Police use of CS smoke at outbreaks of serious public disorder in Great Britain

Abstract

This paper presents a contentious possibility to minimise close proximity injuries sustained between the public and police resources including horses and dogs during outbreaks of serious public disorder in Great Britain. The use of standard police shield tactics could be supplemented or even replaced with the use of CS smoke which is already a tactical option for the police service within the United Kingdom. CS smoke is used throughout the world to quell outbreaks of serious disorder although the tactic is controversial. Whether or not this tactical option is suitable for use in Great Britain is considered, outlining a suggested implementation model for analysis of the success, or otherwise, of its use.