Crowd Control
Course
Law
Enforcement II
Unit XI
Crowd Control
Essential
Question
How does a
police officer
effectively
handle a hostile
crowd?
TEKS
§130.294(c)
(11)(A)(B)
Prior Student
Learning
Use of Force
Estimated Time
2 to 3 hours
Rationale
There are times an officer will come across riotous crowds on the street.
The officer needs to be able to safely control the crowds while working as a
team with other officers.
Objectives
The student will be able to:
1. List the things a crowd control unit may need to do during a riot
2. Name the different formations used in a riot and describe their
purposes
3. Identify the riot baton target areas and fatal areas on a body and
explain the different grips used on the baton
4. Demonstrate the various riot formations and baton strikes
5. Simulate concepts learned for one-on-one combat with a baton
Engage
Use the following questions for a class discussion.
 What factors play into and have to be taken into consideration by
officers when dealing with riotous crowds?
 Why do people in a crowd do things they would not do if they were by
themselves?
Use the Discussion Rubric for assessment.
Key Points
I. A full riot team is composed of fifteen (15) people trained and drilled to
move in areas of disturbance with adequate equipment and to do one of
four things:
A. Contain crowd activity
B. Assault or divide a crowd
C. Move or guide a crowd
D. Extract a hostage or any injured personnel
II. Unit Riot Team Movement
A. Double Time – is a controlled jog in formation (usually a single or
double column) designed to cover great distances with no
opposition.
1. The preparatory command is “Team at a Double Time.”
B. Full Step – Full Step is a normal stride, still keeping in formation.
1. Designed to cover large distances with little opposition.
2. The preparatory command is “Team at Full Step.”
C. Half Step – is approximately an eighteen-inch step in formation to
move at a slower pace or over a short distance with increased
opposition.
1. The preparatory command is “Team at Half Step.”
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2. Unit Riot Teams Non-Movement
3. One additional speed that is utilized does not involve
movement:
D. Mark Time – is normally a half-step in place, designed to allow the
squad to regroup or encounter a specific problem.
1. The preparatory command is “Team – Mark Time.”
III. Team Stances
A. There are three basic team stances in formation:
1. Rest Position – The feet are shoulder-width apart, arms
lowered down by side, baton held in a relaxed, ready
position
2. Ready Position – The feet are shoulder-width apart, baton
held diagonally across the body (45 degree angle) about 2-4
inches from the chest. This position will be assumed when
formed in any team formation. This position will also be
utilized when moving from one place to another.
3. On Guard Position – Feet are in a “T” shaped stance, knees
slightly bent, elbows in close to body, baton held at waist
level pointing towards the rioters
IV. Riot Formations
A. The Column - All team members line up in a straight column, one
behind the other. The team members will look straightforward and
stand in the “ready position.” It is in this formation that the team will
count off and determine what position each member in the
formation will assumed. This formation will also be used in moving
from one area to another.
B. The Line - is primarily used to move a crowd straight back. The
method of formation is for the Point Man (#2) to go to a location
designated by the team leader. The remainder of the team
automatically follows the Point Man, lining up, with the even
numbered officers to the right and the odd to the left. The team
members will align themselves in sequence, on line with the Point
Man, one pace apart. If the Team Leader desires, and the situation
requires, this distance may be increased or decreased as
necessary
C. The Wedge - is designed to split a large group into two smaller
entities. The small groups can then be controlled by additional
support teams. The method of formation is for the Point Man (#2)
to go to a location designated by the team leader. The remainder
of the team automatically follows the Point Man, lining up with the
even numbered officers on the right and the odd to the left. The
team members will align themselves in sequence, one pace apart
and one pace behind the Point Man. This distance may be
increased or decreased as necessary. After assuming the
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“Wedge,” the officers will automatically assume the “on guard”
position and await further orders.
D. The Diagonal Left and Diagonal Right - is designed to move a
crowd away from a barrier such as a barricade or wall, and can be
used to turn a crowd. The method of formation is for the Point Man
(#2) to go to a location designated by the Team leader. The
remainder of the team automatically follows the Point Man, lining up
in numerical sequence, one pace apart and behind the officer in
front of them, dependent upon the direction of the diagonal. After
forming the diagonal, the officers will assume the “on guard”
position and await further orders.
E. The Diamond - is used to penetrate a crowd and extract a hostage
or injured person. It is formed by placing two wedge formations
back-to-back with the formation facing opposite directions. It can
be formed by a single team or a combination of two or more teams.
It is an extremely difficult formation to execute and should only be
used by a well-drilled and experienced team.
V. Riot Batons – are use-of-force equipment that are used primarily for
defense and should only be used to prevent serious bodily injury to
another person, or to prevent serious property damage. The baton will
never be used to punish.
A. Strike Points – The baton is an invaluable tool for use in any
disturbance control situation. Officers using riot control batons
must have a thorough knowledge of the vulnerable points on the
human body.
B. Places on the Body to Target
1. Thigh, between the hip and knee
2. Upper arm, between the elbow and shoulder
C. The baton can be used to punch someone in the abdomen to keep
them away
E. Fatal or Permanent Damage Impact Points
1. Head
2. Joints (elbows and knees)
3. Kidneys
4. Lower Sternum
5. Genitals
6. Neck and Throat
F. Riot Baton Grips
1. Two-Handed Grip – It is necessary to utilize a secure grip on
the baton to affect a good strike with it and maintain
possession of it. The preferred grip is that using both
hands. The strong hand will hold the baton with a firm grip,
palm down. The weak hand will be on the strike end of the
baton, 2-4 inches from the end to prevent injury, palm up,
with a firm grip.
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2. One-Handed Grip - The second grip utilized the officer’s
strong arm only. The officer grasps the baton handle firmly,
keeping the baton close to his body to maintain possession.
The weak arm can thus be used to protect the body, with or
without a shield, or take an additional hold on the baton
handle to provide a more controlled and powerful strike.
3. Two-Handed Thrust - The two-handed thrust is made from
the on-guard stance. The body is thrust forward rapidly by
advancing the left foot. The left arm is snapped fully
straight, driving the striking end of the baton into a selected
vulnerable point of the opponent’s body. To prevent
permanent injury or death, the officer must never direct the
thrust at the throat area or soft underbelly..
4. One- or Two-Hand Strike - The one- or two-hand strike can
be made from any stance. The body is thrust forward
rapidly by advancing the foot opposite the side the strike is
being performed from. The striking arm is snapped straight,
allowing the striking end of the baton to impact on a
vulnerable point of the opponent’s body. After striking the
opponent, the baton must be utilized in a combination of
strikes or quickly returned to the officer’s body to prevent
your opponent’s taking control of the baton.
5. Butt Stroke - The butt stroke is delivered from the on-guard
position. The butt stroke is made by advancing the body
rapidly off the foot. The right arm is snapped straight. The
handle of the baton is driven to the left, striking the
opponent’s shoulder, chest, or collarbone. The left hand is
kept even with the left shoulder. The butt stroke can be
fatal if the side of the neck or head is struck. After
delivering the blow, the officer returns to the on-guard
position.
6. Baton Smash -The baton smash can be delivered from the
rest, ready, or on-guard positions. The baton is held
horizontal to the ground, chest high. The smash is
executed by advancing the left foot rapidly. Both arms are
snapped straight, smashing the length of the baton across
the opponent’s chest. After delivering the smash, the officer
returns to the on-guard position.
7. In many situations, officers may have to employ the riot
baton to defend themselves. This may be a defense
against armed or unarmed attackers. Defensive techniques
enable officers to defend against blows to the head, jabs
and stabs to the body, and hand holds. The officer can
utilize the offensive techniques listed previously in a
defensive manner to protect him or herself.
8. The riot baton, in the hands of trained officers, is a
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formidable tool, but is normally used in conjunction with
other measures to be most effective. The officer who is
skillful in using a riot baton can adequately cope with most
situations that require physical restraint. Riot Team officers
must be trained with the baton to the point that they use the
various techniques automatically.
Activities
1. Have the students practice the different formations talked about in the
lesson. Use the Individual Work Rubric for assessment.
2. In an Instructor/Student Ration of 1:20, the instructor(s) should follow the
included Crowd Control Checklist to insure that each student has
participated in each of the components of crowd control formations,
stances, and baton strikes.
3. Explain to the class that the ready position in a one-on-one combat
situation (not when in formation like the computer-based presentation talks
about) entails an officer in a squatted, bladed stance with the end of the
baton resting between the elbow and shoulder of the arm that is the
farthest away from their opponent. The hand closest to the offender
should be raised about eye level and open to block any potential punches
the officer could receive.
Have half the class take a pad and the other half get a padded baton.
Have the two groups form two lines facing each other. Make sure each
student has one partner from the other line across from them. Have the
group with the pads put the pads over the outside of their right or left thigh.
Have the group with the batons get in ready position and strike the pad
when the instructor says, “strike.” The students only strike the pad once
each time the instructor says, “strike,” then return to the ready position.
After a few times of this, instruct the students that when the instructor
says, “strike,” the student with the baton will hit the outside of the thigh,
bring the baton underneath the arm of the opposite arm, and then bring
the baton back down to hit inside of the thigh. After this they return to
ready position until the instructor says, “strike,” again. This means the
student holding the pad will have to move the pad to the inside of their
thigh after the outside of their thigh has been hit.
Instruct the students to say, “get down,” when they hit the pad. This
allows them to release the nervous energy from their stomach. This also
tells the offender exactly what the officer wants them to do, as well as
gives witnesses something to testify about in defense of the officer if the
incident was ever to go to court over excessive force claims. After so
many times of this, have the students switch the pads and batons. Use the
Crowd Control Activities Rubric for assessment.
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4. This is also focused towards a one-on-one combat situation. If available,
have a student (or the instructor) put the padded training suit on. Each
student, with a baton, will take a turn fighting the person in the suit.
Explain to the students beforehand that the key to taking down an
offender is to consistently hit the offender in the thigh target area. Explain
that it normally takes on average 4 or 5 consistent strikes for someone to
pass out from the pain of the baton and go down. Advise the students that
in a real life situation, you would turn the offender onto their side until they
came to, so the offender would not choke on their vomit.
The person in the padded training suit needs to actively go after the
student who has the baton. The person in the suit should only fall to the
ground after the student has successfully hit him in the thigh consistently 4
or 5 times. Use the Crowd Control Activities Rubric for assessment.
Assessments
Crowd Control Exam and Key
Crowd Control Checklist
Crowd Control Activities Rubric
Discussion Rubric
Individual Work Rubric
Materials
Crowd Control computer-based presentation
Crowd Control Handout
Padded training suit
Padded Batons
Mats
Pads with handles on one side for the students to put their arms through
Computers with Internet access or other research resources
Resources
Correctional Officer Resource Guide, 3rd edition, American Correctional
Association
Accommodations for Learning Differences
For reinforcement, have students list the things they would need a crowd to
do at any given time (for purposes of containing crowd activity, assaulting or
dividing a crowd, moving or guiding a crowd, extracting a hostage or any
injured personnel, etc.) and identify which formations would be needed to do
these things. Use the Individual Work Rubric for assessment.
For enrichment, have students research how police departments responded
to well known riots like the Los Angeles riots in the early 1990s. Use the
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Individual Work Rubric for assessment.
State Education Standards
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career and Technical Education
§130.294. Law Enforcement II (One to Two Credits)
(11) The student implements crowd management strategies to maintain
control over large gatherings. The student is expected to:
(A) role play techniques employed to effectively control crowds; and
(B) explain the deployment of less-than-lethal and chemical crowd
control measures.
College and Career Readiness Standards
English Language Arts
III. Speaking
B. Listen effectively in informal and formal situations
1. Listen critically and respond appropriately to presentations.
2. Listen actively and effectively in one-on-one situations
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Name_____________
_____
Date_____________
_______
Crowd Control Exam
_____1. A full riot team is composed of how many officers?
a) 5
b) 3
c) 15
d) 30
_____2. What is the riot team trained to do (choose from the four answers provided
below)?
I. Contain crowd activity
II. Assault or divide a crowd
III. Move or guide a crowd
IV. Extract a hostage or any injured personnel
a) I only
b) I and II only
c) I, II, and III only
d) I, II, III, and IV
_____3. What is a normal stride designed to cover large distances with little
opposition?
a) Double Time
b) Full Step
c) Half Step
d) Mark Time
_____4. What is normally a half step in place, designed to allow the squad to
regroup or encounter a specific problem?
a) Double Time
b) Full Step
c) Half Step
d) Mark Time
_____5. What is approximately an eighteen-inch step in formation to move at a
slower pace or over a short distance with increased opposition?
a) Double Time
b) Full Step
c) Half Step
d) Mark Time
_____6. What is a controlled jog in formation (usually a single or double column)
designed to cover great distances with no opposition?
a) Double Time
b) Full Step
c) Half Step
d) Mark Time
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_____7. What position has the feet shoulder-width apart, baton held diagonally
across the body (45*) about 2-4 inches from the chest and is utilized when
moving from one place to another?
a) Rest Position
b) Ready Position
c) On Guard Position
_____8. In what position are the feet in a “T” shaped stance, knees slightly bent,
elbows in close to body, baton held at waist level pointing towards the
rioters?
a) Rest Position
b) Ready Position
c) On Guard Position
_____9. In what position are the feet shoulder-width apart, arms lowered down by
the side, baton held in a relaxed, ready position?
a) Rest Position
b) Ready Position
c) On Guard Position
_____10. What formation is primarily used to move a crowd straight back?
a) The Column Formation
b) The Line Formation
c) The Wedge Formation
d) The Diagonal Left and Diagonal Right Formation
e) The Diamond Formation
_____11. What formation is designed to move a crowd away from a barrier such as
a barricade or wall, and can be used to turn a crowd?
a) The Column Formation
b) The Line Formation
c) The Wedge Formation
d) The Diagonal Left and Diagonal Right Formation
e) The Diamond Formation
_____12. In what formation do all team members line up in a straight column one
behind the other?
a) The Column Formation
b) The Line Formation
c) The Wedge Formation
d) The Diagonal Left and Diagonal Right Formation
e) The Diamond Formation
_____13. What formation is used to penetrate a crowd and extract a hostage or
injured person?
a) The Column Formation
b) The Line Formation
c) The Wedge Formation
d) The Diagonal Left and Diagonal Right Formation
e) The Diamond Formation
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_____14. What formation is designed to split a large group into two smaller entities?
a) The Column Formation
b) The Line Formation
c) The Wedge Formation
d) The Diagonal Left and Diagonal Right Formation
e) The Diamond Formation
_____15. The baton must be used to punish people at times to maintain control of a
crowd.
a) True
b) False
The following list is for questions 16 and 17:
I. Thigh
II. Genitals
III. Kidneys
IV. Neck
V. Upper Arm
VI. Joints
_____16. What is an area of the body that is okay to target with the baton?
a) I
b) I and II
c) III and VI
d) I and V
e) II, III, IV, VI
_____17. What is an area of the body that can be fatal if hit with the baton?
a) I
b) I and II
c) III and VI
d) I and VI
e) II, III, IV, VI
_____18. The throat is an area that can be punched with the baton to keep someone
off of you.
a) True
b) False
_____19. Which baton grip utilizes the officer’s strong arm?
a) one-handed grip
b) two-handed grip
_____20. Which baton grip is necessary to utilize a secure grip on the baton to affect
a good strike and maintain possession of it?
a) one-handed grip
b) two-handed grip
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_____21. What can be made from any stance, and after striking the opponent the
baton must be utilized in a combination of strikes or quickly returned to the
officer’s body to prevent your opponents from taking control of the baton?
a) Two-Handed Thrust
b) One- or Two-Hand Strike
c) Butt Stroke
d) Baton Smash
_____22. What is made from the on-guard stance and must never be directed at the
throat area or soft underbelly?
a) Two-Handed Thrust
b) One- or Two-Hand Strike
c) Butt Stroke
d) Baton Smash
_____23. What is made by advancing the body rapidly off the foot and can be fatal
if the side of the neck or head is struck?
a) Two-Handed Thrust
b) One- or Two-Hand Strike
c) Butt Stroke
d) Baton Smash
_____24. What is executed by advancing the left foot rapidly and the baton is held
horizontal to the ground, chest high?
a) Two-Handed Thrust
b) One- or Two-Hand Strike
c) Butt Stroke
d) Baton Smash
_____25. Riot team officers must be trained with the baton to the point that they use
the various techniques automatically.
a) True
b) False
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Crowd Control Exam Key
1. C
2. D
3. B
4. D
5. C
6. A
7. B
8. C
9. A
10. B
11. D
12. A
13. E
14. C
15. B
16. D
17. E
18. B
19. A
20. B
21. B
22. A
23. C
24. D
25. A
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Crowd Control Handout
Team and Formation Commands:
1. All team leaders will utilize standard hand/arm signals and verbal commands.
There will be no variance in these signals and commands in individual teams
to prevent the possible miscommunication in the team as a whole.
2. Verbal commands will be issued in two parts.
a. The first will be a preparatory command notifying the team of the formation
to be assumed.
b. The second is the execution command telling the team to begin assuming
the formation. The execution command will always be “ready, move.”
3. There are two basic situations in which hand/arm signals will be utilized.
a. Any time a team is moving into an area in an attempt to be undetected by
the opposing force
b. In situations where high noise levels prevent the team members from
hearing verbal commands
4. Unit riot teams will move at three different speeds, depending upon the
situation and the distance to be covered.
a. Double Time – is a controlled jog in formation (usually a single or double
column) designed to cover great distances with no opposition. The
preparatory command is “Team at a Double Time.”
b. Full Step – is a normal stride, still keeping in formation. Designed to cover
large distances with little opposition. The preparatory command is “Team at
Full Step.”
c. Half Step – is approximately an eighteen-inch step in formation to move at
a slower pace or over a short distance with increased opposition. The
preparatory command is “Team at Half Step.”
5. When the team moves in an aggressive formation, it is imperative that it be
done as a unit. To ensure this, all team members must be moving
simultaneously. To fill this need, we will sound cadence. As the team
member’s left foot strikes the ground, the team members will shout the word
“move.” This way each of you will be able to check your step. In addition, the
noise your team makes by stomping its feet and shouting “move” will add to
your already intimidating appearance.
a. One additional speed that we utilize does not involve movement:
(1) Mark Time – is normally a half step in place, designed to allow the
squad to regroup or encounter a specific problem. The preparatory
command is “Team – Mark Time.”
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Crowd Control Checklist
Students Name: ________________________ Date: _______________________
Skills (1 pt. each)
Passed
Demonstrate Double Time
Demonstrate Full Step
Demonstrate Half Step
Demonstrate Rest Position with Baton
Demonstrate Ready Position with Baton
Demonstrate On-Guard Position with Baton
Demonstrate The Column
Demonstrate The Wedge
Demonstrate The Diamond
Demonstrate Thigh Strike – inside & outside
Demonstrate Upper Arm Strike
Demonstrate Abdomen Strike
Demonstrate Two-Handed Grip
Demonstrate One-Handed Grip
Total Points (14 pts.)
Comments:
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Name:____________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
Crowd Control Activities Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Practice formations
 Full Participation
 Focused/On task
Demonstrate formations
(see checklist)
 Demonstrate all skills
One-on-one combat (partner)
 Focused/On task
 Respect equipment
 Demonstrate move
 Say “get down”
One-on-one combat (Red man suit)
 Accurately strike offender 4-5 times
 Respect equipment
Follow Instructions
 Follow all instructions
 Act responsibly
Attentive Audience
 Watch attentively
 No horse play
Total Points (24 pts.)
Comments:
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Name_______________________________________
Date_______________________________
Discussion Rubric
Objectives
4 pts.
Excellent
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Participates in group discussion
Encourages others to join the
conversation
Keeps the discussion progressing
to achieve goals
Shares thoughts actively while
offering helpful recommendations to
others
Gives credit to others for their ideas
Respects the opinions of others
Involves others by asking questions
or requesting input
Expresses thoughts and ideas
clearly and effectively
Total Points (32 pts.)
Comments:
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Name______________________________________
Date_______________________________________
Individual Work Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Follows directions
Student completed the work as directed,
following the directions given, in order and to the
level of quality indicated
Time management
Student used time wisely and remained on task
100% of the time
Organization
Student kept notes and materials in a neat,
legible, and organized manner. Information was
readily retrieved
Evidence of learning
Student documented information in his or her
own words and can accurately answer questions
related to the information retrieved
*Research/Gathering information (if relevant)
Student used a variety of methods and sources
to gather information. Student took notes while
gathering information
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
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