Global fears, local anxiety : policing, counterterrorism and moral panic over 'bikie gang wars' in New South Wales

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

    32 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This article proceeds in three main parts. First, it provides an account of a moral panic that unfolded during a short period in the Australian state of New South Wales over warring motorbike or ‘bikie’ gangs. Second, it sketches a recent history of laws in New South Wales that have expanded police powers, including ‘anti-bikie’ gang laws. The article shows how policing and crime control has become politicised since 9/11 and, accordingly, the extension of police powers has entailed the blurring of the functions of police and security services. This, in turn, raises serious concerns about civil liberties and the rule of law. Third, the article interprets the events surrounding the ‘bikie gang wars’ using classic and more recent moral panic theory as well as ideas around the ‘new penology’. The article concludes by considering the utility of applying the concept of moral panic to the bikie case.
    Original languageEnglish
    Number of pages20
    JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology
    Publication statusPublished - 2010

    Keywords

    • New South Wales
    • gangs
    • moral panics
    • police
    • terrorism

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Global fears, local anxiety : policing, counterterrorism and moral panic over 'bikie gang wars' in New South Wales'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this