§ Mr. McCrindleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will issue guidance to senior police officers concerning the implications for the maintenance of law and order of the establishment of vigilante groups in the United Kingdom and as to whether policemen will be encouraged to co-operate with them; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John Patten[holding answer 24 October 1988]: Chief officers of police are well aware of the need for the support of active citizens in preventing and detecting crime. They know that effective voluntary action against crime must have meticulous regard to the law and to the responsibilities of the police themselves. They know how important it is for such action to have genuine local support, and to unite not divide the community. Good examples of how members of the public can support the police are through membership of the special constabulary or active participation in neighbourhood watch schemes.