On Wednesday, 9th April the School of Law and Criminology and the Research Centre for Criminology hosted an event, The Criminology of Policing Protests, Riots and Civil Disorder with keynote lecture by Professor Ed Maguire , professor of criminology at Arizona State University. Professor Maguire discussed the ways that knowledge about crowd psychology can inform humane policing strategies that emphasize open communication and respect free speech rights of civilian protesters.
Research Centre for Criminology Co-Deputy Director Dr. Ciara Bracken-Roche and Centre member Dr. Cian Ó Concubhair responded to Prof Maguire’s keynote and discussed recent developments in regard to policing policy and tactics in Ireland that were reactions to the 2023 Dublin riot. Dr. Bracken-Roche raised important questions about the expansion of surveillance technology employed by An Garda Síochána. Dr. Ó Concubhair critically assessed the Gardaí’s interaction with housing rights protesters in recent years.
The event was a valuable opportunity to foster dialogue between criminologists and members of An Garda Síochána, the Policing Authority, and the general public.