Policing Pandemics

This book explores the role of police in public health emergencies such as pandemics. Modern policing has become increasingly complex with police officers required to respond to a wide variety of emergencies and other potentially dangerous situations, where well-designed and executed police responses can mitigate fatalities and economic damage. It provides an overview for non-specialists of the nature and characteristics of different pandemics like COVID-19 as well as diseases with pandemic potential, biological weapons and agroterrorism. It discusses the police responses to them and the challenges presented by them. It covers topics including: different police responses to naturally occurring and deliberate events, the police role in the governance of biological research, the role of leaders and leadership in responding to pandemics, impacts on first responder wellness and workforce capability, and police capacity and capability from a global perspective. It offers advice on effective engagement between law enforcement and other professionals and agencies, with case studies designed to highlight best practices in pandemic preparedness and the various challenges identified. It speaks to a wide market of academics, health organisations, governments and NGOs.