Riot control

Riot control refers to the measures used by police, military, or other security forces to control, disperse, and arrest people who are involved in a riot, demonstration, or protest. If a riot is spontaneous and irrational, actions which cause people to stop and think for a moment (e.g. loud noises or issuing instructions in a calm tone) can be enough to stop it. However, these methods usually fail when there is severe anger with a legitimate or perceived cause, or when the riot was planned or organized. Law enforcement officers or military personnel have long used less lethal weapons such as batons and whips to disperse crowds and detain rioters.

History

The first use of the term "riot control" dates back to 1968 when it was used by police to describe police responses to riots. Riot control methods have become increasingly sophisticated over time, with advances in protective equipment such as helmets with face visors, gas masks and body armor for the police.

Methods

Riot control tactics are designed to disperse the crowd and minimize injuries. Common methods include: show of force, formation tactics, hit and run tactics, infiltration tactics, perimeter tactics, extraction tactics, and negotiation tactics.

Less-lethal weapons

Less-lethal weapons are used for riot control, including: batons, pepper spray, tear gas, water cannons, sound cannons, and rubber bullets.

See also

• Civil disorder
• Crowd control
• Public order crime
• Tear gas

References

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External links

• Example Website