Abstract
Protests can be challenging for police even when only one protest group shows up. However, at rival protests, in which conflicting protest groups are present, the risk for violence and the challenge for police both increase dramatically. This chapter examines the policing of rival protests. It begins by summarizing research evidence on policing protests, with a focus on minimizing conflict and preventing violence and property damage. It then presents three examples of rival protests in the United States following the death of George Floyd in May of 2020. The analysis focuses on the behavior of protesters, counterprotesters, and police at these events. Drawing on lessons from these examples and research evidence on the policing of rival protests more generally, the chapter offers practical recommendations for policing these events. These recommendations are intended to help police facilitate the civil liberties of event participants while preserving and enhancing public safety and police legitimacy.
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Maguire, E.R. (2022). Policing Rival Protests. In: Schafer, J.A., Myers, R.W. (eds) Rethinking and Reforming American Policing. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-88896-1_12
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