Crowd Control
The Crowd Control topic focuses on the difficult task of controlling large groups of people with a limited number of police officers and resources. The police crowd control articles and tips in this section focus on strategy, policy, planning and tactics that can help quell a riled-up crowd and riot gear — helmets and shields — that will keep them safe in the process.
Law enforcement must be prepared for the worst when a controversial verdict is read, protestors become violent or a sports team wins a championship and the celebration spills to the streets.
Firing your weapon to stop an imminent deadly threat may be the most difficult decision you ever have to make
Unraveling the strategy and impact of protesters using “sleeping dragons,” and the nuanced law enforcement approaches to safely manage these challenges
When policing in a crowd, employ tactics that are well-trained, effective and consistently present you in a positive light
Police get thousands of calls for shoplifting, domestic violence incidents, public drunkenness, and other misbehavior that spikes for about 72 hours on either side of Thanksgiving
In this podcast segment, Jim and Doug discuss the various challenges facing police officers on the final night of October
The suit was filed Tuesday against the city and 343 officers and officials
The Supreme Judicial Court sided with the DA on Monday after a judge shot down several attempts by the progressive DA last week to dismiss charges of disorderly conduct against protesters
The incident happened during a protest following the acquittal of former officer Jason Stockley
The union had called for the prosecutions of everyone arrested at the “straight pride” parade after LEOs were pelted with rocks, bottles of urine and other materials
A large crowd “aggressively interfered” with the officers as they issued citations for drinking alcohol
Police used a natural barrier — the city’s Willamette River — to keep dueling protesters apart
Police seized metal poles, bear spray and other weapons and closed bridges and streets to try to keep the rival groups apart. They were largely successful
Portland police are mobilizing to prevent clashes between out-of-state far-right groups and the homegrown anti-fascists who oppose them at a rally planned for Saturday
Following violent protests, the chief of police in Portland suggested that the city ban the wearing of masks during protests
Supporters of an August 17 gathering have spoken openly on the internet about bringing weapons to Portland and desires to “exterminate” antifa members
Video footage showed people rushing out of the busy tourism and entertainment area, with some taking cover behind vehicles
Cophateists are people who, at their best, create difficulties for law enforcement and, at their worst, pose a deadly threat to officers in this country
The resolution, sponsored by Republicans Ted Cruz of Texas and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, comes on the heels of a recent clash between competing demonstrators in downtown Portland
One of the largest protests in Puerto Rico’s history erupted into violent clashes late Wednesday night between demonstrators and officers in riot gear
The mayor also pushed back against the police union president, saying his recent criticism “crossed a line”
A private security officer shouted for bystanders to take cover, police said Friday
Police said a false report of gunfire set off a stampede that trampled more than a dozen people
Police Chief Danielle Outlaw said Wednesday the city, police and community need to take a different approach for violent protesters
The mayor also responded to a rebuke from the police union president that he has handcuffed officers from taking swift action against brawling demonstrators
Hundreds of teenagers and young adults massed in North Philadelphia late Sunday, damaging at least six police cars
Sen. Ted Cruz weighed in, calling for a federal investigation into the actions of both the mayor and the police
At least three groups had planned rallies or demonstrations at different sites in the city, including members of the so-called Proud Boys and antifa
The protesters were taken into custody after lying down on Eighth Avenue and blocking traffic
Thirty-six officers suffered injuries from flying rocks and bricks in the hours following the OIS of a fugitive
People in the crowd threw rocks and bricks, with 25 officers suffering mostly minor injuries during the tense clash
Encirclement is an American police tactic that might be viewed by the untrained eye as kettling
There are many management considerations for police response to protests, demonstrations and riots
The LEO alleged Black Lives Matter activist DeRay Mckesson was negligent for organizing and leading the Baton Rouge protestors to illegally block a public highway