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Civil Disturbances

NCJ Number
91811
Date Published
1975
Length
142 pages
Annotation
Intended for commanders and their staffs in U.S. Active and Reserve Component Forces, this manual presents guidelines for preparation and assistance to civil authorities in civil disturbance control operations.
Abstract
The manual discusses the policies and legal considerations governing the commitment of Federal forces to civil disturbance control operations, planning and training for such operations, and the operational tasks and techniques used to control civil disturbances and neutralize special threats. Civil disturbances are defined as group acts of violence and disorders prejudicial to public law and order; terrorist incidents, a form of civil disturbance, are defined as distinct criminal acts committed or threatened to be committed by a group or individual to advance a political objective. The operational tasks and techniques discussed include isolating the area; securing likely targets; controlling crowds; establishing area control; integrating tasks; the apprehension, documentation, and detention of civilians; special reaction teams; antisniping; handling explosive devices and bomb threats; fire fighting operations; and relief and termination procedures. The areas of planning considered are organization, personnel, intelligence, logistics, and operations. The aspects of training considered are leadership and discipline and the mental preparation of troops. Types of disturbances discussed include campus disorders, labor disorders, urban demonstrations and disturbances, and the protection of Federal property. Appended are discussions of armored car special reaction teams, checklists for civil disturbances, weapons and special equipment, riot baton, and crowd control formations. About 130 references and a subject index are provided.