Information came from a detailed analysis of eight prison riots and detailed field work in the sites where they occurred, following a national survey that produced brief accounts of 49 riots that had occurred during the previous 2 years. The riots studied in detail were those occurring in agencies known to be innovative in developing a riot control response or for the quality of leadership, those in which special problems emerged during the resolution of the riot, and those representing different types of disturbances in different types of institutions. The analysis emphasizes that thorough preparation is crucial to a prompt and effective response that minimizes the harm to people and property. Therefore, agencies need clear, written policies; contingency plans that cover the chain of command and roles; a consistent philosophy; and policies on the use of force and the utilization of outside agencies. Detailed discussions of each riot, recommended policies and procedures, and footnotes