Protests Flashcards
What is the policy of the department regarding protests?
To protect people, their property, and rights while providing public safety and service.
What forms of protest are recognized in this policy?
- Peaceful demonstrations - lawful public expression of objection, disapproval, or toward an idea or action.
- Civil disobedience - nonviolent protest where there is an intentional breach of law.
- Riots - an assembly that constitutes a clear and present danger of violent or unlawful acts, including, civil unrest, destruction of property, arson, looting, or when another immediate threat to the public safety, peace or order appears.
Define ‘anticipated event’ in the context of protests.
An activity involving large numbers of people that requires a permit or is planned and publicized beforehand.
What is an ‘unplanned or spontaneous event’?
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 which creates distance and space between opposing groups.
What techniques are included in ‘crowd management’?
- 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.
Define ‘field force extrication (FFE)’.
The process of safely removing protesters from devices used to obstruct the law.
What is the role of the ‘mobile field force’?
A large element of police officers organized to implement crowd management techniques during protests.
What constitutes a ‘riot’?
An assembly that poses a clear and present danger of violent or unlawful acts.
What is a ‘protester device’?
A device that connects a person or animal to a stationary object in violation of the law.
What is the purpose of the Homeland Security Saturation Team (HSST)?
To rapidly respond to a protest and safely extricate individuals from protester devices.
What is emphasized in the department’s response protocol to protests?
The concept of de-escalation.
What should the police action ideally be in peaceful demonstrations?
Minimal, primarily assisting in the safe movement of the crowd.
What is the Incident Command Structure (ICS) used for?
Command, control, response coordination, and overall management of complex incidents.
What is the role of department supervisors during a protest?
To attempt communication with protest organizers or leaders.
How should officers maintain professionalism during protests?
By avoiding personal opinions and not fraternizing with involved parties.
What should officers do with their body worn cameras (BWC) during protests?
Ensure they are utilized to document police actions.
What factors should be assessed when responding to an unplanned protest?
- Location
- Number of participants
- Apparent purpose of the event
- Identity of event organizers
- Initial indicators of unlawful activity
What is the protocol for issuing an order to disperse?
Declare an unlawful assembly and provide orders to disperse at least three times.
What must be included in the order to disperse announcement?
The unlawful act being committed and consequences of failing to disperse.
What is the importance of legal observers during protests?
They monitor and report on acts taken by the police or government.
What should the IC document and record when a dispersal order is announced?
The time, location, and officer issuing the order
This is to ensure a proper record of the dispersal order for accountability.
What right do members of the press and legal observers have during a protest?
To report on a newsworthy event, provided they are not interfering with police operations or violating a law
This right is constitutionally protected in a free society.
