CROWD CONTROL

1. CROWD CONTROL

2. CROWD MOB RIOT Crowd – A group of people whose current motive is the participation in some event which is normally non-violent in nature. Mob – A group of people whose current motivation is participating in some event which is often potentially violent as the mob becomes angry about an event or incident. Riot – A mob begins to act violently, usually involving physical attacks on persons and destruction of theft and property.

3. Civil Disorders – Actions by a group of people whose motive is to gain attention for a certain belief or cause by violating the law. Often the behavior is not violent in nature but will require the arrests of persons involved in the disorder.

4. CAUSES OF CIVIL DISORDER • Spontaneous – occur as a reaction to an incident or event. An initial parade or march was not planned to become violent but an incident sparks violence. • Planned Response – Protests or other quasi-political demonstrations which are planned to bring attention and arrests.

5. CONTROL OF CROWDS If a crowd is : • orderly • not violating any laws • posing no threat to another person or property A security officer should do nothing but continue to observe the crowd and stay alert to any possible potential signs of violence.

6. When encountering a crowd, (shopping malls, athletic events, concerts, labor work stoppages, employees exiting a factory, students leaving a school, etc.) it is important for the security officer to know: • Why is the crowd gathered? • What are the characteristics of the crowd and who are the leaders? • What are the physical surroundings of the area where the crowd is gathered?

7. If a security officer is working at an entertainment complex (athletic event, concert) he/she should: • Pay close attention to the crowd and NOT watch the event. • Look for indicators of possible problems. • Identify possible troublemakers early in the event and notify supervisors. • Take precautionary steps (i.e., issue verbal warnings) to prevent disruptions.

8. GATHERINGS WITH POTENTIAL FOR CIVIL DISORDER Political • Protesters or potential troublemakers may attend in an effort to disrupt the event. • Security officers should never enter into a debate involving politics or express a preference in this situation. • If problems develop, party leaders who have the support of the crowd should be called upon to make announcements in an effort to quell any disturbances.

9. Athletic Events • Emotions of the fans will often reach extreme emotional levels during the event. Consumption of alcohol may boost these feelings and lower inhibitions. • If physical altercations develop, security officers should separate and isolate the combatants as quickly as possible. • Security officers should be on the alert for persons using these events to start a riot or stir up emotions against police and security officers. • A quick show of force may discourage trouble. • Be aware violence often spreads into parking areas after the event.

10. Parades and Marches • Often used by militant groups, activists, religious students, political parties, etc. as a form of demonstration. • Emotions may run high between participants and by-standers. • On-lookers may heckle participants which often leads to violence. • The primary role of security officers is to ensure separation between the two opposing groups.

11. Strikes and Labor Disturbances • Security officers duties during a labor strike – maintain peace and protect the owner’s assets. • If replacement workers are being escorted across picker lines or product is being shipped out the likelihood of disorder increases. • Avoid taking sides.

12. PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS AFFECTING CROWDS Protection – Being part of a large group leads to a feeling of protection and individuals may display behavior they would not normally engage in such as shouting obscenities or throwing objects. Loss of Identity - People often join a group to blend in with other people. They may believe that by being part of a group they can behave improperly and escape punishment or apprehension. Emotional release – Individuals may act aggressively as part of a group and release emotional frustration.

13. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF A CROWD • Concentration of people gathered for a common purpose for normally a short period of time. • No real organization. • No set unity. • A mob can be formed by a crowd if persons are aroused. • A leader may control the group. • Individuals feel the loss of identity. • Individuals may become “caught-up” and act – out what they normally would not do.

14. CONDUCT BY A MOB • May be disorganized. • Led by one individual or group of individuals. • May ignore instructions to disband. • May attempt to “bait” security officers or others into a confrontation. • Once violence starts, it is difficult to control. • Will normally destroy property and disrupt all peaceful activities in its’ wake.

15. May have an objective such as damaging property belonging to someone or some organization. • A loss of personal identity. • Uncontrolled action by individuals who would not normally engage in such action. • Physical beatings, fire bombings and lootings may occur. • Total disrespect for peace and order. Mobs are like a tornado. You’re not sure of its’ path and it normally leaves a large amount of destruction in its’ wake.

16. CROWD CONTROL RESPONSES • If a crowd develops into a mob and a riot begins to develop, additional security officers and law enforcement personnel must be called at once. • Take affirmative action to quell any disturbance. • Remove crowd leaders, peacefully, if at all possible. • Attempt to break-up a crowd into smaller units. • Deploy a strong show of force by security officers and police which may include the use of police dogs and horse mounted police.

17. Use a public address system to instruct the crowd to disperse. • Randomly arrest and/or detain certain troublemakers. • Talk to a recognized leader and provide options. • Provide an escape route for individuals to use when dispersing the crowd.

18. SUMMARY OF ACTIONS FOR SECURITY OFFICERS • Observe spectators rather than the event. • Ignore “baiting”, but keep those persons under constant observation. • Do not bluff or threaten. Follow through on all orders. • Remain impartial. • Avoid unnecessary conversation. • Stay on the “fringe” of the crowd. Don’t go inside the crowd.

19. Avoid bodily contact. • Show proper respect for religious symbols, flags, etc. • Know what to expect form a mob. • Keep crowd leaders and troublemakers under constant surveillance.

20. CROWD CONTROL PART 2

21. Handling Disputes – Strikes/Labor Disturbances 1935 – The National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) gave workers the right to representation and described specific management practices that were unfair. 1947 – The Taft-Hartley Act (Labor Management Relations Act) amended the law and identified unfair practices which could not be engaged in by unions.

22. UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES • Unreasonable Conduct – All actions and behaviors of security officers must be judged to be reasonable. As long as the officer’s actions are found to have been consistent with existing policies, procedures, or past practice, a claim of unreasonable conduct will probably not be substantiated.

23. Statements Made by Employees – Security personnel are NOT required to advise a suspect of his/her constitutional rights before questioning. As long as statements are given voluntarily, without threats or promises, these statements would be admissible in a discipline hearing. • Search and Seizure – Employees in the workplace may have some basic rights to privacy which are considered reasonable. Some companies inform their employees at the time of hiring that desks, lockers, vehicles, etc. may be searched at the company’s discretion.

24. Surveillance – Surveillance can be an effective tool, but covert or hidden surveillance of an area like a restroom may be found to be an invasion of an employee’s right to privacy. Any evidence uncovered by such an investigation would most likely be dismissed by arbitrators.

25. UNION REPRESENTATION DURING INVESTIGATIVE INTERVIEWS In the Weingarten decision the Court ruled that when an employee is being interviewed and he/she believes that the information discussed during the interview may lead to discipline, up to and including termination, the employee has the right to request that a union representative be present during an interview. An employer must grant the request but is under no obligation to discuss the matter or bargain with the union representative.

26. STRIKES • Economic Strike – concerns wages, hours or working conditions • Unfair Labor Practice Strike - caused by management’s unfair labor practices • Illegal or Unprotected Strike – prohibited by law

27. EMPLOYER’S RIGHTS DURING A STRIKE • An employer may not discharge any employees for planning a strike. • Once a strike has begun, management may use every legal means to break the strike. • The company may hire replacement workers or have supervisors perform the work. • Protection and security can be given to those employees who continue to work. • Newspaper advertisements and other forms of publicity may be used to inform the strikers and public of the facts.

28. ROLE OF SECURITY DURING A STRIKE • Protect the facility and the employees that continue to work. • Demonstrate restraint and discipline. • Do not demonstrate a cocky or aggressive attitude. • Do not respond to verbal threats • Maintain an outwardly objective attitude and demeanor. • Remember management has hired security and pays their wages.

29. CROWD CONTROL PART 3

30. ROLE OF SECURITY IN A CIVIL DISTURBANCE • Notify local emergency services of an emergency, if necessary. • Assist in the evacuation of personnel. • Render first aid to injured employees. • Announce emergency instructions using the public address system. • May be required to assume primary responsibility for initiating the emergency response.

31. Pre-planning is the single most effective means for minimizing loss during a civil disturbance. • Is the business or operation located in an area which is susceptible to civil violence? • What type of incident could stimulate a disturbance? • At what point will the organization implement its’ Civil Disturbance Emergency Plan? • Can the facility be adequately protected or shielded from damage with additional security personnel, fencing, boarding up windows and doors? • How much time is needed to address protection needs?

32. Crowds turn into mobs when a few leaders or agitators incite the group. • Individuals lose their personal identity and become ruled by emotion. • Feeling anonymous they may begin to riot and loot surrounding businesses. • Riots can occur in any city or town. • If a riot reaches catastrophic levels, the loss to an organization equals the value of all buildings and equipment. • Losses associated with business interruption can be significant.

33. To reduce the risk: • Management representatives can assist in civic projects that are designed to relieve community tension. • Meet with local law enforcement personnel and other businesses in the area to coordinate protection strategy. • Be aware of the social climate and watch for danger signals • If rumors of an impending disturbance are heard, try and obtain verification of severity so a plan of action can be taken.

34. SPONTANEOUS CIVIL DISORDER • Can occur without any advance notice. • There will be little time for security personnel to react. • More likely to occur during the hot months of summer. • Security personnel must make appropriate notifications of client personnel. • The client notification list should be reviewed frequently in order to ensure the list is current. • If a civil disorder becomes extremely violent, employees will need to be contacted and advised not to report for work and to wait for further instructions.