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attempted to enter the community to pursue investigations, they would almost
certainly be killed by the gunmen who inhabited the area. There was evidence
of police officers shot and killed while patrolling the area.
2.22.
However, notwithstanding the presence and influence of gangs in
Tivoli Gardens, it must be made clear that the vast majority of the residents are,
as SSP Hewitt emphasised, “decent, law-abiding persons but are trapped by the
status quo. They don’t have guns”.
2.23.
We have little doubt that Tivoli’s characterization as a garrison
community and many of the problems and violence it encounters with the
security forces are directly related to its peculiar character. We are indebted to
our colleague, Professor Harriott, for his enumeration below of the most relevant
features of a garrison community.
(a)
Political homogeneity and non-competitive politics based on a
monopoly holding Party. Political competition is not tolerated. This is
not entirely a matter of persons of one political affiliation freely
choosing to live together and the uncompetitive politics being the
outcome of free political competition, the power of political persuasion
and the enduring high performance by one political Party. Rather, the
process involves a measure of coercion and a process of making life
uncomfortable for affiliates of the opposing Party so that they are
either silenced or are forced to leave. The garrison is a highly
politicised local environment. The activities of the security forces and,
indeed, most activities that are not welcomed tend to be viewed
through a political lens.
(b)
The politicization of crime control is a method of resistance to law
enforcement that has had the effect of making the community a safe
haven for gang leaders who are depicted as “community leaders”.
These are dedicated to the social advancement of the community.