The Militarisation of the Police: a Blessing or a Curse?

Abstract

Militarisation of policing is a kind of law enforcement response to the challenges of globalisation. Three new phenomenon strengthens the militant policing solutions: the drug problem, terrorism, and migration. The politicisation of the latter almost called for the use of law enforcement control tools. The steps of this militarisation process affected the Hungarian police force not only organisationally and technically, but also mentally. Nevertheless, the topic is highly unreflected in Hungarian domestic policing literature. While the nature of militarisation of policing has received considerable scientific attention, there is little consensus as to what is meant by militarisation. Some interpret it as an imperative process because stronger tools are needed to tackle the problems of organised crime, terrorism or migration. This normalises the use of offensive law enforcement tools. Others have warned that the militant solutions are the acceptance of military tactics, principles and values – and it goes far beyond the adoption of more advanced technology. The militant approach also appears in dealing with social problems such as drug addiction, poverty, or racism, thereby reassessing the traditional social function of the police. The author concludes that a more thorough preparation for learning social studies, and reinforcing students’ social skills in law enforcement higher education can help to interpret police militarisation and place it in an appropriate interpretive framework.