NCJ Number
81645
Date Published
1981
Length
330 pages
Annotation
This updated edition of a comprehensive treatment of riot control covers the tactics and tools for containing civil disorders. The text's focus is on officer deployment, chemical agents for subduing and dispersing rioters, and armament, vehicles, and other special equipment.
Abstract
The volume asserts that effective nonlethal riot containment requires the organization and use of permanent, highly trained, and appropriately armed standby police units operating under local authority. Numerous tactics and formations that have been effective in pacifying mob-torn cities around the world are explained, and the latest technology and products are described and illustrated. For example, a section on hand-to-hand combat teaches the proper use of the riot baton. Other topics include containment, barricade, roadblock, and postriot operations, curfew, and looting. The text addresses police raids, especially command and personnel, tactics, and use of surprise. It discusses countertactics against snipers and outlines military tactics in riots. It also gives instructions for dealing with gasoline and other explosive devices often used by rioters. In addition, coverage includes the use of commercially available nonlethal agents, U.S. Army agents and dispersers, chemical projectors and generators, smoke, and hand-actuated liquid irritant projectors. Sections on equipment cover batons, firearms, optical aids, helmets, body armor, and sound systems, as well as products that are in the development stage. Hundreds of line drawings and photographs illustrate the text. The appendix lists sources and manufacturers of products. A listing of training plans and programs offered by the National Guard, the Army, various police departments, and manufacturers is included, along with titles of available texts. An index is provided.