Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Police riot
Police riot is a term that became increasingly more common through the late Twentieth century, describing a situation where police, more recently clad in riot gear such as armor, helmets, padded knee and elbow protectors, and face shields, encounter a group, e.g. a protest group, which is not engaged in violent behaviour, but is deemed by police or police supervisors as posing a threat to public order.
In an encounter such as this, violence often ensues. This violence, perpetrated or provoked by police (or other military/security force personnel) may run the gamut from simple assault , assault with a deadly weapon , mayhem, even homicide. If the riot is caused by or or incite by police action, it can be labelled as a police riot. This term is used somewhat ironically, as most people consider the police and similar authorities to be keepers of the peace, and not inciters of riots.
Police, who are usually considered to be keepers of the peace and maintainers of order, are subject to the same Mob psychology as any other group of armed men and women when in large confrontational groups, in encounters whose outcome is uncertain, and when in the grip of fear, anger, or other strong emotion.
It is worthwhile to note that there have also been cases, such as the 1887 clash between New York's Metropolitan Police and 300 Municipal policemen who were occupying City Hall in which 52 policemen were injured -- where a police riot involved only the police. (see Fernando Wood)
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Riot laws
Riot weaponry
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