Plural Policing in Action Exploring the Nature of Security Networks in English and Australian Stadiums

Plural Policing in Action Exploring the nature of security networks in English and Australian stadiums Ana Abigail Rodas A thesis submitted to the University of New South Wales in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctorate of Philosophy in Criminology November 2011 PLEASE TYPE THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Thesis/Dissertation Sheet Surname or Family name: RODAS First name: ANA Other name/s: ABIGAIL Abbreviation for degree as given in the University calendar: PhD School: Social Sciences and International Studies Faculty: ARTS and SOCIAL SCIENCES Title: Plural Policing in Action: Exploring the nature of security networks in English and Australian Stadiums Abstract 350 words maximum: (PLEASE TYPE) The public police are not the sole providers of security. There are a number of private and voluntary bodies engaged in ‘policing’. Hence, the social control networks of countries such as Australia, Canada, and England are ‘pluralised’ or ‘fragmented’. While there has been some discussion about the growth of ‘plural policing’ there has been very little empirical research examining the nature of the ‘security networks’ that emerge as a result of this. The present study aims to explore the nature of plural policing networks in action. Using a comparative framework, the study situates plural policing within the historical and cultural context of football policing in two nations. An English (Anfield Stadium) venue and an Australian venue (Aussie Stadium) were selected. Participant observation was undertaken at each venue to observe the policing network in practice. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted. A total of 80 interviews were completed, those interviewed at each site included stewards/security, police, stadium management, and football fans. Findings reveal that the production of order at football matches in each location can be organised into two distinct models, a ‘communal’ model operating in Liverpool and a ‘commercial’ model operating in Sydney. Each model consists of several levels of governance. These include: the laws that govern the policing of football, local rules of order, practical definitions of order, and informal norms. Each level of governance is exercised by a distinct agent. For example, laws and procedures are determined by national and local governments while local rules of order are determined by stadium managers, and private security and stewards in their use of discretion determine the practical definitions of order and football supporters not only create but also enforce informal norms. Hence, in practice plural policing of football consist of ‘security networks’ that go beyond the public/private dichotomy and incorporate a range of agents, with football fans and the organisations that represent their interest emerging not just as the targets of policing but also as significant players in the ‘security network’, through self-regulation. These dimensions of governance are directly affected by historical, cultural and spatial factors that determine the overall model that operates in each location. Declaration relating to disposition of project thesis/dissertation I hereby grant to the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or in part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all property rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstracts International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). …………………………………………………………… ……………………………………..……………… ……….……………………...…….… Signature Witness Date The University recognises that there may be exceptional circumstances requiring restrictions on copying or conditions on use. Requests for restriction for a period of up to 2 years must be made in writing. Requests for a longer period of restriction may be considered in exceptional circumstances and require the approval of the Dean of Graduate Research. FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Date of completion of requirements for Award: THIS SHEET IS TO BE GLUED TO THE INSIDE FRONT COVER OF THE THESIS COPYRIGHT STATEMENT ‘I hereby grant the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all proprietary rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstract International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). I have either used no substantial portions of copyright material in my thesis or I have obtained permission to use copyright material; where permission has not been granted I have applied/will apply for a partial restriction of the digital copy of my thesis or dissertation.' Signed ……………………………………………........................... Date ……………………………………………........................... AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT ‘I certify that the Library deposit digital copy is a direct equivalent of the final officially approved version of my thesis. No emendation of content has occurred and if there are any minor variations in formatting, they are the result of the conversion to digital format.’ Signed ……………………………………………........................... Date ……………………………………………........................... Certificate of Originality I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and to the best of my knowledge it contains no materials previously published or written by another person, or substantial proportions of material which have been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma at UNSW or any other educational institution, except where due acknowledgement is made in the thesis. Any contribution made to the research by others, with whom I have worked at UNSW or elsewhere, is explicitly acknowledged in the thesis. I also declare that the intellectual content of this thesis is the product of my own work, except to the extent that assistance from others in the project's design and conception or in style, presentation and linguistic expression is acknowledged. Signed …………………………………………….............. Date ……………………………………………................. i | P a g e ABSTRACT The public police are not the sole providers of security. There are a number of private and voluntary bodies engaged in ‘policing’. Hence, the social control networks of countries such as Australia, Canada, and England are ‘pluralised’ or ‘fragmented’. While there has been some discussion about the growth of ‘plural policing’ there has been very little empirical research examining the nature of the ‘security networks’ that emerge as a result of this. The present study aims to explore the nature of plural policing networks in action. Using a comparative framework, the study situates plural policing within the historical and cultural context of football policing in two nations. An English (Anfield Stadium) venue and an Australian venue (Aussie Stadium) were selected. Participant observation was undertaken at each venue to observe the policing network in practice. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted. A total of 80 interviews were completed, those interviewed at each site included stewards/security, police, stadium management, and football fans. Findings reveal that the production of order at football matches in each location can be organised into two distinct models, a ‘communal’ model operating in Liverpool and a ‘commercial’ model operating in Sydney. Each model consists of several levels of governance. These include: the laws that govern the policing of football, local rules of order, practical definitions of order, and informal norms. Each level of governance is exercised by a distinct agent. For example, laws and procedures are determined by national and local governments while local rules of order are determined by stadium managers, and private security and stewards in their use of discretion determine the practical definitions of order and football supporters not only create but also enforce informal norms. Hence, in practice plural policing of football consist of ‘security networks’ that go beyond the public/private dichotomy and incorporate a range of agents, with football fans and the organisations that represent their interest emerging not just as the targets of policing but also as significant players in the ‘security network’, through self-regulation. These dimensions of governance are directly ii | P a g e affected by historical, cultural and spatial factors that determine the overall model that operates in each location. iii | P a g e ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I have been indebted in the preparation of this thesis to my supervisors, Janet Chan and David Dixon, my ‘dynamic duo’, whose patience and kindness, as well as academic guidance, have been invaluable. I feel blessed and honoured to have undertaken this journey of academic traineeship under your tutelage. I know the journey has been long and hard, but your consistent support and encouragement, even though the rough seas, is greatly appreciated. I’m also grateful to all the men and women (police officers, stewards,

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