While it is seldom, and usually not on a large scale, Officers and Cadets, as well as Freecops should be informed of proper tactics and execution of such.
I have heard (not true, a roleplay situation coming up may 23rd morning,) that President Gandalf is going to enact 4 new laws on May 22nd, that are going to provide a little good to the states, but overall is going to anger a lot of people.
I'm sure there will be a protest somewhere in Los Santos against the unfairness of the new laws, and if this protest gets too large and turns violent, we must all be ready.
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Isn't crowd control a SWAT worry?
NO!
All Peace Officers on duty, INCLUDING SWAT and FBI are responsible for crowd control and riot deterioration!
When a riot is in full force, Peace Officers must remember that if there are no firearms being used, then you are not to use a firearm.
Peace Officers must also remember that you can't just suspect everyone, look for those who are doing the most criminal acts, single them out, suspect and arrest.
All Peace Officers shall try their best to be armored (realistic, would represent Riot Gear).
All Peace Officers shall, for maximum protection, should engage in a line formation, side to side (because of lag, it'll be difficult, but we don't have to be PERFECTLY in line).
The ideal Crowd Control tactic:
There is a 90 man riot in Pershing Square. Benches are being overturned, burned, and broken. Food stands are being torched and overturned. Time for the Police to move in.
The Police should rendevous (meet up) approximately 1/3 mile (.3 km) away from the RIOT, just about out of Radar Range, but borderline. Once everyone is formed together, the SAPD Ranking Officers, or SWAT Commander (if SWAT is present, they lead the Crowd Control), will give the command to move in. All Officers will advance first by running (to save time) in line formation to the immediate area (where riot is taking place).
Once Police are at the riot scene, they should reform their line, and WALK towards the riots. Half should be armed with pepper spray, half with baton. A few SAPD/SWAT Commanders should have their firearms upholstered, in case the situation goes sour.
Police Officers should start pepperspraying (Keep lag in mind for your fellow Officers!!) the rioters when they are close enough. If threatened with physical violence, batons should be used. Those who attack Officers should be suspected.
NEVER SPLIT UP! If you have to break line to chase a suspect, LET HIM GO! You'll catch him later, or someone else will. The point is to diffuse the situation, not arrest every single person.
Remember, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for your partner's safety.
If the line formation is used correctly, no Officers should be injured or killed unless firearms are used.
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This is not official ARPD procedure as of this point, and this thread may be edited to perfect explanation of tactics.
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Officer (Sheriff) Rory Anstruther
San Andreas Sheriff's Division, Riot Specialist and K9 Deputy