I'm reminded of a classic overreaction in Harrisonburg, VA back in 2000 where, interestingly enough right after getting a bunch of riot gear, the Harrisonburg police moved in heavy handed on a situation rather than using a "diffuse and calm" plan. As a result the situation quickly spiraled into a -real- riot.
There was a LOT of fallout over that and even now the results of that action dictate police behavior (see quote below from
recent article)
Quote:
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Officers were trying to prevent a large incident like the one in 2000, when a crowd of about 1,000 partygoers became unruly. Fearing a major incident, about 30 police officers moved in with riot gear to clear the area using gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets. Twenty students were arrested during the incident, which also involved students hurling rocks and bricks at officers.
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