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Riot control are the measures to control a riot (usually of protestors).
The initially choice of tactics determines the type of manpower and matériel used.
The base choice is between lethal (example - 12 gauge shotgun) and non-lethal weaponry (example - tear gas). The decision is based on the perceived level of threat and the existing laws, in certain countries the
use of lethal force, even to control riots, is illegal.
Threat-dependant force deployment is easily visible. The traditional mainstay of riot control is specially equipped police officers with fire-retardant clothing, kevlar
armour, special helmets and gas masks,
plastic shields, extended batons or special
riot hand weapons (such as the sjambok), and possibly tasers or similar. These officers subdue rioters and subsequently allow the less heavily armoured, more mobile
officers to arrest those that are unruly.
In face of a greater threat, the riot police will be backed up with other officers equipped with guns to fire tear gas, rubber bullets, plastic bullets or beanbag rounds and there may be vehicle-mounted water cannon. The most modern watercannon versions are capable of adding dye to mark rioters or adding tear gas to the water.
In any combative pursuit, heavy supporting firepower can only accomplish so much. Often in major unrest, police in armoured vehicles (such as Land Rovers) may be sent in
following an initial subduing with firepower. As a less aggressive step, mounted police may first be sent into
the crowd. The might and height offered by the horse are combined with its training,
allowing an officer to more safely infiltrate a crowd. Often batons are the only weapons used. Occasionally, attack dogs are deployed.
Research
The police have been conducting research into their application in the fields of riot control. The most recent research into
the field of less than lethal weaponry has produced such innovations as netguns, lasers (that blind and dazzle rioters), pellets filled with pepper spray, foam (which can immobilize rioters), and microwave generators and
low frequency sound cannons that can cause internal discomfort to rioters.
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