riot-control-training

Specialized training required for police to manage civil disturbances effectively, which differs significantly from routine police duties.

Written by the Tronix Library

5 chapters across 1 book

Report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (1968)Tom Wicker

Chapter 12 / Control o£ Disorder Introduction To analyze the complex social causes of disorder, to plumb the impact of generations of deprivation, to work for broad and sensitive efforts at prevention are vital tasks, but they are slow and difficult. When, in the meantime, civil disorder breaks out, three simple principles emerge. First: Preserving civil peace is the first responsibility of government. Individuals cannot be permitted to endanger the public peace and safety and public officials have a duty to make it clear that all just and necessary means to protect both will be used. Our society is founded on the rule of law. That rule must pre- vail; without it, we will lack not only order but the environ- ment essential to social and economic progress. Second: In maintaining the rule of law, we must be careful not to sacrifice it in the name of order. In our concern over civil disorder we must not mistake law- ful protest for illegal activities. The guardians of the law are also subject to the law they serve. As the FBI states in its riot manual for law enforcement officers: A peaceful or lawful demonstration should not be looked upon with disapproval by a police agency; rather, it should be con- sidered as a safety valve possibly serving to prevent a riot. The police agency should not countenance violations of law. How- ever, a police agency does not have the right to deny the dem- onstrator his constitutional rights. Third: Maintaining civil order is the responsibility of the entire community. Not even the most professional and devoted law enforce- ment agency alone can quell civil disorder any more than it alone can prevent civil disorder. A thin blue line is too thin. Maintaining civil peace is the responsibility of the entire com- munity, particularly public officials. The guidance, assistance, and support of the mayor can be decisive. This does not deny the very great responsibility which is and should be borne by the police. In the Supplement on Con- trol of Disorder we offer specific comments which we hope 323

The chapter outlines three fundamental principles for controlling civil disorder: preserving civil peace as a government responsibility, maintaining the rule of law without suppressing lawful protest, and recognizing civil order as a community-wide responsibility. It emphasizes the critical role of police sensitivity, training, and rapid response, while highlighting deficiencies in communication, command, and use-of-force options. The chapter also stresses the importance of community cooperation, mayoral leadership, disciplined law enforcement, and federal support to effectively prevent and manage civil disorder amid complex social tensions and misinformation.

PART IV SUPPLEMENT AND APPENDICES Supplement on Control of Disorder… (pages 544–550)

The chapter comprehensively addresses the multifaceted challenges in controlling civil disorders that surpass normal police capabilities, emphasizing the necessity for improved police mobilization planning, unified command and communication systems, and specialized riot-control training. It identifies critical deficiencies in police communication infrastructure, intelligence gathering, logistical support, and inter-agency coordination, advocating for the development of model operational plans, timely external assistance, and the establishment of a national center to enhance law enforcement capabilities. The Commission underscores the importance of coordinated community and governmental response, advanced training, and real-time monitoring to effectively manage and prevent civil unrest.

PART IV SUPPLEMENT AND APPENDICES Supplement on Control of Disorder… (pages 557–563)

The chapter critically examines the limitations of state police forces in managing civil disorders and identifies the National Guard as the primary force capable of effective riot control due to its manpower and organizational structure. It highlights deficiencies in leadership quality, minority representation, and the inadequacy of current military equipment for civil disorder control, recommending comprehensive planning, improved training, increased inclusion of Negro personnel, and the development of non-lethal weapons such as CS gas with appropriate protective gear. The Commission emphasizes the importance of restraint and precision in the use of force, distinguishing civil disorder control from warfare.

PART IV SUPPLEMENT AND APPENDICES Supplement on Control of Disorder… (pages 564–569)

This chapter outlines the ethical and operational guidelines for military involvement in civil disorder control, emphasizing strict limitations on the use of lethal weapons by National Guard forces and the necessity of specialized riot-control equipment and training. It details the Army's preparedness through designated task forces, comprehensive multi-level training, and the importance of coordinated planning and communication among federal, state, and local authorities to ensure effective and disciplined responses to civil disturbances. Additionally, it recommends exploring psychological techniques and non-lethal weapons development to enhance riot control strategies.

PART IV SUPPLEMENT AND APPENDICES Supplement on Control of Disorder… (pages 630–637)

The chapter presents the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders' interim recommendations to improve law enforcement's capacity to manage civil unrest, emphasizing increased African American recruitment in the National Guard, enhanced riot control training, and improved police communication technology. It details the Commission's rigorous two-phase investigative methodology, including extensive field surveys and stakeholder interviews across 23 cities, aimed at producing nationally representative findings. The Commission also developed legally scrutinized riot profiles to ensure factual accuracy and inform policy recommendations addressing the causes and control of urban disorders.

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