NCJ Number
95371
Date Published
1984
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Police planning for control of a large demonstration is discussed, with attention to the patrol officer's role.
Abstract
A discussion of the atmosphere of the demonstration cautions officers against violating the demonstrator's rights and against overreaction. A section on organization considers manpower allocation, the coordination of multiagency forces, and command authority. Dealing with communications problems posed by multiagency forces is discussed in a separate section. Issues involved in the granting of a legal permit for a demonstration are reviewed. The section on parade control considers police negotiation with demonstration leaders about the parade route, its timing, and the kinds of signs or banners to be carried by the marchers. Police are advised to set standards for signs, particularly prohibiting the use of any material that might be used as a weapon. The discussion of enforcement policy addresses the need to set policy on the use of police discretion and enforcement priorities pertaining to law violations that may occur during a demonstration. Areas to be covered in training officers to control demonstrations are identified, followed by sections on equipment planning, the use of civilian volunteers to augment the officer functions, and mobilization. Test questions and answers accompany the training key.