DEFINITIONS:
Crowd. A group of individuals whose presence or predicted behaviour necessitates the use of preventive measures to maintain order.
Demonstration. A mob that is sympathetic to authority or is vocalizing or assembling in opposition to any political, economic, or social issue.
Riot. A breach of the peace perpetrated in violence by a group of people to achieve a shared goal by carrying out some venture via concerted action against anybody who could oppose them.
Disaster. A catastrophe is defined as any extreme or catastrophic circumstance that endangers or results in the loss of lives and/or property.
It is an uncomfortable concept to consider being engaged in a crowd control crisis, but it is one for which a Security Guard must prepare. Normally, a person may find it difficult to comprehend that they may become personally involved in riot control. However, if such riots, vandalism, or looting spilled into an area or onto property for which a guard was responsible, he or she would very likely become engaged. For another scenario, if the facility or building to which a guard was posted became the site of a strike or demonstration, the violence and disorderly crowds that are so often associated with these events might become a dangerous reality.
Do not believe that a single Security Guard, or even a dozen, would or could significantly alter the path of a full-fledged riot. However, if these circumstances are limited to non-violent activities, it is feasible to deal with them on equal and non-lethal terms prior to any unrest. Given enough training, security may be able to respond to a pre-riot situation with remarkable efficacy and disperse a disorderly gathering. “Keep your head and remain totally impartial,” it is quite easy to say.
Unfortunately, it is more difficult for anybody to accomplish, especially under the nerve-wracking stress of a mob situation. Nonetheless, it must be done. Remember, it is the responsibility of security to protect such property, equipment, or information. No matter what is going on around you, every act performed by security must be completely lawful.
Security guards may be unable to do more than identify leaders or take mental notes sufficient to allow a guard to attest to the identity of an offender in court. If that is all the guard can do and they are capable of doing it, they have done a good job.
Psychological Factors
In addition to the elements that drive crowds to develop and change peaceful groups into chaotic mobs, those dealing with crowds must recognize that a small crowd frequently draws a large number of originally indifferent people, thereby growing its size. Certain psychological variables contribute to the snowball effect:
1. Security. Certain people may be drawn to a crowd because of the sense of protection and safety they get from being in big groups. This situation is most likely to occur during times of civil upheaval, when big gangs wander the streets, plundering and endangering the safety and tranquil lives of individuals, who grow scared for their well-being and join the gang for the security it may provide.
2. Suggestion. People who join a crowd have a tendency to adopt the opinions of a dominating member without conscious or conscious resistance. If the dominant member uses their words and thoughts with enough power, they may impact the excellent judgment and common sense thinking of people around them. There is a propensity to adopt even the most outlandish beliefs, converting the vulnerable into thoughtless followers.
3. Novelty. A person may join a crowd as a pleasant change from their daily routine and, via persuasion and suggestion, respond enthusiastically to what they consider good form in these new circumstances.
4. Identity loss. The “security” element is analogous. In a crowd, the individual tends to lose self-consciousness and individuality. As a result, individuals may feel protected, believing that they will not be caught or punished for any crime in which they may participate.
5. Emotional release. Individual biases and unmet needs that are ordinarily suppressed may be unleashed in an emotional crowd. This short release of emotions is a powerful motivation for an individual to join in crowd activities. It allows him/her to accomplish things that he/she has always wanted to do but has never dared to undertake.
Types of Crowds
Crowd behaviour varies greatly based on the driving interest. Crowds are classed based on their behaviour patterns, and any security measures must be based on the recognition and knowledge of the sort of crowd that must be dealt with. The following outline represents the majority of crowd kinds that may be seen in this country:
1. Acquisitive. An acquisitive crowd is driven by the desire to obtain or “acquire” something. It is best exemplified by a mob of customers looking for scarce things or at an auction sale. They have no leaders, little in common, and each member is just concerned with himself or herself.
2. Expressive. Members of this sort of crowd congregate to express their views, such as during a convention or political rally. Generally, the outspoken audience is well-behaved. Officials may, however, support protests because when they are prevented or controlled, anger develops and their previously happy enthusiasm is replaced by animosity.
3. Spectator. This group has gathered to observe out of curiosity, education, or enjoyment. It is almost always well-behaved and good-natured at first, but because spectator athletic events, parades, and other events tend to arouse emotions fast, this sort of crowd can soon become chaotic and violent.
4. Sightseer. At the scene of a fire, accident, or tragedy, this sort of throng forms practically spontaneously. Everyone is interested. Most people will be cooperative and ready to help. They are equally eager to stand still and gaze at whatever horror has transpired. When they try to help, they are prone to becoming excessive and interfering with professional procedures.
5. Hostile. Crowds of this type are typically motivated by sentiments of hatred and fear, to the point that they are willing to fight for what they want. Strikers, political protests, and hoodlums or rival mobs are the most visible sorts. Hostile crowds may have leaders who direct and sustain a high level of hatred among their followers, although this sort of crowd does not always require any specific leaders if all members are equally enraged about the problem.
When the more strong individuals who seize leadership excite it, it might be a “seedbed” for “mob” activity. It might even be sparked into violence by the unfavourable behaviour of individual security officers. Aroused crowds frequently express their displeasure and animosity on those tasked with keeping order. Some people may try to bait Security.
Guards into making mistakes in judgment or using excessive force in order to discredit authorities or further inspire crowd members to perform illegal activities or oppose efforts to recover control. Typically, such crowd activities take the form of insults, obscenities, and petty annoyances focused towards one or two particular guards. Verbal abuse must be disregarded, no matter how vexing it becomes. On the other hand, people who assault, hurl rocks, or otherwise interfere with protection troops must be dealt with immediately.
Sufficient personnel is essential for handling a hostile mob. If a nonviolent demonstration or other big crowd gathering looks to be hostile, do not hesitate to report it and request quick help. This does not, however, imply that you may or should use unwarranted force. Such conduct is never justifiable. Crowds that are potentially harmful may typically be handled using the following methods:
1. Before the crowd can develop unity of purpose, people implicated in triggering an incident should be removed or isolated. This may produce transient animosity in a tiny percentage of the audience. It is consequently critical to remove the subject(s) from the area as soon as possible. An nasty incident can be avoided if the source of annoyance is removed. Remember that using excessive force might ruin your goal and set the entire audience against you.
2. Split the crowd apart into tiny, separate groups. After a crowd has collected and gained a degree of togetherness, the police frequently arrive at the scene of an accident or hastily planned rally. Individuals in the crowd become collectively influenced and directed due to the close contact of the crowd members and the intensity of the scenario. Individual controls are lost, and everyone is influenced by the atmosphere and sentiments of the mob. During the “milling process,” this collective enthusiasm is transferred to each member of the group.
The presence of a enough force to disperse the throng and divide it into tiny isolated groups before it gets frenzied and belligerent, is an efficient means of coping with the “milling process”.
Security requires a display of force, which does not always imply the use of force. The simple presence of a sufficient number of well-disciplined and well-trained persons who appear to be equipped to cope with the issue is frequently sufficient.
3. Take out the crowd leaders. The most enthusiastic and outspoken individuals of a crowd emerge as the informal leaders. Removing or isolating the agitators adds significantly to crowd dispersion.
Isolating the more raucous folks should be undertaken only if there is enough manpower available. Inadequate manpower does not impress a crowd, and violence may ensue. Individual heroism is not only reckless, but also hazardous.
4. Divert the crowd’s attention. A public address system used on the outside of a crowd to urge people to “break up and go home” may be an effective crowd dispersion method. Amplifying the command’s authoritative tone draws the attention of individuals in the crowd and breaks the spell established by the more ecstatic crowd members.
5. A hostile crowd that refuses to disperse can also be managed by compelling individuals to focus their attention on themselves rather than the group’s aims. Instead of a direct assault on the crowd, a series of random arrests are made of those on the outskirts of the crowd. The audience will quickly realize that more people are being detained. However, the fact that arrests are jeopardized by arbitrary selection prompts individuals to fear about their safety, resulting in a spontaneous dispersal.
6. Utilizing a renowned leader to counterbalance establishing leadership in a crowd is an effective approach of using someone with higher appeal to the crowd. A trusted labour leader, a member of the church, a well-known sports personality, or a well-known civil rights leader may frequently prevail in pleading for order and reason.
Depending on the origin and cause of the crowd’s creation, an appropriate public figure or authority may be of tremendous assistance in soothing the crowd’s enthusiasm and emotions.
7. Try to keep fear from spreading in a crowd. Panic is produced by fear and is most commonly encountered among those escaping tragedy or the possibility of disaster or violence. The major source of anxiety is an obstruction in the escape path. Directing activities should try to provide an escape path while also dividing the mob into smaller groups if possible. The following control strategies might be used:
- Show a helpful, calm, and confident demeanour. To provide directions and useful information, loudspeakers should be employed.
- Use sensible members of the audience to help calm or isolate emotional people.
- First-aid and medical treatment should be given to the injured and weak, especially the elderly and children.
- To channel movement in the desired direction, use security to block off pathways. It is critical that the police and security personnel do not frighten a crowd via premature action, arrogance, or thoughtlessness.
8. An escape crowd is one that is striving to run from something that they are afraid of. It lacks a leader and is entirely chaotic, yet it is homogeneous in that everyone is motivated by the same desire: to flee. When an escape mob reaches safety, its homogeneity is lost, and its members must be treated as individuals. The biggest hazard in dealing with a mob of this size is found during the stage when the multitude is on the move, when blind fear is widespread.
Security and Demonstrations
Security agencies tasked with supervising protests have a dual obligation. Regardless of their personal beliefs, they must safeguard peaceful individuals exercising their right to demonstrate. Spectators who oppose the march pose a possible threat of violence. This is sometimes exacerbated by counter-demonstrations, whether orchestrated or impromptu.
Control forces must also safeguard the general public from protestors who violate others’ rights. The most typical issues arise when protestors engage in “sit ins,” etc., and infringe on the property rights of others.
Formation of a Mob
A crowd or demonstration will devolve into a mob if it has been preconditioned by vexing events, stirred by rumours, and inflamed by professional agitators who appeal to emotions rather than logic. Hostility reigns supreme, and unity has replaced chaos and disorder. The early frustrations caused by agitation and rumour necessitate a climactic occurrence to rouse the crowd. It might happen for a variety of causes. The perceived weakening of the power and attitudes of security groups tasked with maintaining the peace may frequently impact it.
Responsibility and Behaviour of Protective Groups
All persons must be safeguarded. This entails treating everyone fairly and equally. Maintain a neutral stance and provide no special advantages. Act firmly but without belligerence or undue force. After an order is issued, it must be carried out in order to maintain public order and carry out the traditional purpose of safeguarding citizens’ lives and property, as well as ensuring the basic rights of all people.
If you see a hostile throng forming, never be afraid to ask for help. In these situations, it is far better to overestimate the number of people required to restore order than to operate alone or to underestimate your needs. A display of strength not only restrains the mob, but it also provides the required manpower.
Order must be restored. Approaching the more outspoken members of a crowd is an efficient way of dealing with a crowd. When addressing these individuals, be forceful and precise in your demands. Do not get embroiled in a debate. Use straightforward language to alert individuals about the infractions they are doing or may be committing. Request that the infractions cease and the crowd disperse. Allow the audience to go calmly and without interruption. If the mob refuses authority and the apparent leaders refuse to disperse it, arrests should be made or police aid should be requested.
When dealing with an agitated or angry crowd, keep in mind that it is potentially hazardous and that it only takes a minor event to convert it into a mob. Your example and ability to keep order are the most effective deterrents to mob activity.
How do I Deal with the Media?
Everyone in Canada is granted “freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression, including freedom of the press and other methods of communication,” according to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This is sometimes referred to as “press freedom,” and it means that the media in a democratic country is free to speak anything they want without fear of repercussions.
If you are guarding a location where something noteworthy has occurred, such as an accident, a crime, a visiting celebrity, a labour strike, etc., the media may be quite interested in speaking with you. It is your responsibility to safeguard the people and information on your site. It is not your role to represent the organization.
Examine your post orders to check whether a Public Relations representative is listed as a contact. This is the individual who is authorized to do media interviews or issue press releases. If no Public Relations representative is named:
- Please direct any media inquiries to a site manager or your employer.
- Make no remarks or express your own opinions, even if they say it’s “off the record.”
- Avoid answering with “no remark,” since this might be used against you.
How to Create A Barricade or Staging Area?
In some situations, there is an expected or unexpected huge flux of people such as: big events, courts, music festivals or protests. In these type of situations security guards may need to create a barricade to perform crowd control. From correctly inserting barricade feet to creating corners with large and small bridge feet, here are steps to set up a barricade correctly.
Inserting Metal Barricade Feet
There are three types of feet for pedestrian barricades:
Roller feet are ideal for large events, like outdoor concerts and festivals, where you might need to rearrange your barricades throughout the day.
Flat feet are designed for flat surfaces like sidewalks, roadways, and parking lots. They grip concrete and sit flush to the ground, reducing the risk of pedestrian tripping injuries in high foot traffic areas.
Bridge feet work best on uneven surfaces like at fairgrounds, golf courses, and public parks. They come equipped with feet shaped like – you guessed it – bridges. Bridge feet stabilize barricades on uneven ground.
Barricade feet slide into posts on either side of the barricades. After they’ve been inserted, a screw is inserted that secures the feet.
Setting Up Barricade Corners
When you are setting up a queue with corners, you will need two types of barricade feet: small bridge feet and large bridge feet. To set up a corner, arrange the large bridge foot on top of the small foot at ninety-degree angles, then interlock the edges of the barricade to create a strong wall.
Leaving Space For Barricade Swing Gates
Once a line of barricades is arranged, it’s difficult to take that line apart. Metal barricades are built to interlock to create a sturdy barrier that is difficult to disrupt. Removing one barricade from a queue line will disrupt the integrity of the entire line. That’s why it’s essential to use barricade swing gates to allow room for emergencies, event workers, and security professionals to pass through. Standard width swing gates are wide enough to allow for pedestrians, workers, and officials to pass through. Extra wide swing gates are wide enough to allow room for equipment dollies, small pieces of machinery, or wheelchairs and other ADA equipment.
