Different governments have adopted various approaches as part of their response to the COVID-19 pandemic (Rouleau, 2023, p. 32). Nevertheless, addressing this reaction has involved a delicate balance between public health issues and individual rights, leading to a complicated network of connections between regulatory measures and personal choices (De Lint, 2004, p. 2). Severe lockdowns, compulsory masks, and mass vaccinations have been put in place to contain the virus’s spread. However, these efforts to fight the outbreak are full of problems of fundamental rights and moral values.
While subjected to strict regulations and protective measures, one noteworthy effect was the rise of wide-scale protests as a powerful platform for expressing disagreements and dissatisfaction (De Lint, 2004, p. 2). In response to the perceived breach of their liberties, citizens moved into different forms of collective action, using protest as a significant tool for voicing complaints and challenging violations. They indicated that it took more work for the people to balance public health with the existing civil liberties. (Rouleau, 2023, p.33). With this background, the emerging protest against the pandemic state intervention has demonstrated how much tension this kind of state intervention creates. Therefore, the COVID-19 pandemic calls for a reevaluation in which civil liberties are not overshadowed by public health enforcement, advocating for the use of state power with greater transparency and accountability, policing to be more community-focused and less militarized and protest rights to be firmly protected even in times of crisis.
This paper aims to holistically examine the far-reaching ramifications of COVID-19 policies in various world societies, focusing on their influence on police operations, social arrangements, and civil rights. This paper explores the unintended consequences of these policies, scrutinizes shifts in law enforcement practices, and analyzes their implications regarding individual rights and democratic values as outlined by De Lint (2004, p. 30) and Rouleau (2023). This essay explores in detail the scholarship and the empirical evidence to understand the intricate dynamics of imposing Covid 19 laws and their consequences for society, policing and civil liberties.
Police and Community Interaction: Is it the End of the Shift?
Law enforcement agencies’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic is characterized by a radical reconfiguration of policing practices and methods for building a positive rapport with communities worldwide. These included changes in police roles and policing mental health calls. This change in the nature and frequency of police-reported incidents during the COVID-19 period is analyzed by Andresen and Hodgkinson (2022). The study highlights the reduction in reported incidents of property and violence crime in multiple jurisdictions with Covid-19 ” (Andresen & Hodgkinson, 2022, p.15)
On the contrary, there was a slight increase in police-reported mental health-related (MHR) incidents between March and August 2020 compared to earlier months (Andresen & Hodgkinson, 2022, p. 16).This mental health stability in the face of general social instability highlights the consistency of mental health service demand and police response during the crises.
Additionally, Charman et al. (2023) explore the delicate issue of police legitimacy and its complex relationship with public service during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are fears that prolonged suspension of civil liberties and extension of police powers in policing public health matters may hurt the rapport between the police and the public at large (Charman et al., 2023, p. 363). The complex dimensions of police legitimacy inform the assessment of law enforcement performance during a health emergency (Charman et al., 2023, p. 350).
Gaub et al.’s research (2022) offers valuable knowledge on rank-and-file police officers’ views on pandemic policing. This research has shown what is most important to police officers, including matters related to safety, personnel allocation, training implications, and innovative planning during the pandemic (Gaub et al., 2022, p. 95). Such insider perspectives highlight the challenges front-line law enforcement faces in implementing health-related mandates quickly and keeping public peace and order.
Health policies, their unintended consequences, and society.
Vaccine policies implemented in response to COVID-19 have raised questions about their implications for constitutional rights and ethical principles, as presented by Bardosh et al. (2022). Such policies promoting public health and vaccination have raised many ethical questions about individual rights, especially in liberal democracies. According to Bardosh et al. (2022), deprivation of essential services such as education, employment, or social interactions based on vaccination status violates fundamental constitutional and bioethical principles. Such issues are critical about the vaccine mandate and discussions about what is more important – collective sanitation or individual freedom (Bardosh et al., 2022, p. 10).
Moreover, Graves’ analysis (2022). reveals the social rifts behind the “Freedom Movement”: protesting against COVID-19 measures. There is a sense of economic anxiety, misinformation, intergenerational resentment, and class conflict among those who support this movement (Graves, 2022, p. 8). The movement shed light on the profound social inequality aggravated by the pandemic response that exposed the contrasting views on state policies and sanitary restrictions among different socio-economic groups.
The research of West & Juneau (2021) also shows that the frameworks for national security have suffered due to the pandemic-triggered shifts. It also indicates that the criminal justice system in Canada went through stress testing following an increase in some types of offences and the implementation of new health-related rules (West & Juneau, 2021, p. 262). More than that, an upsurge of ideological extremism, most specifically, far-right extremism alongside conspiracy-driven threats, such as QAnon, overwhelmed the stretched criminal justice and national security system. The above moves have presented significant obstacles for police authorities and security apparatus in adjusting to changing risks during a health crisis.
Examination of Protest Dynamics and Causes
The various scholars pointed out that, during the COVID-19 period, the protest was a consequential response to the combination of different social situations. Koen van der Zwet and others propose quantitative models that analyze the complex interplay of several factors underpinning the coming up of the protests. The study explores the complex socio-economic dynamics underlying these protest movements. A significant reason for this trend was that economic difficulties were aggravated by the recession caused by the pandemic, bringing many people together as they felt aggrieved. More so, governments have reacted and formulated policies to address political aspects related to protest movements worldwide. Other social factors such as increasing inequality, polarization, and distrust in the government have contributed to mobilizing different sections of society to protest (van der Zwet et al., 2022, p. 7). These intricate networks of societal conditions combine to cause the protest in times of crisis. It is essential to understand these multi-faceted dynamics to comprehend why the protesters are agitating and formulate suitable solutions on how to solve these societal grievances within a pandemic setup.
Police Response and Legitimacy During the Pandemic
Law enforcers faced problems in handling the protests during the COVID-19 times. They had to balance public safety and civil rights. Reports and studies have shown that these situations are complicated for the police to handle. Reports like Rouleau’s Public Inquiry (2023) of public order emergencies indicate various roles played by the police officer, including traffic management, negotiation, and public relations. The multi-dimensional obligations of the police present enormous challenges. The police must protect the public’s safety and freedom to protest while operating within hostile situations.” (Rouleau, 2023, p.25).
The evaluations of whether or not the police actions and policies are legal during times of crises were instrumental in explaining why and how the people view the police and their perception of the police legitimacy. Research by Charman et al. (2023) focuses on developing police legitimacy and its paths, including procedural justice, performance, fairness, legality, and traditions, leading to public trust in police officers. The temporary suspension of civil liberties and the extension of police powers during the pandemic have created an atmosphere of concern on how it will influence the trust relationship between cops and civilians (Charman et al., 2023, p. 363). To preserve public confidence in law enforcement agencies, social order, and individual rights, the legitimacy of police actions during crises must be evaluated.
The intricacies of law enforcement management of protests amid COVID-19 indicate the fine line between public safety and civil rights. As indicated by Rouleau’s Public Inquiry of May 4th (2023), the multiple roles inherent to police officers highlight the difficulties of managing protests that require different competencies and interventions by the police. Additionally, the assessments of police legitimacy, according to Charman et al. (2023), focus on the relationship between public trust, procedural justice, and maintenance of civil liberties. However, this can only be achieved by dealing with public safety issues and preserving constitutional rights and public trust in the policing system. Understanding the complexities of policing protests during crises will help security agencies formulate procedures that protect public order while upholding human rights to achieve societal integration and trust in government.
The Psychological and Sociopolitical Fabric of Protests
Cobbina et al. 2021 explore protesters’ psychological and sociopolitical foundations during covid. The study highlights the newly added motivators of the pandemic plus other dimensions of perils beyond those considered in conventional protest policing studies. The motivation for participation arises from the high frustration associated with the system disadvantages intensified by the pandemic’s unequal effects on vulnerable groups. Moreover, the analysis by Rohlinger & Meyer (2022) highlights the effects of covid-19 on social movements in the U.S. This was a setting where crises like a global pandemic disrupted traditional political operations and created room for social movements to realize their These crises are seen as being the key drivers that shake up normal political operations within society and create a favourable environment for social mobilization against a backdrop of heightened societal vulnerability (Rohlinger & Meyer, 2022, p. 9). These studies provide a holistic view of how motivations, structural inequalities, and social disturbances lead to protests during crises.
What makes Cobbina et al.’s study (2021) especially relevant is the exploration of complicated motivations and inherent risks associated with protests amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This study contributes some important revelations regarding motivation and safety issues that were largely unknown in previous research on protest policing prior to the emergence of COVID-19. During this crisis, these feelings have become more pronounced due to accumulated resentments over structural discrimination, racial violence and inequality, and economic hardships worsened by the unequal impact of the pandemic on disadvantaged populations. Together, these factors have pushed people to take part in social movements aimed at tackling societal crises within a global crisis (Cobbina et al., 2021, p. 16).
Furthermore, the analysis by Rohlinger and Meyer (2022) highlights how the Covid-19 crisis reshaped the U.S. social movements. This research describes how a crisis such as a virus disrupts the usual functionality of political institutions, thus presenting opportunities for objectives that may otherwise not be possible for social movements in normal circumstances. This moment of social vulnerability creates an opportunity for the social movements to act and call for changes where social disruptions are leveraged to speak on behalf of society and push for socio-political change.
As demonstrated by these studies, the interrelation between individuals’ motivations and systemic injustice gives a holistic understanding of why protests occur during hard times. It has acted as a catalyst because the summation of aggravating frustration, exacerbating inequalities and a vulnerable society due to the pandemic has stirred up individuals and groups. The sociopolitical dynamism, together with individual motives that arise under an umbrella movement towards societal change, formulates the complex web that drives the protest under COVID.
Technology, Surveillance, and the Future of High Policing
Brodeur examines the changing panorama of policing and surveillance in view of advancing technology in a critical light and explores their implications for models of police. Brodeur argues that technological advancements play a significant role in the transformation of policing paradigms from low policing to high policing (Brodeur, 1983, p. 507). In this context, it could be stated that political policing is now inherent in policing operation as technology makes it possible to broaden the Moreover, Perry et al.’s study (2022) also looks at public feelings towards policing under new normalcy—a situation of emergency or threat where the usual laws and rules are lifted or there are novel rules for ordinary individuals. Technological advances can transform the relationship between policing and the public by striking an appropriate balance of security with freedom as policing continues to evolve .
Furthermore, Perry et al.’s study (2022) goes deeper into the complexities of public views towards policing and how it relates to the ‘new normal’. The research finds various hurdles coming from the specific situations or situations where the emergency and threat may occur and lead Law enforcement may also find it difficult to implement new regulations and this might create a challenge in citizen’s voluntary obedience to laws. These difficulties show that law enforcement agencies have to find a fine balance between introducing new rules aimed at ensuring safety as well as preserving civil rights and individual freedom (Perry et al., 2022, p. 170).
Law enforcement faces a paradox when technology is incorporated into policing strategies. It avails them advanced equipment that helps in surveillance and ensures high levels of security. However, it presents moral and legal questions about privacy and civil rights of individuals. Striking a balance between securing society while maintaining the right to private life is a sensitive process that calls for meticulous coordination of policies and measures. It is important to understand various ethical issues that come along with the adoption of advanced technological aspects in police work .
A Quantitative Look at Protest Dynamics and Systemic Conditions
Van der Zwet, et.al, a quantitative analysis of 2022 sheds light on the complex relationship between social conditions, protests and COVID-19. Societal conditions are instrumental as they inform on how economic, political, and social factors come together for the emergence and change of protests. It proves that it is those countries facing huge grievances and less political right which experiences major waves of protest. Also, the comparative analysis done in the research reveals subtle discrepancies in protest mechanisms between different countries concerning their response to crisis, depending on the existing social environment (van
der Zwet et al., 2022, p. 10). Therefore, this quantitative approach allows for an accurate comprehension of the complex systemic factors that feed and maintain protests, making possible the delineation between the various dependencies in civil unrest in different social-political contexts (van der Zwet et al., 2022, p. 7).
The Influence of Pandemic Protests on Civil Rights and Democracy
De Lint’s analysis (2004) examines the way the government style and democratic values feature in public order management as related to pandemic protests. According to De Lint, government leadership and police leadership have an immense influence on police operations, especially in ensuring compliance with the rule of law and the guarantee of Charter rights” (De Lint, 2004, p. 13). In other words, it shows the complex interplay of policing strategy and governmental approach with civil liberties in times of trouble. Additionally, Graves (2022) and Kampmark (2020) explain social wedges and protests’ causes. The work of Graves highlights how society becomes more aware of economic inequality and generational divides during a crisis (Graves, 2022). Similarly, the collision between the right to protest during the pandemic and the potential societal cracks between advocates of civil rights and public health measures are noted (Kampmark, 2020, p. 5). Collectively, these analyses point to the magnitude of the civil rights and democracy impact of pandemic protest. It shows that democracy protection is a complicated exercise when there is a national crisis.
Conclusion
The detailed assessment of how COVID-19 policies affect society, policing, and civil liberties demonstrates complicated and interlinked phenomena. Andresen & Hodgkinson (2022) along with Charman et al. (2023) and Gaub et al. (2022) noted that responding to the challenges of maintaining legitimacy during the pandemic required addressing the evolving polic Bardosh et al. (2022), Graves (2022), and West & Juneau (2021) show how public health imperatives conflict with and undermine constitutional principles, leading to social disparities and security issues. Brodeur (1983) and Perry et al. (2022) demonstrated that police is dynamic and it is influenced by technology and public opinion. Additionally, van der Zwet et al. (2022) presented a quantitative study of multiple societal context Finally, De lint (2004), Graves (2022), and Kampmark (2020) considered the complex linkage between pandemic protests, governmental style, social cleavages, and respect for civil rights and democratic norms.
However, despite these complexities, a delicate balance is struck between maintaining public health and protecting civil liberties. It is apparent in each section that society needs to be addressed while protecting the fundamental rights and that’s what this balance entails. As Rouleuas (2023) proposed, future research and policy consideration would entail an all-encompassing and transparent approach promoting community-oriented policing while safeguarding civil rights in times of crisis. Policymakers need to look for the balanced ways of protecting public health without infringing the rights of citizens and making sure that the society trusts governance and law enforcement (Rouleau, 2023). This balance forms the basis for developing responsive adaptative policies and strategies which address emerging crises while retaining democratic values and individual liberties.
References
Andresen, M., & Hodgkinson, T. (2022). Stumbling from One Disaster to Another: The
COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health Calls for Police Service across Canada.
Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice 64(4), 1-20.
https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/873682.
Bardosh, K., Figueiredo, A. de, Gur-Arie, R., Jamrozik, E., Doidge, J., Lemmens, T., Keshavjee,
S., Graham, J. E., & Baral, S. (2022). The unintended consequences of COVID-19
vaccine policy: why mandates, passports and restrictions may cause more harm than
good. BMJ Global Health, 7(5), e008684. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2022-008684.
Brodeur, J.-P. (1983). High Policing and Low Policing: Remarks about the Policing of Political
Activities. Social Problems, 30(5), 507–520.
https://doi.org/10.1525/sp.1983.30.5.03a00030.
Charman, S., Newiss, G., Smith, P., Inkpen, R., Ilett, C., Ghaemmaghami, A., & Bennett, S.
(2023). ‘Giving the right service to different people’: Revisiting police legitimacy in the
Covid-19 era. Policing and Society, 33(3), 348–365.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10439463.2022.2113785.
Cobbina, J., LaCourse, A., Brooke, E. J., & Chaudhuri, S. (2021). Protesting During a Pandemic:
Narratives on Risk Taking and Motivation to Participating in the 2020 March on
Washington. Crime & Delinquency, 67(8), 1195–1220.
https://doi-org.proxy.bib.uottawa.ca/10.1177/0011128721999333.
De Lint, W. (2004). Public Order Policing in Canada: An Analysis of Operations in Recent High
Stakes Events . 1–15.
https://books-scholarsportal-info.proxy.bib.uottawa.ca/en/read?id=/ebooks/ebooks0/gibso
n_cppc/2009-12-01/9/251078.
Gaub, J. E., Koen, M. C., & Davis, S. (2022). Transitioning from pandemic to normalcy: what
police departments can learn from the rank-and-file. Policing, 45(1), 91-105.
https://doi.org/10.1108/PIJPSM-09-2021-0127.
Graves, F. (2022). Social Cleavages Series Understanding the Freedom Movement: Causes,
Consequences, and Potential Responses Prepared by: Frank Graves.
https://publicorderemergencycommission.ca/files/documents/Policy-Papers/Social-Cleav
ages-Understanding-the-Freedom-Movement-Graves.pdf.
Kampmark, B. (2020). Protesting in Pandemic Times: COVID-19, Public Health, and Black
Lives Matter. Contention: The Multidisciplinary Journal of Social Protest, 8(2), 1+.
https://link-gale-com.proxy.bib.uottawa.ca/apps/doc/A672509378/AONE?u=otta77973&
sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=465d5409.
Martin, G. (2021). Protest, policing and law during COVID-19: On the legality of mass
gatherings in a health crisis. Alternative Law Journal, 46(4), 275–281.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1037969X211029963.
Perry, G., Jonathan-Zamir, T., & Factor, R. (2022). The long-term effects of policing the
COVID-19 pandemic: Public attitudes toward the police in the ‘new normal.’ Policing: A
Journal of Policy and Practice, 16(1), 167–187. https://doi.org/10.1093/police/paab070.
Rohlinger, D. A., & Meyer, D. S. (2022). Protest During a Pandemic: How Covid-19 Affected
Social Movements in the United States. American Behavioral Scientist, 0(0).
https://doi-org.proxy.bib.uottawa.ca/10.1177/00027642221132179.
Rouleau, P. S. (2023). Report of the Public Inquiry into the 2022 Public Order Emergency.
Public Order Emergency Commission, 1, 35–103.
https://publicorderemergencycommission.ca/files/documents/Final-Report/Vol-1-Reportof-the-Public-Inquiry-into-the-2022-Public-Order-Emergency.pdf.
Sheptycki, J. (2020). The politics of policing a pandemic panic. Australian & New Zealand
Journal of Criminology, 53(2), 157–173.
https://doi-org.proxy.bib.uottawa.ca/10.1177/0004865820925861.
van der Zwet, K., Barros, A. I., van Engers, T. M., & Sloot, P. M. A. (2022). Emergence of
protests during the COVID-19 pandemic: quantitative models to explore the contributions
of societal conditions. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 9(1).
https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-022-01082-y.
West, L., & Juneau, T. (2021). Stress tested: the COVID-19 pandemic and Canadian National
security. LCR Publishing Services.
https://books.scholarsportal.info/en/read?id=/ebooks/ebooks7/upress7/2022-01-10/1/9781
773852447.
write