On the evening of January 26, 2026, dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Maple Grove, Minnesota, in a protest tied to reports that federal immigration enforcement agents were staying at the hotel. What police initially described as a protest escalated when participants allegedly began throwing objects at officers and damaging property, prompting authorities to declare an unlawful assembly and issue dispersal orders. When those orders were ignored and unlawful conduct continued, law enforcement moved in and arrested 26 people on charges including riotous conduct and unlawful assembly. Police emphasized their respect for peaceful protest rights, but said the crowd’s shift into violent and criminal behavior necessitated a robust response to protect public safety.
I had the opportunity to speak with Chief Eric Werner of the Maple Grove Police Department, which protects a city of approximately 73,000 people. This conversation was prompted by my watching media coverage of what appeared to be a picture-perfect, professional response to a large disturbance brought into the community by some not-so-peaceful protestors.
Maple Grove is targeted
Maple Grove Police received intelligence throughout the day regarding a planned protest at a local hotel. If accurate, the information indicated a heightened level of risk for hotel guests and staff, so police began planning for the possibility of a disturbance.
The Hennepin West Public Order Group (POG), which had been on standby, deployed to the hotel in short order when a disturbance did materialize. The group included members of the Maple Grove Police Department and numerous police agencies throughout Hennepin County, excluding the Minneapolis Police Department. The response was supported by Maple Grove’s Emergency Response Unit, as well as teams from the Minnesota State Patrol and the Department of Natural Resources.
When the Public Order Group deployed, the field commander observed officers taking incoming projectiles from the crowd while other crowd members forcibly breached barriers and damaged property. Members of the assembly were also deliberately and continuously disturbing hotel guests.
After determining this was clearly not a peaceful assembly, the incident commander declared an unlawful assembly and ordered all individuals to disperse or face arrest. This order was announced repeatedly using an LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device) in audible amplification mode only.
A reasonable amount of time was provided for dispersal. When that time expired, the well-trained team advanced to disperse the crowd using effective team tactics. By the conclusion of the event, 26 arrests were made.
From an instructor’s point of view, the movements and arrests were executed with the skill of a well-trained team of professionals. The response was so notable it was lauded by multiple news agencies that watched it unfold.
I contacted Chief Werner and asked him to share with Police1 readers what contributed to a successful response like this. Below are some of the key ingredients.
Ingredients to a successful crowd control team response
Successful mutual aid in motion
Following the riots of 2020, the Public Order Group was developed. Officers from more than 30 suburban Hennepin County police agencies became part of a joint group designed to prepare for and respond to large disturbances like those experienced in 2020.
Consistent training across agencies
All team members receive similar training. This includes crowd control, hands-on team arrest tactics and scenario-based training. Officers train within their home agencies and continue training together in coordinated group settings.
Proficiency with issued equipment
All members are extensively trained in the tools they carry. As Chief Werner explained, “If you aren’t trained in it, you don’t carry it.”
Appropriate and trusted use of force
Team members are experts not only in how to use force, but in determining what level of force is appropriate. Chief Werner stated, “We train extensively so that any levels of force will be executed in a manner that the community can trust.”
Ongoing training, not a one-time event
After initial crowd control training, POG members train together twice a year to prepare for deployment as a unified team. This approach builds familiarity and expertise in operating together under high-stress conditions.
Preparation based on known threats
The team studies the tactics of past demonstrators and recent events, allowing them to prepare for the challenges they may face during a deployment.
Clear-cut chain of command
During this event, the incident command structure the team had practiced was implemented as designed. The overall commander was positioned at the Incident Command Post, coordinating and deploying resources as needed.
The on-scene field commander made operational decisions and coordinated team movements while maintaining constant communication with the incident commander. The field commander was empowered to make key decisions in real time, including the declaration of an unlawful assembly.
Media support
A public information officer was present in the command post to broadcast to the media and help prevent the spread of inaccurate information or rumors.
The uniform of the day is uniform
All officers reported for duty in a pre-determined uniform. Despite coming from different agencies, they appeared as one cohesive team. Each officer displayed their name and department patch and was fully equipped and trained to function as an active member of a crowd control unit.
To anyone observing the response, the officers looked uniform and appeared to understand exactly how they fit into the team’s overall mission.
Time-proven team movements
All team movements were recognizable, proven tactics. Officers advanced in cohesive columns and lines, demonstrating excellent baton discipline and verbalization discipline.
Movements were directed by the field commander using a combination of verbal and visual commands that were clearly understood by all members.
Arrests made professionally
A total of 26 arrests were made. While some arrestees resisted, resistance was quickly overcome using well-executed team arrest tactics. The arrests demonstrated high-quality training and visible, acquired expertise.
A by-the-numbers response with acceptable outcomes
No injuries were reported among officers or suspects. The Minnesota State Patrol had a Mass Arrest Transport Vehicle on scene to transport the 26 arrested individuals.
One small but important example
Despite the presence of local, area, county and state officers, the Public Order Group operated as a well-trained, well-oiled team. Each officer was not just present — they were a presence. The group’s verbalization reflected calm professionalism.
One example stood out. During a team movement, an officer attempted to gain compliance from a crowd member. Before reaching the individual, the officer made a final request: “Give me about three feet more, OK?” When the crowd member complied, the officer responded, “Thank you.”
Nice.
The event was recorded
The event was thoroughly documented. Every officer on scene was equipped with a body-worn camera, and a helicopter provided aerial coverage.
Recommendations for crowd control success from Chief Werner
Chief Werner strongly recommends that agencies consider a pre-arranged, pre-trained and pre-planned Public Order Group response model where nothing comparable exists.
Based on my observations of the Maple Grove response, the following elements should be included in any plan for managing a large civil disturbance:
- A command and control model
- An emergency mobilization plan
- A pre-arranged uniform of the day
- A communications plan
- A team transportation plan
- A mass arrest, transport, booking and holding plan
- Identification of key crowd targets and response plans
- Media management and communication
- Training for all members in plan execution
Conclusion
It was clear to anyone watching that the crowd gathered at the hotel on that cold January night was not peaceful.
Chief Werner emphasized, “While we respect First Amendment rights, we will not tolerate property damage or violence in our community.”
I have often said that when a disorderly crowd attempts to take over a section of a city and create a large disturbance, it becomes an opportunity for a well-trained team to deploy and demonstrate professional policing on a public stage.
To the Maple Grove Police Department and its partners in the Hennepin West Public Order Group, your opportunity presented itself and, from my assessment, you rose to the occasion. Congratulations. You shined.
