British Police and the Democratic Idea Since 1829 Exam Numbers: Y3848477, Y3847307, Y3848191, Y3847519 Representations of Interwar Policing in Palestine - Conflicting Coverage in the Press and Personal Accounts Britain's presence in Palestine during the interwar period was fraught with issues often leading to clashes between the local populace and the authorities. Those policing the territory were at the forefront of this. The press was the main means through which the British public were exposed to the ongoing developments there, such as the Palestinian Riots of 1929 and the Arab Revolt of 1936 to 1939. They depicted specific representations of the British policing Palestine. One portrayal of those policing Palestine was their professionalism as a force achieved through intense training to control violent outbursts with aggressive but controlled tactics. Images published in The Illustrated London News were selected to produce an image of them performing with 'professional conduct', highlighting that brutality was an unnecessary option, alongside a focus on their uniform and equipment. Another press representation is that of them engaging in their 'civilian duties'. Through both visual and textual primary material it will be shown that they actively sought to portray the British policing of Palestine in this manner. The press humanised the police, emphasising their benevolence, respectability and humanity which was supposedly consistent, even in violent and volatile situations. However, the press' coverage conflicts with personal accounts. Police Inspector Douglas Duff's account, for example, can be used to challenge the depiction within the press of British policemen in Palestine. Increasingly, violence and brutality became a penchant of British policing. This was neglected by the press and therefore led to there being conflicting coverage between personal accounts and those present within the press. The press was a powerful tool in the portrayal of the policing of Palestine during the interwar period. On the most part, British newspapers depicted the force as being the pinnacle of 'professional conduct', upholding British colonial rule, and this was especially the case with Conservative-leaning newspapers. Visual sources were an important element in creating this representation, showing officers to be well equipped, well trained and uniformed, especially when compared to the local populous. In other words, those involved in the policing of Palestine were a manifestation of professionalism. Figure A, published on 19th September 1936 in The Illustrated London News, provides an excellent example showing police officers as well equipped and professional on a patrol around Jerusalem. As well as increasing the quantity of offensive equipment available, Sir Herbert Dowbiggin recommended reforms and enforced seventy hours of weapons training, and sixty hours of drill for every member of the Palestinian Police Force.1 These reforms, paired with increasing equipment, transformed those policing Palestine into a highly professional force whilst keeping it distinct from the military. However, the possession of a Lewis gun in Figure A nonetheless indicates an awareness of an increased threat to personal safety which can be linked to the increasing number of violent disturbances in Palestine and therefore the steady loss of control