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The concept of crowd control is simple: direct the flow of people in such a way that there aren't too many people in a given area at a time. The problem comes in when people don't want to be moved. Our job is to make sure things don't get out of hand.
Event crowd control is generally easy, but requires planning, and usually needs some barricades or traffic cones. That's reserved for things like sporting events, concerts and rallies. Generally, people understand that we're there to get them into and out of the event as quickly and effectively as possible. Still, its always possible that individuals within the crowd may be acting disorderly. Approach them politely and ask them to stop what they are doing. If they don't do so, you may need to pull them aside to talk with them or, if that doesn't work, temporarily detain them. Rarely will a crowd at these events become violent, but be prepared at large rallies or significant sporting events for outbreaks of violence.
Controlling a passive crowd is also usually fairly simple. They usually come about at the scene of a crime or incident that's out of the ordinary. You may hear the term "rubbernecker" used. Basically. these people are crowding the scene and need to be moved. Once again, a verbal request, face to face, should be sufficient. Several people will ask questions; tell them to move away before answering. There may be one or two who refuse to obey. Detain them for insubordination and issue a citiation for obstruction of a public official - but make sure that this is avoided.
Controlling a hostile or potentially hostile crowd is the most difficult task. Demonstrators may be blocking a roadway or demonstrating without a permit. They must be removed. As always, begin with a verbal, face to face request. Some may leave. Some may not. The crowd may become agitated. If they do not move, use your bullhorn to order the crowd to disperse. Should this fail, arrest the person who appears to be leading the group or otherwise inciting the demonstrators. If any demonstrators attempt to block you, they are also subject to arrest. If the crowd still does not disperse, continue to remove protesters. In the event that multiple demonstraters begin to use violence, radio for riot suppression gear. IMPORTANT: When dealing with protesters or other demonstrators, do NOT in any way react to any chants or other verbal abuses against police. Do not even acknowledge them. The job of the police is to respond to violence only. In addition, be sure to allow demonstrators to leave freely. This is the objective. Do not entrap protesters. This is illegal and nullifies their arrest.
Any questions?
Event crowd control is generally easy, but requires planning, and usually needs some barricades or traffic cones. That's reserved for things like sporting events, concerts and rallies. Generally, people understand that we're there to get them into and out of the event as quickly and effectively as possible. Still, its always possible that individuals within the crowd may be acting disorderly. Approach them politely and ask them to stop what they are doing. If they don't do so, you may need to pull them aside to talk with them or, if that doesn't work, temporarily detain them. Rarely will a crowd at these events become violent, but be prepared at large rallies or significant sporting events for outbreaks of violence.
Controlling a passive crowd is also usually fairly simple. They usually come about at the scene of a crime or incident that's out of the ordinary. You may hear the term "rubbernecker" used. Basically. these people are crowding the scene and need to be moved. Once again, a verbal request, face to face, should be sufficient. Several people will ask questions; tell them to move away before answering. There may be one or two who refuse to obey. Detain them for insubordination and issue a citiation for obstruction of a public official - but make sure that this is avoided.
Controlling a hostile or potentially hostile crowd is the most difficult task. Demonstrators may be blocking a roadway or demonstrating without a permit. They must be removed. As always, begin with a verbal, face to face request. Some may leave. Some may not. The crowd may become agitated. If they do not move, use your bullhorn to order the crowd to disperse. Should this fail, arrest the person who appears to be leading the group or otherwise inciting the demonstrators. If any demonstrators attempt to block you, they are also subject to arrest. If the crowd still does not disperse, continue to remove protesters. In the event that multiple demonstraters begin to use violence, radio for riot suppression gear. IMPORTANT: When dealing with protesters or other demonstrators, do NOT in any way react to any chants or other verbal abuses against police. Do not even acknowledge them. The job of the police is to respond to violence only. In addition, be sure to allow demonstrators to leave freely. This is the objective. Do not entrap protesters. This is illegal and nullifies their arrest.
Any questions?
Last edited by J. Bucello on Sun Oct 02, 2011 5:14 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : Information added)
