NCJ Number
82644
Date Published
Unknown
Length
28 pages
Annotation
Police plans in countering a rumored riot at a national motorcycle race in Prince George's County, Md. in 1965 are described.
Abstract
The rumored riot stemmed from police arrests of three motorcyclists claiming to be Hell's Angels at a beach in Prince George's County. The cyclists threatened to return in force to 'tear up the county' on the occasion of the Labor Day Race. This report grew from work conducted by two sociologists who worked in cooperation with the police to examine characteristics of recent riots and disturbances associated with recreational or sporting events and develop policies for dealing with the threat of Labor Day civil disorder associated with the race. Plans were made for all the events and contingencies of the long weekend. A particular effort was made to avoid polarization of relations between the authorities and the participating motorcyclists. There were plans to work with the local motorcyclist organizations involved in race planning, so they could be involved in the control effort. Also, there was a focus on ensuring the provision of adequate facilities, so as to structure the provision of essential services and entertainment. Another objective was to monitor the events of the weekend. Although cooperation with the local motorcycle organizations was not as close as desired, the police officers were repeatedly told by their superiors to treat the cyclists with professional courtesy and objectivity, being careful not to harass them or interfere with their legitimate activities. Although there were minor skirmishes among the cyclists, observation enabled the police to move in quickly and with a show of force to prevent the expansion of disorder. The cyclists were able to pursue and complete their racing activities, while the community and the participants were protected from the property damage and physical harm that could have accompanied widespread civil disorder. Nineteen footnotes are provided.