Tag: Protest

Policing Mass Demonstrations Recommendations for Policy, Training, and Community Engagement

Overview

The police have a complex role in managing mass demonstrations, requiring them to balance competing priorities and obligations. On the one hand, they must uphold the fundamental right to free assembly and expression guaranteed by the United States Constitution, while on the other hand, they must maintain safety and order. Although most mass demonstrations are peaceful, some can escalate into widespread civil disturbances. The primary challenge for agencies, then, is to implement training, policies, and crowd management approaches that prepare officers to safely and effectively facilitate the vast majority of peaceful protests while also having plans and contingencies in place should property destruction or violence occur. Too much focus on either outcome leaves agencies unprepared and can result in inappropriate responses that have unintended consequences.

Get the report HERE

JACOB P. ZORN v. SHELA M. LINTON

No. 25–297. Decided March 23, 2026

PER CURIAM.

On the Governor’s inauguration day in Vermont, protesters staged a sit-in at the state capitol. When the capitol closed for the day, police officers told them that they would be arrested for trespassing. They refused to leave. As officers removed the protesters one by one, Sergeant Jacob

Zorn asked Shela Linton to stand up and warned her that he would eventually have to use force to remove her. She refused to stand. Zorn took Linton’s arm, put it behind her back, placed pressure on her wrist, and lifted her to her feet.

Linton sued Zorn for using excessive force, claiming that the arrest left her with arm injuries and psychological disorders. The Second Circuit held that Zorn was not entitled to qualified immunity. We reverse.

Review Finds Multiple Police Failures Preceded Violent Response to Counterprotests During Anti-LGBTQ Event in May – PubliCola

The city’s Office of the Inspector General released a report today finding that the Seattle Police Department’s actions during the anti-trans “Don’t Mess With Our Kids” rally, held by an extremist group called Mayday USA last May, showed a bias against counter-protesters who showed up to demonstrate against the right-wing event. The report also found that officers didn’t understand why it was a provocation to hold an anti-LGBTQ event in Cal Anderson Park, at the heart of Seattle’s historic LGBTQ neighborhood.
— Read on publicola.com/2026/02/12/review-finds-multiple-police-failures-preceded-violent-response-to-counteprotests-during-anti-lgbtq-event-in-may/amp/

Dorian Johnson….. dies after being shot in Ferguson | CNN

The problem here is that CNN is perpetuating a lie. The investigation of the incident between Darren Wilson and Michael Brown showed that “hands up don’t shoot” was a false narrative.  Why must CNN perpetuate this lie? Why is CNN trying to keep this false narrative of “hands up don’t shoot” alive?

Learn for yourself HERE.

Eleven years after the officer shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, sparked waves of protest against police brutality, the friend who was with Brown when it happened has been shot dead.
— Read on www.cnn.com/2025/09/08/us/dorian-johnson-fatally-shot-ferguson-michael-brown