Why Protestors Attack Riot Police Officers? — Dilemmas of Handling Violent People at Public Assemblies

Abstract

Large-scale demonstrations and sport events always have the potential for violence and rioting. The burst of emotions can lead to criminal offences either perpetrated by police officers or protesters. Taking action against people committing violent acts against the police is difficult because police action usually escalates the situation and leads to further criminal offences. Facing up against “the” crowd has serious dangers which might have long-lasting consequences not only for the officers but for the law enforcement agency itself. In my study, I reviewed the problems and dilemmas concerning the issue of violence against the police from a strategic, operational and tactical point of view of public assembly management and riot control.