WHAT ARE THE POLICE
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
IN ANTI-RIOT OPERATIONS?
CONTAINMENT
Unlawful assembly and riot are as contagious as
plagued unless they are quarantined from the
unaffected areas of the community. In here, all
persons who are at scene should be advised to leave
the area, thereby reducing the number of potential
anti-police combatants.
DISPERSAL
The crowd of unlawful assembly or riot should be
dispersed at once. It may appear at first to be a legal
assembly but the nature of assembly at the time of
the arrival of the police may clearly distinguish it as
being unlawful. Once it is determined, the
responsibility of the police to command the people to
disperse. Crowd control formations may be done if
necessary to expedite their movements.
PREVENTION OF ENTRY
OR RE-ENTRY
The police have to protect the area once the people
have been moved out or dissipated into smaller
groups to prevent them from returning. Enforce
quarantine by not allowing the group to resume their
actions.
ARREST VIOLATOR
One of the first acts of the police upon arrival at the
scene of the disturbance is to locate and isolate
individuals who are inciting the crowd to violate or
fragrantly violating the law. Prevent any attempt by
the crowd or mob to rescue those arrested by
enforcing total quarantine.
ESTABLISH PRIORITIES
Depending upon the circumstances, it is always
necessary to establish priorities. Assessing the
situation to determine the nature of assistance and
number of men needed is part of the planning
process.
WHAT ARE THE BASIC
PROCEDURES IN ANTI-
RIOT OPERATIONS?
1. ASSESS THE SITUATION
Determine whether the original purpose of the gathering
was lawful or not
Determine also the lawfulness at the time of arrival at the
scene
Assess their attitude, emotional state, and their general
condition
Determine any state of intoxication and other conditions
that may lead to violence
Identify the cause of the problem
Locate and identify leaders or agitators
2. SURVEY THE SCENE
Determine as soon as possible the best condition of the
command post
Locate the best vantage point of observations
Consider geographical factors such as natural barriers,
buildings, and weather condition
Note the best method of approach
3. COMMUNICATE
Report on your assessment, keeping your assessment brief but
concise, giving your superior the sufficient data with which to
proceed for plans of action
Ask for assistance or help from the command post hence
remain close to the radio as possible until additional units
arrived or to communicate new developments.
4. MAINTAIN A WATCHFUL
WAITING
Make your presence known to the people in the vicinity
If the crowd is too much to handle, stay near the command
post and wait for additional supports units
Use radio or other means of communications to call for
assistance
Make preparations for decisive police action.
5. CONCENTRATE ON
RESCUE AND SELF-DEFENSE
Take care of the immediate needs of the situation until help
arrives
Apply first aid to the injured people and self protection must
be considered
Remember the primary objective of protecting lives, property
and the restoration of order
6. MAINTAIN AN OPEN LINE
OF COMMUNICATION
Keep the dispatcher advised on the progress of the scene
Continue directing the support units to the scene and the
general perimeter control
7. ESTABLISH A COMMAND
POST
Follow what is in your contingency plan for civil disturbance
Make every officer aware of the command post for proper coordination
8. TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION
FOR SERIOUS VIOLATIONS
Arrest perpetrators
Isolate the leaders or agitators from the crowd
Show full police force strength
9. GIVE THE DISPERSAL
ORDER
Disperse the crowd upon order
Anti-riot formations and procedures must be used
Use of force necessary for dispersal maybe considered
WHAT ARE THE
GENERAL GUIDELINES
IN HANDLING RIOT?
1. Preplanning must be high on the agenda whenever the
department anticipates any disorder or major disturbance.
2. Meet with responsible leaders at the scene and express your
concern for assuring them their constitutional guarantees.
Request them to disperse the crowd before attempting to take
police action.
3. Maintain order and attempt to quell the disturbance without
attempting to punish any of the violators.
4. Use only the force that is necessary but take positive and
decisive action.
5. Post the quarantine area with signs and barricades, if necessary.
6. Keep the traffic lane open for emergency and support vehicle.
7. Consider the fact that most impressive police action at the scene
of any type of major disturbance is the expeditious removal of
the leaders by a well disciplined squad of officers.
8. For riot control, consider the following:
Surprise Offensive – The police action in its initial stages at a
riot must be dramatic. The elements of surprise may enhance
effectiveness of riot control.
Security of Information – Plans for action and communications
regarding the movement of personnel and equipment should be
kept confidential
Maximum utilization of Force – A show of police force should
be made in a well-organized manner, compact, and efficient in a
military-type squad formation.
Flexibility of Assignments – Officers and terms should be
flexibility assigned to various places where the need is greatest.
Simplicity – Keep the plan as simple as possible and the
instructions are direct to avoid mass confusion among the
officers.
WHAT ARE THE
SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN
CROWD CONTROL AND
RIOT OPERATIONS?
SNIPERS
Certain psychopathic people may attempt to take advantage
of the mass confusion and excitement at a riot scene by taking
a concealed position and shooting at people with some type of
weapons, usually rifle.
How to handle this?
clear the area of innocent bystanders
isolate the area and guard against possible escape of the
suspects
use whatever force necessary to take him into custody
assign anti-snipers team especially in aggravated situations
ARSONIST
Persons holding torch in their hands are potential arsonists.
They must be taken into custody immediately.
LOOTERS
Acts of simple misdemeanor thefts or may consists of robbery
of breaking and entering. Take the suspects into custody by
whatever means are necessary.