READ: Protecting Public Infrastructure During Protests or Violent Demonstrations
The year 2020 was unprecedented in many ways, including the rise of large social movements and mass demonstrations. Coupled with the incidents of political violence around the election and the breach of the U.S. Capitol building by individuals seeking to delegitimize the election results, public safety leaders must take a closer look at preparing for events.
In the wake of the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, additional demonstrations and protests in D.C. and state capitals are likely. The consequences of poor planning and the failure by many civilian law enforcement agencies and the federal government to work cohesively offer some lessons that support a more robust response to similar activities in the future.
Read CJI’s recommendations for law enforcement and public safety officials to reconsider how they frame threats and responses to large-scale protests, demonstrations, and events.