jackboot tactics

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

jackboot tactics \jackboot tactics\ n. [from the jackboots worn
   as part of the uniform of police in certain totalitarian
   countries.]
   Harsh strongarm tactics; repressive, bullying and
   militaristic tactics like those used in authoritarian or
   totalitarian countries; -- used opprobriously, and often in
   hyperbolic exaggeration of police tactics in democratic
   countries.
   [PJC]