NCJ Number
36392
Date Published
1973
Length
6 pages
Annotation
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENABLING THE INDIVIDUAL POLICE OFFICER TO COME OUT OF A HOSTILE CROWD SAFELY BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF ESCALATION OF FORCE.
Abstract
ESSENTIALLY THIS PRINCIPLE MEANS THAT THE OFFICER TAKES FORCEFUL ACTION ONLY TO THE EXTENT NECESSARY, AND ESCALATES HIS USE OF FORCE GRADUALLY AND ONLY WHEN COMPELLED BY A DETERIORATING SITUATION. DISCUSSED ARE THE OFFICER'S INITIAL REACTION TO A HOSTILE CROWD, COMMUNICATIONS, PROCEDURES FOR WHEN THE OFFICER FINDS HIMSELF TOO CLOSE TO THE CROWD TO ESCAPE (WHETHER IN A PATROL CAR OR ON FOOT), AND USE OF LETHAL AND NONLETHAL WEAPONS. ALSO CONSIDERED ARE PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING HOSTILE CROWDS WHEN THE POLICE OFFICER HAS A PRISONER AND FOR RESPONDING TO OFFICER-NEEDS-HELP CALLS. A DISCUSSION GUIDE AND QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS BASED ON THE TEXT ARE INCLUDED.