NCJ Number
145982
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 66 Issue: 4 Dated: (October-December 1993) Pages: 366-376
Date Published
1993
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The author, a police sergeant, examines the concept of crowds and how best to police them.
Abstract
In a democratic and free society, people have the right to assemble and express themselves. At issue is striking a balance between the right to protest and the right to law and order. Behavior of police, who are supposed to keep crowd events peaceful, may sometimes incite crowds to be violent. To distinguish between different types of crowds can be immensely helpful. "Passive" crowds, such as those that accumulate on subway platforms at rush hour, can be willingly manipulated for their own needs. "Active" crowds include 1) "aggressive," such as that which stormed the Bastille in the French Revolution; 2) "escapist," which may initially be passive but then incited by a common danger or fear; 3) "acquisitive," which capitalize on social disorder; and 4) "expressive," such as those that gather at entertainment or sporting events. A crowd, of course, may change from one type to another. 42 references