CJC-5010AS - The Law of Mass Protests

Course Description

Students will examine the legal and operational issues confronted by law enforcement officers when dealing with protests and counter-protests.

Course Objectives:

1. At the end of the course, attendees will be able to identify the legal issues surrounding demonstrations.
2. Attendees will be able to implement operational strategies to ensure that the legal rights of demonstrators, counterdemonstrators, and third parties are protected.

Course Topics:

• Crowd and traffic management
• First Amendment free speech and right to assembly issues
• Fourth Amendment search and seizure law pertaining to mass protests
• Parade permits
• Mutual aid agreements
• Preparation, planning, and training
• Command and control
• Barriers
• Mass arrests
• Law enforcement community caretaking function
• Review of police response in Charlottesville, Ferguson, and other major riots
• The “Occupy” and Antifa movements
• Federal and State case law and statutes relevant to mass protests

Course Methodology:

Lecture, group discussion, practical exercises, videos