Riot police are police who are organized, deployed, trained or equipped to confront crowds , protests or riots .
110-1046: Riot police may be regular police officers who act in the role of riot police in particular situations, or they may be separate units organized within or in parallel to regular police forces. Riot police are used in a variety of different situations and purposes. They may be employed to control riots as their name suggests, to disperse or control crowds , to maintain public order or discourage criminality , or to protect people or property. The militarization of modern police has brought militaristic riot gear and new technologies that allow for their duties to expand above normal police duties. Riot police often use special equipment called riot gear to help protect themselves and for offensive use in riot control. Riot gear typically includes personal armor , batons , riot shields , and riot helmets . Many riot police teams also deploy specialized non-lethal weapons, such as: pepper spray , tear gas , riot guns , rubber bullets , stun grenades , water cannons , and Long Range Acoustic Devices . Through
220-471: A 1.54% higher likelihood of experiencing severe depressive symptoms and were 2.58 times more likely to exhibit signs indicative of PTSD. In the whole scheme of police violence towards protesters, it is said that people who were involved in or just living in areas affected by riots could experience an uptick in PTSD by 4% to 41%. Risk factors that can exacerbate mental health issues from riots: When considering
330-467: A Chinese military product manufacturer. In the United States, the federal 1033 program allows for police departments, including riot police units, to request military equipment for circumstances that have arrived or that may arrive in the future. Because of this program, police militarization has expanded across each state allowing state riot police to receive military style gear similar to that of
440-935: A calm tone) can be enough to stop it. However, these methods usually fail when there is severe anger with a legitimate cause, or the riot was planned or organized. Riot control personnel have long used less lethal weapons such as batons and whips to disperse crowds and detain rioters. Since the 1980s, riot control officers have also used tear gas , pepper spray , rubber bullets , stun grenades , and electric tasers . In some cases, riot squads may also use Long Range Acoustic Devices , water cannons , armoured fighting vehicles , aerial surveillance , police dogs or mounted police on horses. Persons performing riot control typically wear protective equipment such as riot helmets , face visors, body armor (vests, neck protectors, knee pads, etc.), gas masks and riot shields . Even though riot tactics are effective in controlling crowds, they can also lead to significant psychological effects on both
550-560: A challenge for governments and administrations. Until early in the 20th century, no dedicated force really existed in most countries and the traditional response when the regular police force proved inadequate was to call upon the army, often with disastrous results: either fraternization or use of excessive violence. The terminology arguably first arises in the Keystone Cops short " A Hash House Fraud " in 1915. In France, for example, several revolts were fueled by poor handling by
660-529: A crusade to increase private profit at the expense of all other considerations, including the well-being and quality of life of the mass of the world's people," says Ronnie Hall, trade campaigner at Friends of the Earth International. "It seems to have a relentless drive to extend its power." On November 16, two weeks before the conference, President Bill Clinton issued Executive Order 13141—Environmental Review of Trade Agreements, which committed
770-564: A fragile ball which breaks upon impact and releases an irritant powder called PAVA (capsaicin II) pepper. The launchers are often slightly modified .68 caliber paintball guns. Stink bombs are devices designed to create an extremely unpleasant smell for riot control and area denial purposes. Stink bombs are believed to be less dangerous than other riot control chemicals, since they are effective at low concentrations. Sticky foam weapons are being tested, which cover and immobilize rioters with
880-421: A gooey foam. Low frequency sound cannons are weapons of various types that use sound to injure or incapacitate subjects using a focused beam of sound or infrasound . Active denial systems (ADS) are a non-lethal , directed-energy weapon developed by the U.S. military . The ADS directs electromagnetic radiation , specifically, high-frequency microwave radiation, at a frequency of 95 GHz , which causes
990-500: A large number of mass protests for Black Lives Matter to address systemic bias in police departments. Due to the high volume of protests, police departments and sparsely the National Guard were sent to end the long protests. Police departments often wore riot gear and used both projectiles and irritants to disperse the protesters. These incidents were widely documented through the use of social media. Documentation and support for
1100-566: A line parallel to the riot's front, extending to both its ends, as they noisily and simultaneously march and beat their shields with their batons, to cause fear and psychological effects on the crowd. In the United Kingdom, usually when large demonstrations take place that are deemed unstable, the territorial police force responsible for the demonstration in that area will usually deploy Police Support Unit personnel who are trained in riot tactics, along with normal divisional officers. If
1210-516: A major clash took place on Broadway in the vicinity of Denny Way, involving rocks, bottles, and police concussion grenades. It did not involve a black bloc, but appears to have included local residents, although it is known that many local residents were treated as protesters, even being teargassed, despite having no part in the protests. Police called in from other cities mistook the typically crowded streets of Capitol Hill as groups of protesters. More than 500 people were jailed on Wednesday. Throughout
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#17327837234581320-462: A move towards less-than-lethal tactics and de-escalation approaches. Contemporary riot gear incorporated innovations such as tear gas , rubber bullets , batons, pepper spray , and tasers , which contributes to minimizing injuries and casualties for all parties involved. These advancements have revolutionized crowd control by shifting from relying on lethal force to employing more less-than-lethal methods that prioritize public safety and safeguard
1430-433: A new era of Venezuelan riot police gear with military vehicles that included features like tear gas launchers and water cannons . The military vehicles were used as perimeter defense lines to contain the protests, and provide the riot police with enough power to inhibit the advancing violence. These military vehicles used by riot police around the world are commonly sourced from military product companies including Norinco ,
1540-484: A number of protesters still controlled the intersections using lockdown formations. That morning, the King County Sheriff's Office and Seattle Police Department fired pepper spray , tear gas canisters, and stun grenades at protesters at several intersections in an attempt to reopen the blocked streets and allow as many WTO delegates as possible through the blockade. At 6th Avenue and Union Street,
1650-485: A potentially lethal and dangerous situation. In the George Floyd protests of 2020, riot police used pepper spray, police projectiles, tear gas, among other riot gear resulting in numerous protestor injuries. When police escalate the use of force and arrests are made, studies have shown that the results often create more violence. The use of force, sometimes deadly force, is the point of interest for many protests around
1760-415: A prison yard. Dispensers are also made for attachment to helicopters; see CBU -19. The front-line officers in a riot control are often fully armored and carry weapons such as batons, designed to be in direct contact with the crowd. These officers subdue rioters and subsequently allow the less heavily armoured, more mobile officers to make arrests where it is deemed necessary. In face of a greater threat,
1870-519: A protesting or rioting crowd, or to clear a building. They can rapidly produce sensory irritation or disabling physical effects which usually disappear within 15 minutes (for tear gas) and up to 2 hours (for pepper spray) following termination of exposure. They can also be used for chemical warfare defense training, but their use in warfare itself is a violation of Article I.5 of the Chemical Weapons Convention . Article II.9 of
1980-455: A state of emergency, imposed a curfew , and a 50-block "no-protest zone." Overnight, the governor of Washington , Gary Locke , called in two battalions of Army National Guardsmen , other law enforcement agencies sent support, and before daylight on Wednesday, troops and officers lined the perimeter of the no-protest zone. Police surrounded and arrested several groups of would-be protesters (and more than one bystander). Beginning at 21:00,
2090-432: A student march from the north, a march of citizens of the developing world who marched in from the south and, beginning around 09:00, militant anarchists (in a formation known as a black bloc ) marching down Pike Street from 6th Avenue, blockading the streets with newspaper boxes and smashing windows. Some demonstrators held rallies, others held teach-ins and at least one group staged an early-morning street party. Meanwhile,
2200-478: A subsequent communique, they listed the particular corporations targeted, which they considered to have committed corporate crime. On July 12, the Financial Times reported that the latest United Nations Human Development report advocated "principles of performance for multinationals on labour standards, fair trade and environmental protection ... needed to counter the negative effects of globalisation on
2310-789: A total of $ 250,000. On January 30, 2007, a federal jury found that the city had violated protesters' Fourth Amendment constitutional rights by arresting them without probable cause or evidence. Inspired by these protests, a similar one occurred in Prague in September 2000. Around 12,000 activists gathered to protest during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank summit on September 27, 2000. DeLuca, Kevin Michael; Peeples, Jennifer (June 2002). "From Public Sphere to Public Screen: Democracy, Activism, and
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#17327837234582420-436: A trade-off that increases the amount of time needed to draw the sidearm in an emergency. Alternately, riot police may not carry sidearms at all. The initial choice of tactics determines the type of offensive equipment used. The base choice is between lethal (e.g. 12 gauge shotgun ) and less-than-lethal weaponry (e.g. tear gas , pepper spray , plastic bullets , tasers , batons , and other incapacitants ). The decision
2530-500: A water solution. Skin is suitably decontaminated of CS and CN gas by thorough washing with soap and water. CS is then decomposed, whereas CN is only removed via soap and water. The effects of CR gas are greatly increased by water, causing any attempt to DECON CR via soap and water to increase the severity and duration of the effects. When decontamination of CR is attempted with soap and water the effects of CR can last up to 48 hours Decontamination of material after contamination with CR gas
2640-454: Is a baton charge which involves police officers charging at a crowd of people with batons and in some cases, riot shields. They run at the crowd hitting people with their batons, and in some situations use riot shields to push them away. Baton charging is designed to cause the maximum amount of pain , in the hope that they would be compelled to move away from the scene, dispersing the crowd. There has been public controversy when it has come to
2750-425: Is a non-specific term for any chemical that is used to temporarily incapacitate through irritation of eyes and/or respiratory system. It is used as a hand-held spray or can be fired in canisters that heat up spewing out an aerosol cloud at a steady rate. While the use of tear gas in warfare is prohibited by various international treaties that most countries have signed, use by police and for private self-defense
2860-585: Is allowed to own and use these chemicals for self-defense. Some scholars have called for natural alternatives to limit long term health effects like those found in the Capsicum genus and the Zingiber genus. As protests and riots rage on throughout the world, there is an ongoing concern that riot control is having an impact on individuals' mental health. This rise in protests has caused an inevitable increase in law-enforcement violence, which has profound impacts on
2970-654: Is based on the perceived level of threat and the existing laws; in many countries it is illegal to use lethal force to control riots in all but the most extreme circumstances. Special riot hand weapons include the wooden or rubber baton ; the African sjambok , a heavy leather or plastic whip, and the Indian lathi , a 6 to 8 foot (1.8 to 2.4 m) long cane with a blunt metal tip. Vehicle-mounted water cannons may serve to augment personal weapons. Some water cannons let police add dye to mark rioters or tear gas to help disperse
3080-626: Is decided on by the presiding government. In Poland, for example, riot police are used in a variety of different ways including but not limited to: The United States has a long history of riot police being used in public events. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement and anti-war protests resulted in many instances of large protests across the country. In some cases, these protests would involve clashes between protestors and riot police. The riot police, at this time, did not have as advanced gear and technology, which forced
3190-495: Is evident from radio communication and from their inflated crowd estimates, which exceed the numbers shown on news videotapes. ARC investigators found the rumors of "Molotov cocktails" and sale of flammables from a supermarket had no basis in fact. But, rumors were important in contributing to the police sense of being besieged and in considerable danger. An article in the magazine The Nation disputed that Molotov cocktails have ever been thrown at an antiglobalization protest within
3300-721: Is not banned by these treaties. Popular tear gases include the eye irritants ortho-chlorobenzylidene-malononitrile (CS gas) , chloroacetophenone (CN gas) , and dibenz (b,f)-1,4-oxazepine (CR gas) . Among a long list of substances, these three have become of greater importance than the others because of their effectiveness and low risks when used. Today, CS has largely replaced CN as the most widely used tear gas internationally. At room temperature, tear gases are white solids. They are stable when heated and have low vapor pressure . Consequently, they are usually dispersed as aerosols . All of them have low solubility in water but can be dissolved in several organic solvents . Hydrolysis of CN
3410-401: Is not possible for up to 45 days. CS can be decontaminated l with a 5–10 percent soda solution or 2 percent alkaline solution. If this type of decontamination cannot be accomplished (e.g., contaminated rooms and furniture), then the only other means is by intensive air exchange—preferably with hot air. Exposed streets and sidewalks will have toxic and irritating CS powder that will be stirred into
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3520-441: Is very slow in a water solution, especially if alkali is added. CS is rapidly hydrolyzed in water solution (half-life at pH 7 is about 15 min. at room temperature) and extremely rapid when alkali is added (half-life at pH 9 is about 1 min.). CR is hydrolyzed only to a negligible extent in water solution. CN and CR are, thus, difficult to decompose under practical conditions, whereas CS can easily be inactivated by means of
3630-709: The 1920s — Shanghai had become one of the world's most dangerous cities due to a breakdown in law and order in the country and the growth of organised crime and the opium trade . Under Fairbairn, the SMP developed a myriad of riot control measures. These riot control techniques led to the introduction of Shanghai's "Reserve Unit", used to forcibly disband riots and respond to high-level crimes such as kidnappings and armed robberies . The skills developed in Shanghai have been adopted and adapted by both international police forces and clandestine warfare units. Fairbairn
3740-538: The AFL–CIO ), student groups, religion-based groups ( Jubilee 2000 ), and anarchists (some of whom formed a black bloc ). The protests also drew support from some political conservatives, such as American presidential candidate and commentator Pat Buchanan . The coalition was loose, with some opponent groups focused on opposition to WTO policies (especially those related to free trade ), with others motivated by prolabor, anticapitalist , or environmental agendas. Many of
3850-797: The Battle of Seattle , were a series of anti-globalization protests surrounding the WTO Ministerial Conference of 1999 , when members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) convened at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle , Washington on November 30, 1999. The Conference was to be the launch of a new millennial round of trade negotiations. The negotiations were quickly overshadowed by massive street protests outside
3960-730: The Special Weapons and Tactics teams. The police departments that received 1033 program funding are primarily smaller police departments. Riot gear became the key tools for police forces to combat large demonstrations, including political and economic protests and labor demonstrations, that sought change without the explicit consent of the presiding government. Riot police are tasked with police operations that require advanced tactics and equipment to control crowds and maintain public order. These duties may differ between riot police organizations in different countries, but they are often similar in that they are tasked with maintaining order that
4070-566: The United Kingdom . Another synthetic counterpart of pepper spray, pelargonic acid morpholide , was developed and is widely used in Russia . Its effectiveness compared to natural pepper spray is uncertain and it reportedly has caused some injuries. When undesirables threaten an area, such as a riot after a soccer game, riot police are called in to subdue them. In these situations, the police may use pepper spray, or water cannons to neutralize
4180-534: The World Trade Organization protests in Seattle disrupted the negotiated management tactics by riot police. The WTO protests went on for days with continuous clashes between protestors and police with tear gas , concussion grenades and riot shields. In August 2014, Michael Brown, an unarmed African-American eighteen-year-old, was shot and killed by police in Ferguson, Missouri. Protests began immediately following
4290-716: The 1900s and into the 2000s, riot gear technology has advanced with the help of the militarization of riot police organizations. Some riot gear technology, including tear gas , was originally created for its use in the military, specifically the First World War. In the United States in 1969, it was recorded that the riot police had extensive militarized gear including bulletproof vests, multiple-purpose grenades, water cannons , helicopters, batons , radio communication, barbed wire, police shields, and riot vehicles. In 2017, economic and political protests in Venezuela brought upon
4400-456: The 1999 WTO convention in Seattle threw Molotov cocktails at police. Two days later, The New York Times printed a correction saying that the protest was mostly peaceful and no protesters were accused of throwing objects at delegates or the police, but the original error persisted in later accounts in the mainstream media. The Seattle City Council also dispelled these rumors with its own investigation findings: The level of panic among police
4510-801: The Boeing story attributed it to Joe Hill (a union organizer who had been executed by firing squad in Utah in 1915). On the same day, the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development reported: developing countries have remained steadfast in their demand that developed countries honour Uruguay Round commitments before moving forward full force with new trade negotiations. Specifically, developing countries are concerned over developed countries' compliance with agreements on market access for textiles, their use of antidumping measures against developing countries' exports, and over-implementation of
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4620-533: The CWC specifically authorizes their use for domestic law enforcement. The active ingredient in pepper-spray is capsaicin , which is a chemical derived from the fruit of plants in the Capsicum genus, including chilies . Desmethyldihydrocapsaicin, a synthetic analogue of capsaicin also known as pelargonic acid vanillylamide or PAVA, is used in another version of pepper spray known as PAVA spray and used in
4730-591: The Capitol committed suicide in the following months: When looking at the January 6th riots, they present a contradiction, as many of the attendees were Republicans, which tend to favor and support the police There has become a shift now where Republicans have become more in favor of a limited government in order to conserve their freedoms. In terms of numbers, 80% of Republicans in the House of Representatives now favor
4840-563: The GRM progressively developed the doctrine and skills needed in that role: exercise restraint, avoid confrontation as long as possible, always leave an "exit door" for the crowd, etc. In 1940, after the fall of France, the German authorities had the GRM disbanded but it was reinstated in 1944 and renamed Mobile Gendarmerie in 1954. The first squad trained in modern techniques of riot control in Asia
4950-690: The Missouri Governor's call for National Guard assistance until the protests continuously diminished. In 2016, protests by groups of indigenous people, including the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, protested the building of the 1,200 mile Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota. Large groups of protestors blockaded the construction zones for the pipeline, which prohibited the ability for the DAPL to further expand. Private security were
5060-503: The NGOs represented at the protests came with credentials to participate in the official meetings, while also planning various educational and press events. The AFL–CIO, with cooperation from its member unions, organized a large permitted rally and march from Seattle Center to downtown . However, others were more interested in taking direct action , including both civil disobedience and acts of vandalism and property destruction to disrupt
5170-629: The Paris Region). In 1926, the platoons formed the "Garde Républicaine mobile" (mobile republican guard or GRM), which became a distinct branch of the Gendarmerie in 1927, the platoons becoming part of companies and legions. By 1940, the GRM was a force 21,000 strong, composed of 14 Légions, 54 company groups and 167 companies. Long the only large force specialized in maintaining or restoring law and order in France during demonstrations or riots,
5280-523: The President should be held criminally responsible for the deaths and injuries that the protesters had sustained. For protection, officers that are trained in police anti-riot schools performing riot control will often wear protective helmets and carry riot shields. These are designed to protect the wearer from those dangers that come from direct melee and hurled objects such as bottles and bricks. The gear frequently worn by riot control officers protects
5390-600: The Roman Empire , Boston Massacre , Haymarket Massacre , Banana Massacre , Hungarian Revolution of 1956 , Kent State Shootings , Soweto Uprising , Sharpeville massacre , Mendiola Massacre , Bloody Sunday (1905) , Ponce massacre , Río Piedras massacre , Bloody Sunday (1972) , 1989 Tiananmen Square protests , 2017 Venezuelan protests , 2018–2019 Gaza border protests , 2022 Sri Lankan protests , 2022 Kazakh unrest and Mahsa Amini protests . Maintaining order during demonstrations and quenching riots has always been
5500-559: The US. Though media coverage of the Battle in Seattle condemned the violence of some of the protesters, the nature of this violence has been justified by some people. Specifically, the violence employed was not person-to-person violence, but "acts directed toward property, not people." Though many still denounced the violent tactics used by protesters of the 1999 WTO meeting in Seattle, this violence clearly resulted in increased media coverage of
5610-848: The United States regards its police as civilians. However, the ambiguity of the laws allows for the police to act as military in conflicts with U.S. citizens which has typically been seen as legitimate or at least legal. There are also legitimate health and safety concerns. Some effects of riot agents include irritation, runny nose, chest tightness, coughing as well as swelling. Long term effects include blindness and respiratory failure. Death can also occur instantly due to chemical burns and respiratory failure. Different countries use different methods of riot control. Chloroacetophenone, chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (tear gas) and dibenzoxazepine are common ingredients for riot control. These are highly toxic and cancerous. Countries often have different standards for usage of chemicals like capsaicin (pepper spray) and who
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#17327837234585720-691: The United States to a policy of "assessment and consideration of the environmental impacts of trade agreements" and stated, "Trade agreements should contribute to the broader goal of sustainable development." Activists staged a spoof of Seattle daily newspaper the Post-Intelligencer on Wednesday November 24, inserting thousands of hoax editions of a four-page front-page wrap-around into piles of newspapers awaiting distribution to hundreds of street boxes and retail outlets. The spoof front-page stories were "Boeing to move overseas" (to Indonesia) and "Clinton pledges help for poorest nations". The byline on
5830-425: The United States. The recent trend in police militarization across the globe, especially the United States, has brought upon direct criticism from police abolitionist groups. Police abolitionist movements have called for the defunding and replacement of police forces in favor of social programs that support quality of life in people, thus reducing the need for people to commit crimes. Riot police are considered under
5940-531: The WTO Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs). On the morning of Tuesday, November 30, 1999, the DAN's plan was put into effect. Several hundred activists arrived in the deserted streets near the convention center and began to take control of key intersections. Over the next few hours, a number of marchers began to converge on the area from different directions. These included
6050-472: The WTO and appeared to side with the organizers of the rapidly developing storm of protest: The way it has used [its] powers is leading to a growing suspicion that its initials should really stand for World Take Over. In a series of rulings it has struck down measures to help the world's poor, protect the environment, and safeguard health in the interests of private—usually American—companies. "The WTO seems to be on
6160-486: The WTO, the International Monetary Fund , and the World Bank . Planning for the actions began months in advance and included local, national, and international organizations. Among the most notable participants were national and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as Global Exchange (especially those concerned with labor issues, the environment, and consumer protection), labor unions (including
6270-621: The WTO. Previous mass demonstrations had taken place in Australia in December 1997, in which newly formed grass-roots organizations blockaded Melbourne, Perth , Sydney, and Darwin city centers. Controversy over the city's response to the protests resulted in the resignation of the police chief of Seattle, Norm Stamper , and arguably played a role in Schell's loss to Greg Nickels in the 2001 mayoral primary election. The massive size of
6380-505: The air by traffic and pedestrians long after the cloud has dissipated, and should be washed away with water. In contrast to human beings, domesticated animals generally have lower sensitivity to tear gases. Dogs and horses can therefore be used by police for riot control even when tear gas is used. Backpack dispensers for riot control agents, when the intent is to use a larger quantity than possible with grenades, are one type of device used by organizations that might, for example, need to cover
6490-512: The average person. When working the frontline of a riot is added, these numbers are bound to go up. For example, during the unrest after the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor , the number of recorded cases of PTSD among police officers skyrocketed upwards of 30%. With the increase in mental illness from the civil unrest and public scrutiny, many police officers resigned, resorted to substance abuse, and even suicide. Symptoms that Police Officer may face after riots: January 6th, 2021 ,
6600-549: The construction sites. In 2018 and 2019, France experienced massive protests known as the Yellow Vest Protests . The Yellow Vest Protests were primarily in response to rising costs of living, low wages, and vast inequality between higher and lower economic classes. These protests were immediately met with the French riot police. In some areas of Paris, including Place d'Italie, protestors became violent in response to
6710-491: The crowd threw objects back at the police. By late morning, the black bloc had swelled to 200 people and smashed dozens of shops and police cars. This seems to have set off a chain reaction of sorts, with previously nonviolent protesters throwing bottles at police and joining in the vandalism shortly before noon. The police were eventually overwhelmed by the mass of protesters downtown, including many who had chained themselves together and were blocking intersections. Meanwhile,
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#17327837234586820-430: The crowds. In major unrest, police in armoured vehicles may be sent in following an initial subduing with firepower. Occasionally, police dogs , fire hoses, or mounted police are deployed. Riot control agents (sometimes called RCAs) are non-lethal lachrymatory agents used for riot control. Most commonly used riot control agents are pepper spray and various kinds of tear gas. These chemicals enable to disperse
6930-632: The day, police used tear gas to disperse crowds downtown, although a permitted demonstration organized by the Steelworkers Union was held along the waterfront. Protests continued the following days. Thousands demonstrated outside the Seattle Police Department protesting their tactics and arrests of peaceful protestors. President Clinton arrived and attended the conference. On December 3 the conference ended as delegations were unable to reach agreements, partly in response to
7040-445: The defunding of police departments. Research into weapons that are more effective for riot control continues. Netguns are non-lethal weapons designed to fire a net which entangles the target. Netguns have a long history of being used to capture wildlife, without injury, for research purposes. A netgun is currently in development for non-lethal riot control. Pepper-spray projectile launchers are projectile weapons that launch
7150-694: The demonstration turns violent, police will seal roads and other exits to contain protesters in a single area (known as kettling ) to prevent widespread damage and wait until the protesters tire. These tactics were seen during the 2009 G-20 London summit protests and the 2010 student protests in London . Tear gas and other more offensive tactics are used as a last resort. Throughout police will be videoing or photographing protesters for future arrests, " snatch squad " tactics might also be used where several police officers, usually in protective riot gear, rush forwards, occasionally in flying wedge formation to break through
7260-450: The different coalitions that aligned in protest were the "teamsters and turtles" – a blue–green alliance consisting of the teamsters (trade unions) and environmentalists. Certain activists, including locals and an additional group of anarchists from Eugene, Oregon (where they had gathered that summer for a music festival), advocated more confrontational tactics, and conducted vandalism of corporate properties in downtown Seattle. In
7370-508: The distinction between riots and protests. Between 2022 and 2023, several protests in Peru erupted who were against the Congress and President Dina Bolurate. In December of 2022, the government suspended several constitutional rights. These included the right to prevent troops from entering and staying in one's home, the freedom of movement, and the freedom of assembly. The force used against
7480-483: The effects of violence on media coverage, the 2001 WTO meeting in Doha, Qatar, included no reports of violence. As a result, "there was absolutely no TV evening news coverage by the four major networks." This coverage did not center exclusively on the violence. Instead, details of the protesters' message and antiglobalization campaign were included along with the discussions of symbolic violence taking place. DeLuca believes
7590-595: The entire body with no vulnerable spots to exploit. For example, the helmets worn by riot control officers have an additional outward-extending part that protects the back of the neck from assault. To provide even greater protection, the protective equipment often provides ballistic protection. If tear gas or other riot control agents are to be used, gas masks may also be worn. While the visual of police in full riot gear may be intimidating, today's riot suits are designed to minimize injuries and prevent fatalities for both officers and citizens. This evolution of riot gear signifies
7700-435: The event. The WTO meeting had an increase in evening news airtime from 10 minutes and 40 seconds on the first day of the meeting to 17 minutes on the first day of violence. In addition, WTO coverage was the lead or second story on CNN , ABC , CBS , and NBC after violence was reported. Two days after the start of violence, the meeting remained the top story on three of the four networks. Though these numbers alone are telling,
7810-497: The first to respond, which escalated the protests and created violent clashes between private security personnel and protestors. Following a federal judge's order to allow construction to continue, riot police arrived on the scene. The riot police arrived with armored military vehicles, helmets, face protectors, kevlar vests , shields, and other standard riot gear. Water cannons , pepper spray , and non-lethal weapons were used to disperse protestors and destroy protestor encampments on
7920-523: The front of a crowd, with the objective of snatching one or more individuals from a riot that are attempting to control the demonstration at which they are present; the target may be a leader or a speaker, or someone who seems to be leading the crowd. This tactic was used in the 2011 England Riots , most notably by Greater Manchester Police who deployed this tactic in Manchester city centre on 9 August 2011. A more straightforward tactic police may use
8030-520: The hotels and the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. The protests were nicknamed " N30 ", akin to J18 and similar mobilizations, and were deemed controversial by the media. The large scale of the demonstrations, estimated at no fewer than 40,000 protesters, dwarfed any previous demonstration in the United States against a world meeting of any of the organizations generally associated with economic globalization , such as
8140-440: The late-morning labor-organized rally and march drew tens of thousands; though the intended march route had them turning back before they reached the convention center, some ignored the marshals and joined what had become a chaotic scene downtown. At noon, the opening ceremony at the convention center was officially canceled. It took police much of the afternoon and evening to clear the streets. Seattle mayor Paul Schell declared
8250-529: The media coverage of subsequent demonstrations that did not include violence by protesters shows even more the effect of violence on coverage. For example, the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (WB/ IMF ) meetings in the spring showed a "coverage pattern that was almost the reverse of that in Seattle" and that "suggests the crucial role of violence in garnering time on the public screen." In an even more striking example of
8360-522: The meeting. Several groups were loosely organized together under the Direct Action Network (DAN), with a plan to disrupt the meetings by blocking streets and intersections downtown to prevent delegates from reaching the convention center, where the meeting was to be held. The black bloc was not affiliated with DAN, but was responding to the original call for autonomous resistance actions on November 30 issued by People's Global Action . Of
8470-537: The mental health of protesters and police officers, including PTSD , anxiety, and depression. Studies have shown that rubber bullets, water cannons, and tear gas cause not only problems like eye irritation and external and internal injuries, but can also cause individuals to develop psychological issues. This all comes after the American Public Health Association named police violence as a "public health issue," making it crucial to study
8580-574: The military. The National Gendarmerie created specialized "mobile" gendarmerie forces several times during the 19th century in times of trouble but these units were disbanded soon after the end of the troubles they had been tasked to handle and there was no permanent organization in place until it was finally decided in 1921 to create "Mobile Gendarmerie platoons" within the Departmental Gendarmerie . These platoons, either horse mounted or on foot were composed of 40 gendarmes each (60 in
8690-540: The more stressful jobs in law enforcement. Riot police are frequently placed on the front lines of violent protests and riots, possibly putting each individual police officer's health and safety at risk. Studies, in recent years, have shown a correlation between higher stress levels among police officers leading to lower quality of life ratings. In 2018, a Turkish study, researching the quality of life in riot police, found that riot police are significantly affected by negative mental health. The research found that roughly 50% of
8800-549: The other hand, 37% of Cypriot riot police believe that "citizens file complaints against the police for no reason". Riot police in the United States, France, and many other places, have experienced a rise in protests against the police. These protests have been met by riot police with the controversial use of specific militarized riot gear. In the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in North Dakota, riot police used water cannons during freezing temperatures which caused
8910-653: The police categorization for replacement because of the instances of brutality on protestors in mass protests such as the Ferguson Protests . In Cyprus, riot police have come under fire recently for hiding their identities when performing police duties such as crowd control. Cypriot law enforcement has been using helmets and gear to cover their faces and badges in order to remain anonymous when dealing with protests and crowds. Citizens of Cyprus believe that riot police hiding their identities allows them to avoid repercussions for actions they may take during their work. On
9020-489: The police presence. These protestors vandalized private businesses, including banks, and setting fire to police barricades. The riot police responded with standard riot police gear including tear gas , riot batons , and riot shields . In 2023, French police shot and killed a 17-year-old, leading to national protests that required the use of riot police. President Macron , and the French government , repeatedly called to quell
9130-486: The poorest nations". The report itself argued, "An essential aspect of global governance is responsibility to people—to equity, to justice, to enlarging the choices of all". On July 16, Helene Cooper of The Wall Street Journal warned of an impending "massive mobilization against globalization" being planned for the end-of-year Seattle WTO conference. Next day, the London Independent newspaper savaged
9240-531: The practices of corporations that drive so much of America's economy. To many in North American anarchist and radical circles, the Seattle WTO riots, protests, and demonstrations were viewed as a success. Prior to the "Battle of Seattle", almost no mention was made of "antiglobalization" in the US media, while the protests were seen as having forced the media to report on 'why' anybody would oppose
9350-424: The protest added $ 3 million to the city's estimated meeting budget of $ 6 million, partly due to city cleanup and police overtime bills. In addition, the damage to commercial businesses from vandalism and lost sales has been estimated at $ 20 million. On January 16, 2004, the city of Seattle settled with 157 individuals arrested outside of the no-protest zone during the WTO events, agreeing to pay them
9460-462: The protesters resulted in at least six hundred injuries and sixty deaths. Spain had traditionally funded the government in past years and continued to do so to provide weaponry and funding to dismantle these protests. The NGO Amnesty International called on Spain to discontinue these exports citing it as "lethal repression." The security forces came in with assault weapons and in one incident opened fire on protesters. Amnesty International interpreted that
9570-593: The protesters, a survey found that 25.7% of the population experienced depression, while 9.1% had thoughts of committing suicide. There were similar findings during the Arab Spring in Egypt, where school children in schools near the Tahrir Square (the location of massive riots) were experiencing higher rates of depression. In France, it was found that Yellow Vest protesters who encountered police violence had
9680-721: The protests further facilitated the movement. One study, recorded by the National Institute of Health, studied the usage of social media as well as its contributions to the movement's legitimacy. Counter-protesters as well as right wing militia committed violence against the protesters in addition to police departments. Instead of irritants or other standardized tools for riot control, these counter-protesters often used more violent techniques such as ramming into protesters with their cars. Data supports that Black Lives Matter protests in particular were faced with much more state intervention. Suppression techniques that were used by both
9790-402: The protests, disorderly. The riot police utilized riot gear including rifles, riot shields, tear gas, non-lethal weapons, and armored vehicles. After the police officer that shot and killed Michael Brown was identified to the public, the protests reignited with more riot police in helmets, face protectors, gas masks , riot batons, shields, and kevlar vests . The riot place were later supported by
9900-403: The protests. Confrontations with the police continued, albeit at a lower intensity. The primary goal of disrupting the trade talks achieved, some sought the horizons of possibility; it was determined quickly that the necessary ambition to achieve the broader goals of various anarchist factions was not sufficient. The New York Times printed an erroneous article that stated that protesters at
10010-434: The protests. Some Paris suburbs experienced damaged buildings and burning cars on the streets. Throughout France, upwards of 40,000 police officers were dispatched, many of them fitted in riot gear. French riot police used tear gas , riot batons , and riot shields in an attempt to slow down the protests. Approximately 170 police officers were injured during the protests. The riot police occupation has been considered one of
10120-458: The psychological effects caused by riots. The Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests are an example that has been studied due to its psychological health effects, stemming from the severe nature of the police response. During these protests in Hong Kong, the police reportedly used upwards of 16,000 canisters of tear gas on these protesters. In response to the extreme amount of force used on
10230-412: The psychological effects of riot control, it is important to also examine how police officers are impacted by riots. They are exposed to some of the same risks and challenges, such as having objects thrown at them, being physically assaulted, and being exposed to RCA’s . Even without riots considering riots, police officers already have almost double the risk of developing PTSD, depression, and anxiety than
10340-529: The reports his death. The Ferguson Police Department enlisted help from the St. Louis County Police Department to contain the ongoing unrest from the crowd of protestors. The St. Louis County Police Department enacted the county's Code 1000 plan, enabling the department to receive direct assistance from nearby police departments. Riot police from multiple police departments combined in response. For multiple days, these protests were both peaceful and, in some locations of
10450-505: The riot police examined showed clear signs of both anxiety and depression. Furthermore, levels of anger among riot police were high, which was shown in combination with anxiety and depression to lower the quality of life for these officers. It is hypothesized in the research that the lower quality of life indicators could result in more aggressive action by riot police. The research concluded with an argument for developing programs to minimize negative mental health factors in riot police including
10560-524: The riot police to have significant face-to-face violent clashes resulting in injuries and deaths of both protestors and police. The 1980s brought in a new era of riot police that intended to use less face-to-face clashes by using more militarized gear and negotiated management. The use of negotiated management sought to improve the riot police's ability to communicate verbally among police and protestors in an attempt to lower violence, increase periods of calm, and improve public views of protest policing. In 1999,
10670-429: The riot police will be backed up with other officers equipped with riot guns to fire tear gas , rubber bullets , plastic bullets or "beanbag" rounds . As a less aggressive step, mounted police may first be sent into the crowd. The might and height offered by the horse are combined with its training, allowing an officer to more safely infiltrate a crowd. Usually, when front-facing a riot, officers slowly walk in
10780-473: The rioters and the police. Exposure to intense fear, stress, and violence during these confrontations can result in long-term mental health issues, like anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and heightened aggression, which can impact the well-being of protesters and police officers. There have been cases where lethal weapons are used to violently suppress a protest or riot, as in the Nika Riots in
10890-528: The state and right wing counter-protesters resulted in injury and death. Both during and after the protests, there were many pieces of legislation that either were passed or were written to curb these protests. Law makers and the public questioned riot control and its violations of the First Amendment including the right to assembly and the right to free speech. 45 U.S. states had considered this legislation. Concerns were raised by both political parties on
11000-399: The tactics of riot control. Moral and legal questions have emerged regarding constitutional rights such as the right to assembly as well as free speech. This form of state violence is also controversial as discussions have emerged regarding the legitimacy as well as the ethics of containing protests. There are discussions on the implications of the perceived military-civilian split. For example,
11110-427: The threat. Pepper spray typically comes in canisters, which are often small enough to be carried or concealed in a pocket or purse. Pepper spray can also be bought concealed in items such as rings . There are also pepper spray projectiles available, which can be fired from a paintball gun . Having been used for years against demonstrators, it is increasingly being used by police in routine interventions. Tear gas
11220-718: The use of regular mental health screenings. Historically, riot police have been criticized by labor unions and organized strikes. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, labor unions and picketers were subjected to harsh police crackdowns that involved bouts of police brutality to squash the labor movements. Labor historians have argued that riot police became a strong wing of the government in protecting capital. Industrialization brought in more aggressive police response to labor protests to force workers to abandon their efforts. The ramping up of riot police violence in deterring labor organization caused radicalization and politicization among workers and worker organizations throughout much of Canada and
11330-410: The violence served as a dense surface that opened viewers' and readers' minds to a whole new way of thinking about globalization and corporations' operations. That is, not only was this violence contained within the familiar setting of television, and not only did it meet the criteria of being dramatic and emotional enough to warrant air time, but it also shattered preconceived notions of globalization and
11440-404: The water in the upper epidermis to boil, stimulating a "burning" sensation in the nerve endings and generating intense pain. Dazzler lasers are directed-energy weapons that use intense light to cause temporary blindness or disorientation of rioters. 1999 Seattle WTO protests Active Defunct Publications Works The 1999 Seattle WTO protests , sometimes referred to as
11550-531: The well-being of law enforcement officers. One of many additional concerns is to prevent people in the crowd from snatching officers' side arms , which may be stolen or even used against the police. In a very heavy crowd, the officer may not be able to see who is responsible for snatching a weapon, and may not even notice that it has happened. For this reason, riot police may have holsters with positive locking mechanisms or other extra means of retention, if their agencies can afford such tools. However, this can be
11660-416: The world. Riot control Riot control measures are used by law enforcement , military , paramilitary or security forces to control , disperse, and arrest people who are involved in a riot , unlawful demonstration or unlawful protest . If a riot is both spontaneous and irrational, then actions which cause people to stop and think for a moment (e.g. loud noises or issuing instructions in
11770-660: Was a trying time for all Americans as protesters stormed the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. In the process, they beat, trampled, sprayed police officers with chemicals, overwhelmed the police, and almost killed numerous police officers who attempted to stop them from entering the Capitol. In response to this horrific event, members of the Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department are to this day suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The trauma
11880-645: Was again the central figure, not only leading the Reserve Unit, but teaching his methods around the world, including in the United States , and colonial Cyprus and the Straits Settlements . George Floyd was a Black man who was murdered by a Minneapolis Police Officer in May of 2020 during an arrest. Subsequently, many Americans protested for Black Lives Matter . The summer of 2020 oversaw
11990-576: Was formed in 1925 in colonial Shanghai as a response to the mismanaged riot of the May Thirtieth Movement . New policing methods, including combat pistol shooting , hand to hand combat skills, and knife fight training, were pioneered by British Assistant Commissioner William E. Fairbairn and officer Eric Anthony Sykes of the Shanghai Municipal Police as a response to a staggering rise in armed crime in
12100-606: Was so significant that Police Officers Bobby Tabron and DeDivine K. Carter of the Metropolitan Police Department filed a lawsuit against former President, Donald J. Trump . They cite that by inciting the mob, Donald Trump caused them "severe injuries" and great "emotional distress." Both officers still suffer from recurrent dreams and thoughts of the horrific attack on the Nation's Capitol Building. Beyond this lawsuit, multiple police officers who responded to
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