AI-3.535 PROTESTS: PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATIONS, CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE, AND RIOTS Flashcards
What is the primary policy of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) regarding public safety?
To protect people, their property, and rights while providing the best in public safety and service.
What rights do individuals have under the First Amendment in relation to protests?
The right to organize and participate in First Amendment assemblies on public ways to be seen and heard.
What activities are not protected by First Amendment rights?
- Violations of established laws
- Advocating imminent violence
- Endangering or physically harassing people
- Rioting
- Looting
- Blocking entrances to buildings
- Assembling on private property without consent
What are the three defined forms of protest according to LVMPD policy?
- Peaceful Demonstration
- Civil Disobedience
- Riot
What is an anticipated event?
An activity involving large numbers of people that requires a permit or is planned and publicized beforehand.
Define an unplanned or spontaneous event in the context of protests.
An unanticipated or unannounced public gathering where the department did not receive prior notice.
What is a buffer zone?
A safety zone maintained by officers to create distance between opposing groups.
What does crowd management entail?
- Communication with event organizers
- Display of police officers
- Containment
- Travel lane closures
- Buffer zones
- Mobile field force tactics
- Dispersal tactics
- Arrest procedures
What is a dispersal order?
A verbal announcement given to the crowd to inform them of the law they are violating and the consequences of such violation.
What is the role of the Homeland Security Saturation Team (HSST)?
To rapidly respond to a protest and safely extricate individuals from protester devices.
What is the primary intent of the LVMPD during peaceful demonstrations?
To assist in the safe movement of the crowd with minimal police action.
What is the Incident Command Structure (ICS)?
A standard tool for command, control, response coordination, and overall management of complex incidents.
Why is communication with protest organizers important?
It helps clarify expectations and increases the likelihood of a peaceful and lawful gathering.
What must officers maintain during protests?
A fair and professional attitude without expressing personal opinions.
What are officers required to do if they have a body worn camera (BWC)?
Ensure it is utilized to document police actions at a protest.
What factors must be assessed by the first-responding officer to an unplanned protest?
- Location
- Number of participants
- Apparent purpose of the event
- Identity of event organizers
- Initial indicators of unlawful activity
- Presence of counter-protesters
What is the protocol for communicating orders to disperse to a crowd?
Declare it an unlawful assembly and attempt to provide orders to disperse at least three times.
What should officers avoid during protests to maintain impartiality?
- Fraternizing with involved parties
- Accepting food, beverage, or gratuity from anyone
What should be done if there is an immediate threat of physical harm during a protest?
No order to disperse must be provided.
What are some considerations for police response to protests?
- Evolving threat to public safety
- Protection of civil rights
- Unlawful actions of protesters
- Traffic and pedestrian safety
- Impact on business and commerce
Who is responsible for the decision to give the order to disperse?
The IC upon consultation with the on-scene lieutenant
What should isolated, nonviolent, unlawful activity by individuals not automatically lead to?
Declaring an assembly unlawful
What must the order to disperse include according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department?
A description of the unlawful action and routes of dispersal
What language must the dispersal order be announced in if a contingent of the crowd are Spanish-speaking?
Spanish
What is the role of professional members of the press and legal observers during a protest?
To report on a newsworthy event without interfering with police operations
True or False: Failure to comply with a lawful order to disperse can turn legal conduct into a violation of the law.
True
What are the criteria for making arrests during a protest?
Clear violations of laws or ordinances and threats to public safety
What items are considered prohibited at a protest?
- Improvised weapon
- Filled balloon
- Stick
- Baseball bat
- PVC pipe
- Brick
- Glass bottle
- Shield
Who authorizes arrests during a protest?
The on-scene lieutenant
What must be documented during an arrest?
Probable cause and elements of a crime for each arrestee
What should be evaluated as options to bookings for some misdemeanor offenses?
Citations and Class II citations
What must the IC coordinate regarding the booking of an arrestee?
Prisoner transport with DSD personnel
What does the LVMPD Use of Force policy state regarding protests?
It remains unchanged during protests
What is the intended use of aerosol irritants during a protest?
To stop or disrupt unlawful activities
When can aerosol irritants be deployed?
After clear warning has been given and when avenues of egress are available
What areas should kinetic energy projectiles not intentionally target?
- Head
- Pelvis
- Spine
- Vital areas of the body
What should officers do when demonstrators are physically connected to a stationary object?
Use de-escalation efforts before applying reasonable uses of force
What is the responsibility of the IC regarding locked protesters?
Request HSST to respond for their extrication
What must dispatch notify when locked protesters are present?
The on-call HSST and provide a dedicated radio channel
What should officers confirm about the locked protesters?
That they are locked in devices
What is the first step in the field force extrication process?
Use verbal persuasion, warnings, and dispersal orders
What must be established by the IC at the scene of a protest?
ICS (Incident Command System)
