Regular contributor Philip Ingram MBE discusses the rarely explored topic of police-military dynamics in the UK. 

The relationship between the police and the military has long been a complex and nuanced topic in the United Kingdom.

While these two pillars of national security serve distinct roles, there are occasions when their responsibilities and operations intersect, requiring careful coordination and a deep understanding of their respective jurisdictions.  

The military can’t just be deployed on the streets of the UK, there must be a legal framework governing military involvement in domestic affairs.

The deployment of the armed forces in the UK for domestic operations is primarily governed by the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and the Emergency Powers Act 1964.

These legislative frameworks outline the specific circumstances under which the military can be called upon to assist civil authorities, known as Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA).

The Ministry of Defence must approve such requests, except in cases of urgent necessity to protect life, when local commanders can authorise assistance. 

The military’s involvement in domestic affairs can encompass a wide range of tasks, from providing niche capabilities to offering general support when civil authorities’ resources are overwhelmed.  

More specialist support can be called under Operation TEMPERER, this is a joint contingency operation to provide military support to the police in extreme national emergency circumstances, such as surge support for a major domestic terrorist attack or threat. 

Defence personnel will always be deployed alongside and operate under the command of, armed police officers. Operation TEMPERER was created in 2015 and last reviewed by the police and military in September 2023.

It includes plans for armed military personnel to be deployed in support of police in extreme circumstances, to undertake clearly defined roles. 

The military’s powers are significantly limited in comparison to those of the police.

Unlike law enforcement officers, service personnel only possess the same arrest powers as ordinary citizens and are generally not authorized to carry weapons unless explicitly permitted.  

The coordination between the police and the military in the UK is a delicate and evolving process, as each organisation has its own distinct capabilities, training and operational priorities.

The success of their collaborative efforts often hinges on effective communication, clear delineation of responsibilities and a shared understanding of the unique challenges they may face.  

The military’s specialised training and equipment can provide valuable support to the police in certain situations.

This may include deploying explosive ordnance disposal teams, providing aerial surveillance, or offering logistical assistance during large-scale events or emergencies. 

The legal constraints on the military’s powers, particularly regarding the use of force and arrest, require a careful balancing act with the police’s primary responsibility for law enforcement.

Ensuring that all MACA operations are conducted within the bounds of the law is crucial to maintaining public trust and upholding democratic principles. 

Military deployment for domestic tasks? 

A report by the Defence Select Committee in 2022 highlighted the growing frequency of military deployments for domestic tasks, noting that the armed forces are being used “more and more often” to support government responses to various events.

This has led to concerns about the strain on personnel and the potential for morale and motivation issues. 

As the armed forces face cuts to their personnel numbers, the challenge of balancing their traditional defence responsibilities with their growing domestic support role has become increasingly complex. 

The involvement of the military in domestic affairs, even in a supporting role, raises important questions about the preservation of civil liberties and the maintenance of public trust.

Ensuring that the military’s actions remain within the bounds of the law and do not infringe on the rights and freedoms of citizens is a critical consideration. 

The primary responsibility for law enforcement and the maintenance of public order lies with the police and it is essential that the military’s involvement in domestic affairs does not undermine this fundamental principle.

Strict adherence to legal frameworks and the clear delineation of roles are crucial to maintaining the integrity of the rule of law. 

As the armed forces are increasingly called upon to assist civil authorities in domestic affairs, it is crucial that military leaders navigate this landscape with a deep understanding the potential implications for public trust and democratic principles.

By upholding the rule of law, fostering transparency and accountability, and ensuring the appropriate use of military resources, the UK can maintain the integrity of its security apparatus while preserving the rights and freedoms of its citizens. 

This article was originally published in the September Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.