Riot squad!

>> A guide for demonstrators, subversives and other troublemakers

1. NOT ALL RIOT COPS ARE CREATED EQUAL. The formation in the picture above shows two different species of helmeted constable. The ones on the right (not carrying shields) are actually ordinary cops. As a matter of policy, all cops receive standard-issue helmets, bulletproof vests and 36-inch batons; they carry the equipment in their cruisers, and double as riot cops whenever necessary. Those stationed at the cityís four operational centres (like those in the picture, from the downtown centre at Guy and RenØ-LØvesque) are also issued gloves and shin protectors, because theyíre the ones most likely to serve as back-up for the real riot squad.

2. THE ÃMEN IN BLACKÒ ARE THE REAL DEAL. The cops carrying shields, i.e. the ones on the left, are the real riot cops from the MUCís tactical crowd-control unit. The riot squad is comprised of 40 special constables, divided into 3 separate units.

In addition to the shield, the tactical squadís specialized equipment includes the PR-24 baton. Unlike the regular baton, the PR model features a side handle which, according to tactical squad Sgt. Steven Lobo, Ãprevents injuriesÒ because it discourages officers from brandishing their baton like an axe. They also have gas masks, though they havenít used tear gas since 1972. Note that crowd-control constables do not carry firearms.

3. THE RIOT SQUAD ARE BORG. They are programmed to act as one. As a unit commander, Sgt. Loboís job is to keep his 12 constables on the straight-and-narrow. When his men are in formation, heís standing about 10 feet behind them, yelling commands into his wireless radio; his instructions are relayed to his constables via earpieces inside their helmets.

ÃIndividualism is forbidden,Ò explains Sgt. Lobo. ÃWe work in a straight-line formation, and we move the crowd forward. If a constable allows himself to get into an altercation with someone, the formation has essentially been broken.Ò

Final factoid: The riot squadís impact is Ã90 per cent psychological.Ò Technically, their job consists of nothing more than Ãdispersing crowds.Ò Mostly, they do it by freaking people out. According to Sgt. Lobo, most of the people in any crowd are peaceful, law-abiding citizens; once the riot squad shows up, they think things are about to get out of hand and they donít want any trouble. ÃWeíre patient, we move step-by-step, and we make progress at a steady pace,Ò he says. ÃWe canít hang around a particular scene for six hours, because then people become familiar with us, they become at ease with our presence, and we lose our intended effect.Ò :