Changing Nature of Public Disorder in the Street (From Crime Prevention Perspectives and Practices, P (23)-32, 1989, National Crime Prevention Council, compil. -- See NCJ-116975)

• NCJ Number: 116978
• Author(s): R Altmann
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Description
• Language: English
• Country: West Germany (Former)
• Note: A discussion paper prepared for the Ad Hoc Working Group on the International Exchange of Crime Prevention Information. For microfiche, see NCJ-116975.

Annotation

When countering the threat of public demonstrations by radical antisocial groups in West Germany, the police use the principles of proactive response, conceptual planning, and professional action.

Abstract

A proactive response involves acting to prevent or defuse violent demonstrations. The police must conceptualize all possible circumstances and plan relevant police responses. Through intelligence work and observation, the police can identify members of radical groups who are prone to violence. Peaceful members of such groups must be targeted for tactical police public relations efforts. Conceptual planning involves detailing a police response plan for every eventuality, such that violence is prevented or curtailed. Professional action means that the police act according to the plans tailored to the situation they are confronting. Overall, the police can be effective in preventing and managing violent demonstrations if they follow strategic and tactical principles, communicate effectively both inside and outside the police organization, develop flexible tactical and operational concepts, and execute the operation according to the criteria of a coordinated offensive or defensive concept.