Originally Posted by Westpoint

But what happens in a legal sense on those occaisions when for example the SAS or other SF are called in to assist the civil authorities?

At some point Gold Commander hands over control to the Military officer. Where is the legal power and authority to do that?

It is known as MACP.

Civil Contingencies Act 2004

And also there was the time when the military were tasked with providing emergency fire fighting with the Green Goddesses.

Originally Posted by Stonker

It's been a lng time, but we never got stuck into riotrs in NI, without the local Polis formally handing that authority to the Bn Comd.

Likewise, when Mike Rose let slip the dogs of war at the Embassy, it was only in response to the Top Plod formally giving him authority to do so.

Once on a time, I coulda given you chapter and verse, but I am confident that (a) the legal process and powers both exist and (b) haven't changed - at least not for a while.

It is possible that Churchill's conduct of the 1911 Sidney Street siege may have had something to do with establishing the procedures, and the limits. IIRC, he had summoned field guns to be brought into action, but the shooting was over before they could arrive.

artillery to do with deal with rioters thats the answer as90 forget about ammo just roll fwd at 20 mph

Originally Posted by Stonker

It's been a lng time, but we never got stuck into riotrs in NI, without the local Polis formally handing that authority to the Bn Comd.

When I was in Belfast in the Divis/Falls Road in 73 and the New Lodge in 77, when there were riots going on, or in fact, even when there weren't any riots going on, I don't think there was a copper within several miles. Perhaps it changed later.

Originally Posted by Gungythree

Yes, it was in the 60's, I think it went something like.


No 1 rifleman man in red shirt FIRE

Somewhere I have my father's old aide-memoire card (Mons OCS circa 1961) and I do believe that you are correct to the letter.

Originally Posted by rgjbloke

When I was in Belfast in the Divis/Falls Road 73 and the New Lodge in 77, when there were riots going on, or in fact, even when there weren't any riots going on, I don't think there was a copper within several miles. Perhaps it changed later.

In 1975, I escorted into Andersonstown, the first 'routine' police patrol to have treid to enter the place since before Mortorman.

In 'Derry, summer of 1978, when riots were a daily ritual, the Polis were always out front. Until the first stone got thrown. Then Plod would salute the Bn CO, and march briskly, very briskly, to the rear.

I am confident that there were many situations like the ones you saw: not a copper in sight, but I'll betcha that somewhere (in RUC Springfield Road, say) there would be a Bobby formally handing powers over to the CO.

Originally Posted by rgjbloke

When I was in Belfast in the Divis/Falls Road 73 and the New Lodge in 77, when there were riots going on, or in fact, even when there weren't any riots going on, I don't think there was a copper within several miles. Perhaps it changed later.

Yawnnnnnnnnnnnnnn................................. .................................................. Riots?

They weren't riots involving thousands, they were just barbeque parties with a few dustbin lids being banged.

The big riots were in the province between 69/72.

After Bloody Sunday, it went quiet......only little riots involving irate women & dustbin lids.....oh & the imagination of some RGJ blokes.

Vaguely recall being read the Riot Act in Brighton in '64? when the Army were deployed to break up Mods v Rockers fun-fest.Think it was a senior police officer with ruperts in close attendance,but it was a long time ago!!!!!

Originally Posted by twothreeuptwothreedown

Yawnnnnnnnnnnnnnn................................. .................................................. Riots?

They weren't riots involving thousands, they were just barbeque parties with a few dustbin lids being banged.

The big riots were in the province between 69/72.

After Bloody Sunday, it went quiet......only little riots involving irate women & dustbin lids.....oh & the imagination of some RGJ blokes.

Trolling for a bite?

I just hope that should there be a riot, that any squaddies on duty make sure they shoot every fucker who isn't wearing the same uniform as themselves, Monkey's & Plods sent to the rear of course, where they can't see anything.