the tsg and their predecessors, the spg, have been likened to paramilitary units during riot control operations by tony jefferson in "the case against paramilitary policing" (1990). he argues this because of their use of shields, batons and helmets, their centralised command structure, their willingness to use force and their squad-like formations. peter waddington counters this conclusion in the british journal of criminology by pointing out that their equipment is mainly defensive. as employees, the police force have a duty to protect them from harm, he also notes that paramedics in riot situations also wear similar helmets and armour. jefferson argues that by the police preparing for an event, such as a march or protest where they expect there to be violence, they create a self-fulfilling prophecy and that violence will occur. waddington responds to this by pointing out that the tsg were deployed at the notting hill carnival every year and yet there was not always violence. jefferson also believes that by controlling the ground the tsg incites violence, waddington cites examples (including the battle of the beanfield) where problems were caused by the police not controlling the ground and that when they have then tried to gain control violence ensued.