NCJ Number
69507
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS POLICE TRAINING FILM DISCUSSES CHARACTERISTICS OF CROWDS AND OFFERS SUGGESTIONS FOR OFFICERS WHEN ARRIVING AT THE SCENE OF A CROWD.
Abstract
EVERY OFFICER WILL ONE DAY HAVE TO FACE A CROWD, AND EVERY CROWD HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME VIOLENT. VIOLENCE MAY BREAK OUT AFTER AN INCIDENT OCCURS, NO MATTER HOW INNOCENT SUCH AN INCIDENT MIGHT APPEAR. OFFICERS SHOULD NOT GIVE THE CROWD ANY REASON TO BECOME VIOLENT; THEY SHOULD KEEP A LOW PROFILE, BE FIRM BUT COURTEOUS, AND NEVER ARGUE. THEY SHOULD TAKE ABUSE, NOT GET EXCITED, NOT HESITATE OR EXPERIMENT, NOT SHOW WEAKNESS, LOOK IMPARTIAL, ACT INCISIVELY, AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, KNOW WHEN TO BACK OFF. A NEW ENVIRONMENT AND NONROUTINE SITUATION SUGGEST POWER, BECAUSE EACH MEMBER OF THE CROWD HAS THE FEELING OF ANONYMITY. BOTH CROWD MEMBERS AND POLICE OFFICERS WILL TEND TO IMITATE THEIR PEERS IN THESE SITUATIONS. THE OFFICER SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR THOSE IN THE CROWD THAT ARE LOUDEST AND APPEAR TO BE LEADERS AND SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE ANXIETIES THAT ARE RELEASED. THEY SHOULD BE AWARE THAT EVERY CROWD CAN BECOME A MOB AND CAN BECOME IRRATIONAL. POLICE OFFICERS SHOULD ALSO REMEMBER THAT BREAKING UP A PARTY CAN BE AS DANGEROUS AS BREAKING UP A RIOT. AN INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE IS INCLUDED.