21st Century Protest Response: Promoting Democracy and Advancing Community and Officer Safety

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the people's right "peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances," and many political, economic, and social concerns throughout our nation's history have been confronted and ameliorated by marches, sit ins, rallies, demonstrations, and protests. Law enforcement agencies play a critical role in preserving and protecting these rights, but they must also identify when intervention is necessary in order to maintain safety and public order. This publication provides recommendations for state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies for addressing the challenges of mass demonstrations in the 21st century and responding with the goal of protecting the right to protest while safeguarding property as well as preserving officer and community safety.

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Author: National Policing Institute, COPS Office

Federal Sponsor Agency: COPS Office

Publication Date: September 2022