crowdcontrol

Crowd control is the management of large groups of people to prevent injury, damage, and disruption, and to maintain public safety and order. The term is commonly used interchangeably with crowd management or crowd safety. It encompasses planning, coordination, and operations by law enforcement, security personnel, and event organizers at protests, sports matches, concerts, fairs, and transit hubs, as well as in emergency situations such as evacuations or shelter-in-place events.

Key elements include risk assessment, crowd psychology, venue layout, routing, staffing, communications, and coordination with emergency services. Methods commonly used are physical barriers such as fences and barricades; controlled entry and exit points; crowd flow planning; signage; and trained marshals. Non-coercive approaches emphasize clear information, de-escalation, and timely warnings. When necessary, authorities may employ proportionate crowd management tools and, as a last resort, authorized dispersal techniques under applicable law and policy.

History and governance: Modern crowd control developed with organized policing and event security in the 19th and 20th centuries and has since evolved into specialized crowd management practices. Procedures are generally governed by local laws, venue policies, and professional guidelines that stress safety, proportionality, accountability, and de-escalation.

Contemporary issues: Crowd control techniques are debated in relation to civil liberties, use of force, and accountability. Best practices emphasize risk-based planning, documentation, trained personnel, and independent review of incidents.