern Ireland Wright J, Bryett K. St. Martin's Press, New York, NY. ISBN: 0-333-74324-5, 2000; pp 155, hardcover $59.95.
In this book, the authors examine the role of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), Northern Ireland's Protestant-dominated police force, in the more than eighty years of conflict since Northern Ireland was formed.
In the first chapter, the authors begin by giving a brief history of the RUC and its role in the conflict in Northern Ireland. It then explores the `totality of relationships' in the British Isles, in an attempt to move analysis away from simple Protestant/Catholic or Irish/English dichotomies. First, they discuss the contentious relationship of the British and Irish governments regarding policing and justice administration. Next, they examine the importance of policing in the question of sovereignty between Northern Ireland Protestants and the Republic of Ireland. Finally, the authors examine the complexities of the RUC's directives in the context of relations between Northern Ireland Protestants and the British government. In the second chapter, the authors discuss their research of policing practices in other societies with internal cleavages. They begin by examining the case of the Basque region of Spain. They discuss how the culturally distinct Basques have created their own police force, which exists in a tiered fashion with the Spanish national police. Next the authors examine the case of policing in South Africa, where Apartheid policies created a role of enforcing White power rather than law and order. Finally, the authors consider the case of the Netherlands, where the pillarization of the various minority groups has led to a distinctively tiered system of crime control and community facility. The authors conclude with a discussion of Northern Ireland in the context of these models. In the third chapter, the authors examine public and political opinion on police reform. Through the use of surveys, committee reports, and written and verbal opinions, the authors explore political and social groups' views on policing from Sinn Fein to the Progressive Unionist Party. The authors conclude with an attempt to find areas of common ground between the various groups, in the hopes of finding ways to negotiate a reform solution acceptable to the majority. In the fourth chapter, the authors attempt to define a best practice model for policing in Northern Ireland. The authors begin by discussing best practice policies in contemporary policing. Next, they revisit the models discussed in Chapter 2 to determine the best practice policies from societies with internal divisions. Finally, they discuss the possibility of applying the best practice models they have uncovered to the situation in Northern Ireland. In the fifth chapter, the authors use the best practice models they have created to discuss possibilities for police reform in Northern Ireland. To begin with, the authors argue that disbanding the RUC is a zero-sum problem. They therefore see the best solution in minimizing the importance of the extremes of disbanding or not disbanding. Next, they consider the possibility of agency
Abstract / Journal of Criminal Justice 29 (2001) 359±362
reform and increased police accountability. Finally, the authors consider the possibilities of structural reform through tiering. In the sixth chapter, the authors propose methods for reform based on their research and discussion. The authors begin by arguing against structural reform. They contend that although it could incorporate some of the best practice models, the dangers inherent in splintering the police force make it an undesirable option. Next, the authors present arguments for agency-centered reform, improved police accountability, and repealing emergency legislation. The authors conclude by arguing in favor of increased civilian and international participation in policing in Northern Ireland. In the third chapter, the authors examine public and political opinion on police reform. Through the use of surveys, committee reports, and written and verbal opinions, the authors explore political and social groups' views on policing from Sinn Fein to the Progressive Unionist Party. The authors conclude with an attempt to find areas of common ground between the various groups, in the hopes of finding ways to negotiate a reform solution acceptable to the majority. In the fourth chapter, the authors attempt to define a best practice model for policing in Northern Ireland. The authors begin by discussing best practice policies in contemporary policing. Next, they revisit the models discussed in Chapter 2 to determine the best practice policies from societies with internal divisions. Finally, they discuss the possibility of applying the best practice models they have uncovered to the situation in Northern Ireland. In the fifth chapter, the authors use the best practice models they have created to discuss possibilities for police reform in Northern Ireland. To begin with, the authors argue that disbanding the RUC is a zero-sum problem. They therefore see the best solution in minimizing the importance of the extremes of disbanding or not disbanding. Next, they consider the possibility of agency reform and increased police accountability. Finally, the authors consider the possibilities of structural reform through tiering. In the sixth chapter, the authors propose methods for reform based on their research and discussion. The authors begin by arguing against structural reform. They contend that although it could incorporate some of the best practice models, the dangers inherent in splintering the police force make it an undesirable option. Next, the authors present arguments for agency-centered reform, improved police accountability, and repealing emergency legislation. The authors conclude by arguing in favor of increased civilian and international participation in policing in Northern Ireland.
361
The crime drop in America Edited by Alfred Blumstein and Joel Wallman, Cambridge University Press, New York, NY. ISBN: 0-521-79712-8, 2000, 318 pp., paperback Ð $69.50
This book is a collection of articles that examine possible explanations for the steady reduction of violence in America over the past eight years. It begins with the editors' introduction, which briefly describes the recent reduction in violence. It then describes the major sources of crime data in the United States and gives historical background for the crime drop. The editors then provide a summary of the articles presented in the book. ``Disaggregating the Violence Trends'' by Alfred Blumstein provides an overview of the elements that comprise the crime drop. Blumstein discusses such factors as the methods of crime measurement for different types of crimes, the historical trends of crime rates, and the age groups of offenders. He also considers the role of handguns, shifts in the drug market, and changes in demographic composition. In examining these factors, the author gives a detailed historical account of the crime drop. He concludes with a brief hypothesis that suggests the decline in the drug trade precipitated by the efforts of police and community groups, along with the improvement in the economy, may play a significant role in explaining the crime drop. ``Guns and Gun Violence'' by Garen Wintemute discusses the role of firearms in the crime drop. The author begins with an explanation of the relationship of firearms to violent crime. He then gives a historical account of gun violence, examining such factors as victim and perpetrator characteristics, the role of the big city in violent crime, and the increasing transition from revolvers to semiautomatic handguns in violent crime. Wintemute then discusses the relationship of the gun market and violent crime, gun seizures, and supply-side efforts at reducing the effect of guns on gun violence. He concludes with a discussion of methods used to deter gun violence. ``The Limited Importance of Prison Expansion'' by William Spelman examines whether the increased effectiveness of incarceration has had an effect on the crime drop. Spelman discusses both simulation studies and econometric studies of the effectiveness of increased incarceration. He concludes that prison expansion is partially responsible for the crime drop. ``Patterns in Adult Homicide: 1980 ± 1995'' by Richard Rosenfeld examines the impact of age rates and other factors on the crime drop in America. Sex, race, and victim ± offender relationships are all discussed in this article. Dr. Rosenfeld also examines the