High Policing
High policing is an intelligence-led form of policing primarily concerned with protecting national governments or a conglomerate of national governments from internal threats. The term was introduced to English-speaking police studies by Canadian criminologist Jean-Paul Brodeur in 1983, in an article titled "High Policing and Low Policing: Remarks about the Policing of Political Activities." It is derived from the French term haute police, which historically referred to the political police force under Louis XIV of France.
Historical Context
High policing has been prevalent historically in societies ranging from totalitarian states to democratic societies. In totalitarian regimes, high policing is often synonymous with the operations of secret police organizations such as the Gestapo or the NKVD, focusing on maintaining the ruling party's power. These entities often employ coercion, deception, and surveillance to achieve their goals.
In democratic societies, high policing involves balancing the need to effectively govern and protect against internal threats while ensuring that the methods employed adhere to the rule of law and democratic procedure. This form of policing often involves specialized security agencies that manage intelligence and counter-intelligence operations.
Methods and Practices
High policing employs a range of intelligence and counter-intelligence strategies. These include covert operations, surveillance, and the use of informants to gather intelligence on potential threats to national security. Such practices are exemplified in operations like the Iran-Contra affair, where intelligence activities were used to achieve political aims.
In some instances, high policing extends to private sectors and corporate interests, where private police groups act proactively rather than reactively. Organizations may be contracted for intelligence gathering or covert activities, often with less accountability than public sector entities.
Modern Examples
Today, high policing continues to evolve with technological advancements and the changing nature of threats. For instance, agencies like the CIA have established divisions such as the Center on Climate Change and National Security, reflecting the broad scope of potential security challenges. In countries like China, concepts related to high policing have been integrated into technologies like predictive policing, demonstrating the blend of traditional and modern methods.
Related Topics
- Secret Service
- Law enforcement in the United Kingdom
- Militarization of police
- Police state
- Proactive policing
The complex realm of high policing highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing national security with the preservation of civil liberties and democratic norms.