Riot Act: Be Prepared For A Demonstration Of Strength

Jul 1, 2003 12:00 PM

Security managers are directing their attention to how to effectively handle the threat of protests and demonstrations on or near their premises. Since no community is immune to this type of event, it's important to have a response plan in place.

Usually, the aim of a demonstration is to display strength of purpose via a physical presence and information. People in a demonstration have planned it — and emotions are generally running high. Where there are large crowds, there is a potential for violence, and crowds often outnumber security personnel. Poor crowd management can result in brutality charges and riots, and protestors often have the goal of breaking down the security force.

Allied Security, King of Prussia, Pa., recommends that before a demonstration, security managers develop a response plan and rehearse it. Managers should designate a first response unit, as well as second and third response units, should they be necessary. In addition to these measures, Allied suggests the following guidelines to help security managers help their officers to take appropriate actions before and during a demonstration.

Before a Demonstration:

• Coordinate plans with law enforcement, and communicate with them regularly;

• Reassess access control policies and procedures. Enforce ID policies and use barriers and signs effectively;

• Anticipate re-routing pedestrian and vehicle traffic, maintaining open lanes for fire trucks and ambulances;

• Plan for interruption in services. Prioritize which system must be restored first;

• Check all communications equipment regularly; and

• Establish a relationship with a professional video service. Documentation is important, especially for legal issues that often follow such events, and videotape is a way to ensure accuracy.

During a Demonstration:

• Establish a central command post, and make it the communications headquarters. Security officers should communicate regularly with this post;

• Dispersal instructions should be announced slowly, deliberately and loudly — and repeated. Consider using a PA system or other device. Include instructions of how to exit. Security should direct protesters and demonstrators through exits;

• Place witnesses in key locations, and have them take notes;

• Do not engage in conversation with protestors or demonstrators;

• Assess the entire situation, and be sure not to be distracted by just one part of the scene;

• Plan a phased response. Getting help and assistance from local law enforcement and other mutual aid resources should be part of the phased response plan; and

• Always maintain the most professional code of conduct. Security personnel should practice patience and tolerance.

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