Public Order Manual Poman 1971

The Blueprint for the Badge: Unearthing the Legacy of POMAN 1971

By J. Harrington Historical Justice Correspondent

Today, POMAN 1971 is largely a historical artifact, superseded by more transparent guidelines like the College of Policing’s authorized professional practice (APP) on public order. However, its DNA survives in how modern police forces balance the right to protest with the need to maintain public safety. public order manual poman 1971

International Influence

• Restricts Civil Liberties: Critics argue that the manual's emphasis on maintaining public order can lead to the restriction of civil liberties, particularly the right to peaceful assembly and free speech.
• Fosters Confrontation: Others argue that the manual's tactics and strategies can lead to confrontation and escalation, rather than de-escalation and resolution.