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‘Tough guys’ of the Met
Shamim Chowdhury15 Apr 2009
THE Territorial Support Group — to which both suspended police officers belong — is the most confrontational unit within the Met, according to one woman officer.
Its members, who can be identified by a “U” on shoulder epaulette numbers, are better known as the “tough guys and girls” of the Met.
The officer said: “As a member of the TSG you have to be expected to police firmly and effectively. You get to deal directly with members of the public on a physical level because you have a lot of back-up in terms of the numbers of colleagues who are present with you. You do get an adrenaline rush but you do have to keep your cool.”
Each “serial” of TSG officers comprises three Mercedes van-loads, each of which has six constables and a sergeant. When policing events in which disorder is foreseen, they are issued with “Nato” helmets, flame-retardant overalls, stab vests, gloves, balaclavas and boots.
The woman, who was at one stage the only female among 130 male colleagues, policed the anti-Iraq war demo in 2003, as well as various May demos.
She said: “As an officer you go to these things expecting to be abused, spat at and sworn at. I've had my elbow broken and my shoulder dislocated. On one occasion the crowd was so forceful I was completely lifted off my feet.”
She added: “I think recent events have had tragic consequences but it's not a reflection of the TSG as whole and it would be unfair to tarnish all TSG officers with the same brush. We take a lot of abuse and put up with a lot of hostility from the public.”
She says most officers want to be part of the TSG as it is the most action-packed unit and therefore considered the most prestigious, but the training and interview process is so rigorous that many do not qualify.
Reader views (9)
pete, my grandad fought the Nazis, was shot at Dunkirk, surivied and was sent to the far east, captured in Singapore by the japanese and spent years in three of thir worst slave labour camps and mines. He used to say that this was so we would be free from oppression, from other countries and from our own government. These police are an insult to our nation and our liberal heritage and our brave soliders who defended this land form oppression by the Nazis.
- Jan, brighton, 16/04/2009 11:34
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Pete, dear, dear, Pete, thank you for you definition of what my rights to protest are, however, I dis-agree. All we want is to be able to prtoest without a policeman slapping women in the face, killing innocant bystanders or illegally removing our freedom of movement. Maybe then peace will rein. I suggest you read some political philosophy - the basis of our nations rules and the theory behind why us liberals DEMAND the right to protest, and what happens when facist bullyboys push law abiders too far!
- Jan, brighton, 16/04/2009 11:29
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This has nothing to do with the protesters or liberals, the problem seems to be the officers in this unit get so hopped up on the adrenaline they don't seem capable to make rational decisions. They get a little bit excitable and end up bashing the innocents not those that are really acting or inciting violence.
Time after time we see people being bashed because they are on the front line of a protest with a crowd behind them pushing forward - so the brutish police see the one person and decide to flex their muscles.
The issue is the mindset of the officers - they lose the ability to think logically and act appropriately.
- William Bailey, wgtn, nz, 16/04/2009 01:44
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Realistically isn't it now time to face that fact that the unique and laudable concept of 'policing by consent' is sadly becoming rather old fashioned?
- Mark, Milan, Italy, 15/04/2009 22:58
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To Jan-Brighton
You forgot the most imnportant word in your '.. right to protest..'rant. That is you only have a '..right to PEACFUL protest..'. A protest/demonstration is lawful, provided it is carried out in a peaceful manner and does not cause harassment, alarm or distress to other members of the public going about their lawful business. It seems you, and others of your kind, want an unlimited and uncontrolled right to protest at any time or place without consideration for other people or their property. That is not democracy, but mob rule which cannot be allowed in a democratic society.
- Pete, South London, 15/04/2009 18:56
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And lo the bleeding heart liberals come out...
The TSG wouldn't be needed if it wasn't for thugs masquerading as protesters. Moral fibre, discipline and civic mindset are all the things that are turning our country into a quagmire of mollycoddled benefits leaches or middle class oiks who want a kick.
What happened to the England of the 70's where we had community spirit and knew our neighbours?
Thats why I'm quite happy where I am in a country where people respect each other and say hello as you pass in the street.
I'm ashamed at how our country has sunk so low that we now take out grief on the people who protect us.
Shame on you.
- David Newman, Barbados, 15/04/2009 18:04
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rigorous training?? all you need is to be a big bully
- Dan, london, 15/04/2009 17:06
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The TSG sound like the old SPG they replaced; and they eventually got banned, did they not?
If you put any group of people, in a bunch or gang; and arm them, and give them the protection of body armour, and then give them free licence; they will smash in a few heads just for the simple fact that they can; and all done perfectly legally.
But the TSG are not unusual in that respect; the Para’s did it on Bloody Sunday; the 30th January 1972 in which 27 civil rights protesters were shot by members of the 1st Battalion of the British Parachute Regiment during a Northern Ireland Civil Rights March.
Much of what the Metropolitan Police do in public demonstrations; were tactics learned in Ireland etc.
Demonstrators need to wise up; and think with very clear minds; and never confront special police or army groups set up to attack them; they need to adopt a party attitude with fun and humor; that way the police and the military will find it almost impossible to crack their heads in with any justification.
Gandhi was invincible in that way; and he has shown you all the methods to follow and what to think about; so be wise you protesters of all kinds, and not foolish; then you will win every-time; and the Police and Army Robots will lose.
- Mickyinlondon, london, 15/04/2009 17:06
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sounds llike they are the worst, and most violent, gang in the city. The powers they have must be reviewed, they are a hinderence to democracy and our right to protest - a legal and natural right that was not bestowed upon us by anyone, this right was wrestled from those in power and is soaked in the blood of those killed by the police, recently and over the last few hundered years.
- Jan, BRIGHTON, 15/04/2009 16:41
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