Law enforcement gear

The law must be enforced for the safety, security and organization of the public. In situations of public unrest such as a riot, the necessary law enforcement gear is essential for both the safety of the officer and the efficient dispersing of the aggressive crowd.

Law enforcement gear for crowd management includes armor, headgear, shields and other protective products. The number one priority of crowd management is the safety of the officer, followed by humane conflict resolution. The main weapons used against the riot police are hurled objects such as bricks or bottles. For more direct conflict and greater protection, the law enforcement gear will provide ballistic protection. A gas mask is sometimes worn, when tear gas or other riot controlling agents are distributed.

The precise choice of law enforcement gear worn by the officer is dependant on the level of threat perceived. For most situations less-lethal weaponry is used. This includes plastic bullets, pepper spray, tear gas and tasers. Only in the most extreme circumstances are shotguns and other lethal weapons deployed by the authorities.

An effective method of crowd management is a vehicle-mounted water cannon. This method applies enough pressure to disperse the crowd and prevent advancement without causing serious injury. It has been known in certain scenarios for dye to be added to the water cannon to mark the rioters for arrest once the crowd has been subdued.