A Different Kind of New Normal: An Alternative Approach to Policing Terrorism and Violent Extremism

Abstract

While a state of emergency affords extraordinary practices to police organizations that can contribute to restoring order and apprehending terrorism suspects, an integration in a new normal way of doing business often has an adverse effect on policing effectiveness. The practice of passing legislation to normalize state of emergency practices which has been pervasive in several countries including France, Germany, the UK, and the United States as well as Tunisia and other countries needs to be carefully weighted as it may contribute to the adoption of policing practices that further fuel the very arguments that justify violence. The largest and most problematic cost of keeping state of emergency practices is the missed opportunities of restoring or maintaining a social contract. Indeed, a higher threshold for the use of force and a show of force affect the consent to be policed by communities, no matter the culture. This chapter will demonstrate those costs that argue for a strategic use of states of emergencies rather than indiscriminate establishment of new practices.