NCJ Number
146738
Journal
European Journal of Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: (1993) Pages: 133-136
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The Swedish National Police Board conducted a study to evaluate the planning of police work prior to the European Football Championships, held in June 1992.
Abstract
Data were collected by direct systematic observation by four to six official observers, who reported on the risk that disturbances or violence would arise in connection with specific matches, usually between supporters of the opposing teams. Police forces were instructed, prior to the championships, to work preventatively, keep a low profile, present a high degree of tolerance, and avoid intervening unless necessary. During the championships, there was no violence among those matches categorized as low-risk, and few incidents even among the middle- and high-risk groups. The report concluded that the "friendly games and standard methods" policy adopted by law enforcement prior to the games was maintained. The second conclusion dealt with the adjustment police made to the behavior of hooligans, who often caused troubled before and after, rather than during, the games. The third conclusion drawn related to the problem of flexibility that arose in connection to riots that broke out in some Swedish cities. Finally, the report commended the efforts made by police forces to moderate their reactive elements and to maintain a preventative attitude to stopping hooliganism.