Strategies for riot avoidance must address three different riot configurations: a riot that is a complete surprise, riots that flow from an escalating set of events, and riots that may occur following a significant degree of warning. To prevent a surprise riot, prison staff must maintain constant vigilance and physical control of inmates and areas that pose a constant threat of unforeseeable security risk. To prevent riots that emerge from the escalation of existing conflict, the prison administration must manage and address the stages of escalation. In the case of riots that carry warning signs, prevention involves the initiation of investigations into warning signs, followed by the institution of policies that address the precursors of riots. Should a riot occur, it can be terminated at any time by using overwhelming force; however, such a deployment of force can be costly. Commanders must develop strategies that minimize the risks to hostages, assault forces, and inmates. Strategies must also ensure that the assault force is invulnerable. Three types of force were observed in the riots under study: immediate force, planned tactical strike, and riot squad formations. The characteristics and effectiveness of each of these types of strategy of force are considered.