Citation

Clark M. Int. J. Police Sci. Manag. 2008; 10(4): 417-433.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1350/ijps.2008.10.4.096

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The article presents, for future research, a possible conceptual model for understanding the elements of public order within postmodern society. It deconstructs public order into component parts of progressive collective victimisation, social mores and human rights. It argues that public order may be undermined by progressive collective victimisation that commences with the erosion of social mores that support networks of understandings within the community, and that continues until it creates a perception of a threat to the physical security of a defined class. It presents the view that this victimisation process can be related to social exclusion that precludes the individual from self-actualisation. This continues, unless abated, until it threatens the fundamentals of human survival. The victimisation process, if unchecked, creates within the excluded societal group, a 'fight' or 'flight' response. The article suggests that future police administrators may need a political awareness not required of their predecessors, and supportive information systems to keep the peace in the 21st century.