Mass Demonstration Planning, Response, and Recovery

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM ET

Location: 206AB

Submitter(s)

Jeremy Kommel-Bernstein

Policy Analyst
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Speaker(s)

Nazmia E.A. Comrie

Senior Program Specialist
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
William Evans, MS

Executive Director of Public Safety & Chief of Police
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States
David R. Kennington

Behavioral Health Services Manager
Metropolitan Nashville (TN) Police Department
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Laura McElroy

Principal Consultant
McElroy Media Group
Clearwater, Florida, United States
David Snively

Program Manager CRI-TAC
IACP
Alexandria, Virginia, United States

The need for agency administrators, incident commanders, and front-line officers to research, understand, and plan their approach to public disorder is increasingly urgent. This workshop will discuss three critical aspects of mass demonstrations: planning for and response to incidents, including tactical and de-escalation techniques; media relations and community engagement; and officer resiliency, safety and wellness. By considering the multiple dynamics of a mass demonstration, including impacts on officers and un-involved community members, agencies can improve perceptions of police legitimacy, reduce escalation and force incidents, and guard officers from residual harms.