NCJ Number
148972
Date Published
1968
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This booklet instructs retail businesses in how to prevent and protect themselves against losses from rioting in their neighborhoods.
Abstract
The booklet notes that when riots occur, municipal and private facilities -- including police, fire, and public utilities -- are stretched to the breaking point, such that any one business cannot rely on substantial help from these sources during riots. It further advises that private security agencies do not have the personnel to meet the substantial increase in demand during riots. Thus, the primary responsibility for protecting businesses during riots rests with the owners. This booklet provides a checklist of responsibilities that should be performed by business owners to help prevent riots and reduce losses should a riot occur. Prevention-related items pertain to actions business owners can take to help reduce factors likely to cause civil disorder. These include consistent and fair law enforcement in the community, policies to address corrosive community problems, business practices that foster good business relations with community residents, and business involvement in community development. Other prevention measures are related to consultation with police and fire agencies to determine precautions that should be taken to reduce losses should a riot occur, as well as consultation with other neighborhood business owners to coordinate planning and mutual help. Other measures address insurance needs, personnel management, facility security, emergency equipment, records, merchandise inventory, communications, and the use of guards.