Constructions of legitimate force. The case of CS sprays

The use of force by the police is an area of significant concern both within and outside the police. The police struggle to find effective but publicly acceptable options. Recently in the United Kingdom, the deployment of CS chemical incapacitant sprays has emerged as a key initiative in the protect...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Rappert, Brian (Author)
Format: Electronic/Print Article
Language:English
Published: 2002
In: The British journal of criminology
Online Access: Volltext (doi)
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Availability in Tübingen:Present in Tübingen.
IFK: In: Z 7
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Summary:The use of force by the police is an area of significant concern both within and outside the police. The police struggle to find effective but publicly acceptable options. Recently in the United Kingdom, the deployment of CS chemical incapacitant sprays has emerged as a key initiative in the protection of officers and the enforcement of the law. Yet, the sprays have proved controversial. Reflecting debates within criminology about the contribution of police tactics and equipment to public disorder, radically different assessments of the sprays have been offered. This paper examines the conditions under which assessments of the legitimacy of the CS sprays are made. The findings of this paper suggest the need to reframe existing analysis of the use of force
ISSN:0007-0955
DOI:10.1093/bjc/42.4.689