POLS 4900 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Police Executive Research Forum, Riot Control, Mass Arrest
5 May 2018
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Originally, one of the many goals of the police in unruly mass demonstrations is to
intimidate the civilians into obedience and submission (Abbey, 2015, p. 94). Intimidation was
shown by police gear such as shields, but many rioters misunderstood the intimidation as a
challenge, which led to an escalation of violence and turbulence (Earl, 2003, p. 592). However, it
is proven that these tactics only resulted in public outrage and distrust in officers (Radil, 2017,
p.205). Intimidation led to the civilians perceiving it as a challenge and provocation. One way to
avoid provoking the crowd is to resist bringing out the riot gear unless the safety of officers and
other civilians is in immediate jeopardy. A study proves that the appearance of the police being
heavily armed has a negative effect on people and on the portrayal of the demonstration in media
(Maguire, 2016, p. 87). When media takes pictures of officers using their gear against powerless
looking people, it leads to a public perception that the police are overreacting and that they are
trying to unnecessarily prove their dominance over the peaceful demonstrators. Rather than
wearing riot gear, officers should wear standard uniforms in order to look more approachable
instead of intimidating. By looking more approachable, demonstrators are less likely to be scared
and they will feel reassured that there are safety measures. However, since it is necessary to have
the protective resources available close by in case of a sudden violent outburst, instead of
displaying armored vehicles and protective equipment like helmets and shields, it would be more
effective to have the equipment ready to be deployed at a nearby location (Police Executive
Research Forum, 2011, p. 9). If there are concerns that the police would not have time to wear
their gear on time to maintain peace and control, there is also the method of having additional
officers hidden in a nearby location ready to be deployed in case they are needed (Brown, 2015,
p.452).
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Document Summary
Originally, one of the many goals of the police in unruly mass demonstrations is to intimidate the civilians into obedience and submission (abbey, 2015, p. 94). Intimidation was shown by police gear such as shields, but many rioters misunderstood the intimidation as a challenge, which led to an escalation of violence and turbulence (earl, 2003, p. 592). However, it is proven that these tactics only resulted in public outrage and distrust in officers (radil, 2017, p. 205). Intimidation led to the civilians perceiving it as a challenge and provocation. One way to avoid provoking the crowd is to resist bringing out the riot gear unless the safety of officers and other civilians is in immediate jeopardy. A study proves that the appearance of the police being heavily armed has a negative effect on people and on the portrayal of the demonstration in media (maguire, 2016, p. 87).
