NCJ Number
137756
Date Published
1992
Length
113 pages
Annotation
The philosophy of "proper planning prevents poor performance" is the foundation of this guide on all aspects of police crowd control.
Abstract
This manual, written for those who must command and direct police officers in crowd management and crowd-control situations, discusses the actions and goals of crowds and their effect on law enforcement; encourages proper planning; provides basic formats for written plans, policies, and procedures; addresses tactics and offers tips and examples to ensure success; and explains critiques and examples of several actual events that examine issues, problems, and errors. The theme is that people have a right to demonstrate or protest peacefully, a right guaranteed by the United States Constitution. Police officers ask only that demonstrators do not violate the rights of others while expressing their own. To the greatest extent possible, the police need to accommodate the right of demonstrators to assembly and the right of nondemonstrators to peaceful and unobstructed passage. 9 appendixes