John Beggs QC was called to the Bar in 1989 and took silk in 2009. He specialises in all aspects of police law and has acted for the police service in numerous public order cases. He represented the Metropolitan Police Service in the House of Lords in Austin (containment) and Laporte (breach of the peace). George Thomas is a barrister specialising in public order litigation. As well as acting as junior counsel in Austin v Commissioner of Police, he has acted in numerous civil claims following other major public order incidents. He has provided tactical advice at command level throughout the country. Susanna Rickard was called to the Bar in 2009 and is a barrister specialising, inter alia, in police law. She advises and represents forces around the UK in civil proceedings. Following from her student days as a very well-behaved activist, public order law is one of her favourite areas. Michael Messinger, former Commander, Metropolitan Police, had responsibility for public order policing, emergency planning, officer safety and uniform counter-terrorism and security. He was also Chair of the London Emergency Services Liaison Panel, responsible for delivering the generic, multi-agency response to major incidents and disasters.
This book provides a one stop shop as a guide to public order legislation and should prove to be an invaluable tool for practitioners at all levels. From the Foreword by Sue Sim, Chief Constable of Northumbria Police and ACPO Lead on Public Order and Public Safety