Riot control

Riot control is a specific form of public order policing. It is used by law enforcement, military, or security forces. These groups aim to control, disperse, or arrest people involved in riots, demonstrations, or protests. The goal is to manage large groups of people during times of unrest. Sometimes, simple actions can stop a crowd. For example, issuing instructions in a calm tone or making loud noises can cause people to stop and think. However, these methods often fail if a riot is planned or if there is severe anger.

Security forces use different levels of tools to manage crowds. The first choice is between lethal and less-than-lethal weaponry. Lethal weapons include items like a 12-gauge shotgun. Less-than-lethal tools are designed to minimize injuries. These include pepper spray, tear gas, and rubber bullets. Officers may also use electric tasers, batons, or stun grenades. Some groups use specialized hand weapons. These include the African sjambok, a heavy leather whip. They also include the Indian lathi, which is a long cane with a blunt metal tip.

Beyond personal weapons, forces use advanced technology and vehicles. Some units use vehicle-mounted water cannons. These cannons can add dye to mark rioters or tear gas to disperse them. In major unrest, police may use armored fighting vehicles. They might also use aerial surveillance or police dogs. Mounted police on horses are another common method. Some officers use Long Range Acoustic Devices to manage crowds. The choice of equipment depends on the perceived level of threat and local laws. In many countries, using lethal force to control riots is illegal except in extreme cases.

To stay safe, riot control personnel wear extensive protective equipment. This gear is designed to protect the entire body from direct melee or hurled objects like bricks and bottles. Helmets often feature face visors and extend to protect the back of the neck. Officers wear body armor, including vests, neck protectors, and knee pads. If chemical agents are used, they wear gas masks. Some officers use holsters with positive locking mechanisms. This prevents people in a crowd from stealing a sidearm. However, these locks can make it harder to draw a weapon in an emergency.

History shows that managing crowds has always been a challenge for governments. Before the 20th century, most countries lacked dedicated riot forces. Governments often called in the regular army when police were inadequate. This often led to disastrous results, including excessive violence. In France, the National Gendarmerie created specialized mobile forces during the 19th century. In 1921, they created "Mobile Gendarmerie platoons." By 1926, these became the Garde Républicaine mobile (GRM). By 1940, the GRM had 21,000 members. They developed doctrines like exercising restraint and providing an "exit door" for crowds.

Modern policing techniques also have roots in early 20th-century Asia. In 1925, the first squad trained in modern riot control techniques formed in colonial Shanghai. This was a response to the May Thirtieth Movement. Officers William E. Fairbairn and Eric Anthony Sykes pioneered new methods. They taught combat pistol shooting, hand-to-hand combat, and knife fighting. These skills were later used by the Shanghai Municipal Police "Reserve Unit." Fairbairn eventually taught these methods in the United States and other regions. These techniques have since been adapted by many international police forces.

Despite the use of less-than-lethal tools, these events can be very serious. Confrontations can cause significant psychological effects. Both rioters and police may experience intense fear and stress. This can lead to long-term issues like anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). History includes many violent instances, such as the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. More recently, the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests were widely documented on social media. In Peru, protests between 2022 and 2023 resulted in at least sixty deaths. These events show the complex link between public order and human rights.