Use of bayonets for crowd control

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The use of bayonets for crowd control involves the utilization or display of bayonets by security forces to stop, disperse, or intimidate crowds of people. Their use in modern times is mainly for their psychological effect in calming an aggressive crowd or in preventing a crowd advancing along a certain route.

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In addition to its use in warfare, the bayonet has a long history as a weapon employed in the control of unruly crowds. [1] Prior to the advent of less-lethal weapons, police and military forces called upon for riot control were generally limited to firing live ammunition, or using bayonets or sabre charges. [2]

The Massachusetts Militia uses rifle-fixed bayonets in the "on guard" position to hold back strikers in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1912. Massachusetts Militia vs Strikers.jpg
The Massachusetts Militia uses rifle-fixed bayonets in the "on guard" position to hold back strikers in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1912.

In modern times, bayonets have generally been used for the psychological effect their display has in calming an aggressive crowd, or to corral mobs by making it impossible for them to advance down certain streets or avenues by blocking them with lines of police or soldiers holding rifle-fixed bayonets in the "on guard" (or, en garde) position. Nonetheless, the utility of the bayonet for crowd control has been questioned. [3] [4]

Historical use by country

Burundi

According to reports of eyewitnesses and Human Rights Watch, police in Burundi used bayonets to control crowds during the aftermath of the failed 2015 Burundian coup d'état attempt. [5] [6]

Bayonets have a long history as a crowd control device. Vietnam-War-US-Military-Bayonets (cropped).jpg
Bayonets have a long history as a crowd control device.

China

According to some accounts, soldiers of the 27th Group Army aggressively used bayonets against protesters during the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. [7]

South Korea

During the Gwangju Uprising of 1980, some physicians alleged treating people injured by bayonets used by the Republic of Korea Army. [8]

United Kingdom

India

The British Indian Army made extensive use of the bayonet in crowd control operations in the British Raj. [9]

Ireland

In Ireland during the 19th century, the Irish police used the bayonet charge as a method of forcing crowds to scatter; in July 1881 one person was killed by a police bayonet in this manner. [10]

Hong Kong

The British Army continued its use of the bayonet as a crowd control weapon into the 20th century, using it during operations during the Hong Kong 1956 riots. [11]

United States

A diagram of a soldier holding his rifle, with bayonet affixed, in the "safe port" position. Safe Port Position Army.png
A diagram of a soldier holding his rifle, with bayonet affixed, in the "safe port" position.

The New York Draft Riots of 1863 saw the use of bayonet charges by the U.S. Army against unruly mobs in New York City. [12] During lumber protests in Tacoma, Washington in 1935, the Washington National Guard advanced on picketers with fixed bayonets, causing them to move away from the Federal Building where they had gathered. [13]

During 1968 revisions to the United States Army Field Manuals there was a move by the United States Secretary of the Army to eliminate the description of the bayonet as a crowd control weapon; however, senior Army leadership resisted the change. [14] A study conducted that year by the Human Resources Research Organization concluded that the bayonet "is highly valuable as a riot control weapon" with a survey of personnel involved in military peacekeeping operations reporting its most valuable attribute was its psychological effect on a crowd. [15] A compromise was ultimately reached whereby use of the bayonet was permitted in cases of violent mobs but not in routine civil operations. [14] Two years later, in the protests that led to the Kent State shootings of 1970, two persons were injured after being bayoneted by soldiers of the Ohio National Guard. [16] [17]

The 2004 edition of the U.S. Army's Field Manual 19-15: Civil Disturbances calls for troops operating in crowd control situations against violent mobs to form into multiple lines with the first line armed with batons, and the second line armed with rifle-fixed bayonets held in the "safe-port position". According to the manual, "in this elevated position, bayonets can be seen by participants in the rear of the crowd. The sight of bayonets can create an impression of strength and numerical superiority". [4]

See also

Related Research Articles

Bayonet Pointed weapon attached to the end of a firearm

A bayonet is a knife, dagger, sword, or spike-shaped weapon designed to fit on the end of the muzzle of a rifle, musket or similar firearm, allowing it to be used as a spear-like weapon. From the 17th century to World War I, it was considered a primary weapon for infantry attacks. Today it is considered an ancillary weapon or a weapon of last resort.

Riot Violent public disturbance against authority, property or people

A riot is a form of civil disorder commonly characterized by a group lashing out in a violent public disturbance against authority, property, or people.

Non-lethal weapon Weapon intended to be less likely to kill a living target than conventional weapons

Non-lethal weapons, also called nonlethal weapons, less-lethal weapons, less-than-lethal weapons, non-deadly weapons, compliance weapons, or pain-inducing weapons are weapons intended to be less likely to kill a living target than conventional weapons such as knives and firearms with live ammunition. It is often understood that unintended or incidental casualties are risked wherever force is applied, but non-lethal weapons try to minimise the risk of casualties as much as possible. Non-lethal weapons are used in policing and combat situations to limit the escalation of conflict where employment of lethal force is prohibited or undesirable, where rules of engagement require minimum casualties, or where policy restricts the use of conventional force. These weapons occasionally cause serious injuries or death; the term "less-lethal" has been preferred by some organizations as it describes the risks of death more accurately than the term "non-lethal", which some have argued is a misnomer.

Rubber bullet Less-lethal projectile

Rubber bullets are a type of baton round. Despite the name, rubber bullets typically have either a metal core with a rubber coating, or are a homogeneous admixture with rubber being a minority component. Although they are considered a less lethal alternative to metal projectiles, rubber bullets can still cause fatal injuries as well as other serious injuries such as blindness and permanent disability.

Plastic bullet Non-lethal projectile

A plastic bullet or plastic baton round (PBR) is a non-lethal projectile fired from a specialised gun. Although designed as a non-lethal weapon, they have caused a number of deaths when used incorrectly.

Civil disorder Forms of unrest caused by a group of people

Civil disorder, also known as civil disturbance, civil unrest, or social unrest is a situation arising from a mass act of civil disobedience in which law enforcement has difficulty maintaining their authority.

Close-quarters combat Physical confrontation with firearms at close range

Close-quarters combat (CQC) or close-quarters battle (CQB) is a tactical situation that involves a physical fight with firearms involved between multiple combatants at quite short range. It can occur between military units, police/corrections officers and criminal elements, and in other similar situations. In warfare, it usually consists of units or teams of varying size engaging the target or attacking personnel with personal weapons within a distance of up to 100 meters, from proximity hand-to-hand combat to close-quarter target negotiation with usually automatic weapons. In the typical close combat scenario, the attackers try a very fast, violent takeover of a vehicle or structure controlled by the defenders, who usually have no easy method to withdraw. Because attacking and defending personnel, hostages/civilians, and friendly personnel can be closely intermingled, close-quarters combat demands a rapid assault and a precise implementation of lethal force. The operators need obvious, sufficient proficiency with their weapons, and the ability to make quick decisions in order to limit friendly casualties and raise the likelihood of operational success.

Riot control Measures taken against unlawful or violent crowds of people

Riot control measures are used by law enforcement, military, paramilitary or security forces to control, disperse, and arrest people who are involved in a riot, unlawful demonstration or unlawful protest.

The Winchester Model 1897, also known as the Model 97, M97, or Trench Gun, is a pump-action shotgun with an external hammer and tube magazine manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. The Model 1897 was an evolution of the Winchester Model 1893 designed by John Browning. From 1897 until 1957, over one million of these shotguns were produced. The Model 1897 was offered in numerous barrel lengths and grades, chambered in 12 and 16 gauge, and as a solid frame or takedown. The 16-gauge guns had a standard barrel length of 28 inches, while 12-gauge guns were furnished with 30-inch length barrels. Special length barrels could be ordered in lengths as short as 20 inches, and as long as 36 inches. Since the time the Model 1897 was first manufactured it has been used by American soldiers, police departments, and hunters.

Long-range acoustic device Acoustic hailing device, sound cannon and sonic weapon

A long-range acoustic device (LRAD) is an acoustic hailing device (AHD), sound cannon and sonic weapon developed by Genasys. It has been used mostly as a long-range communications device, but there are fears about potential damage to human health when used as a method of crowd control, has an extremely high decibel capacity. Other uses have included for negotiations in siege situations to deal with piracy at sea; for mass notification during natural disasters or other emergencies; and by defense forces, including several navies.

Crowd Group who have gathered for a common purpose or intent

Generally speaking, a crowd is defined as a group of people that have gathered for a common purpose or intent such as at a demonstration, a sports event, or during looting, or may simply be made up of many people going about their business in a busy area. The term "the crowd" may sometimes refer to the lower orders of people in general.

Riot shotgun

A riot shotgun is a shotgun designed or modified for use as a primarily defensive weapon, by the use of a short barrel and sometimes a larger magazine capacity than shotguns marketed for hunting. The riot shotgun is used by military personnel for guard duty and was at one time used for riot control, and is commonly used as a door breaching and patrol weapon by law enforcement personnel, as well as a home defense weapon by civilians. Guns of this type are often labeled as breaching shotguns, tactical shotguns or special-purpose shotguns to denote the larger scope of their use; however, these are largely marketing terms.

Cholera Riots

Cholera Riots refers to civil disturbances associated with an outbreak or epidemic of cholera.

The Territorial Support Group (TSG) is a Met Operations unit of London's Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) which specialises in public order policing, amongst other specialist areas. In 2012 it consisted of 793 officers and 29 support staff. The TSG is a uniformed unit of the MPS that replaced the similarly constituted Special Patrol Group in 1987. TSG units patrol the streets of London in marked police vans or "carriers"; using the call sign prefix "Uniform". Generally each carrier has an advanced (police) driver, seven constables and a sergeant. Territorial Support Groups often comprise three carriers, twenty one constables, and three sergeants reporting to an Inspector. They separately patrol designated areas experiencing serious levels of gang violence or disorder. When deployed, it is by the MPS Information Room. Due to the public order nature of their role often numerous carriers will be assigned. TSG officers can be identified as TSG from the distinctive "U" in their shoulder numbers. Some TSG officers are also plain clothes officers, carrying a taser and handcuffs.

Riot shield Protection device

A riot shield is a lightweight protection device, typically deployed by police and some military organizations, though also utilized by protestors. Riot shields are typically long enough to cover an average-sized person from the top of the head to the knees, though smaller one-handed models may also be used. They are generally intended to be used in riot control, to protect the user from melee attacks with blunt or edged weapons and also thrown projectiles, or non-lethal weapons such as rubber bullets and water cannons. They can also be used as short-ranged melee weapons to push back the opposing force. Most riot shields do not offer ballistic protection; ballistic shields are instead used in situations where heavily armed resistance is expected.

1956 anti-Tamil pogrom First major Sinhalese-Tamil clash in Ceylon

The 1956 anti-Tamil pogrom, also known as the Gal Oya riots, was the first organised pogrom against Sri Lankan Tamils in the Dominion of Ceylon. It began with anti-Tamil rioting in Colombo, followed by anti-Sinhalese rioting in Batticaloa. The worst of the violence took place in the Gal Oya valley, where local majority Sinhalese colonists and employees of the Gal Oya Development Board commandeered government vehicles, dynamite and weapons and massacred minority Tamils. It is estimated that over 150 people lost their lives during the violence. The police and army were eventually able to bring the situation under control.

King assassination riots Riots following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

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The militarization of police is the use of military equipment and tactics by law enforcement officers. This includes the use of armored personnel carriers (APCs), assault rifles, submachine guns, flashbang grenades, sniper rifles, and SWAT teams. The militarization of law enforcement is also associated with intelligence agency–style information gathering aimed at the public and political activists and with a more aggressive style of law enforcement. Criminal justice professor Peter Kraska has defined militarization of police as "the process whereby civilian police increasingly draw from, and pattern themselves around, the tenets of militarism and the military model".

Crowd control in Jammu and Kashmir Methods employed by Indian forces to manage riots and protests in Kashmir

Crowd control in Jammu and Kashmir is a public security practice to prevent and manage violent riots. It is enforced by police forces through laws preventing unlawful assembly, as well as using riot control agents such as tear gas, chili grenades, and pellet guns.

Law enforcement response to the 2021 United States Capitol attack Police and military action

Law enforcement mounted a response to the 2021 United States Capitol attack, initially failing to maintain security perimeters and protect parts of the building from being breached and occupied, but succeeding to protect the members of Congress, and subsequently, as reinforcements arrived, to secure the breached Capitol.

References

  1. ↑ Weir, William (2005). 50 Weapons That Changed Warfare. Career Press. p. 82. ISBN   1564147568.
  2. ↑ Police Operations, Theory and Practice: Emergency services, Emergency services. 2016. ISBN   1490275363.
  3. ↑ Grimshaw, Allen (2009). A Social History of Racial Violence. Transaction Publishers. p. 511. ISBN   020236402X.
  4. 1 2 Field Manual 19-15. U.S. Army. 2004.
  5. ↑ Buchanan, Elsa (June 9, 2015). "Burundi: Police tortured me with tear gas until I choked, says protester". International Business Times . Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  6. ↑ "Burundi: Deadly Police Response to Protests". HRW.org. Human Rights Watch . Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  7. ↑ Ogden, Suzanne (1992). China's Search for Democracy: The Student and the Mass Movement of 1989. M.E. Sharpe. p. 433. ISBN   0873327233.
  8. ↑ Clifford, Mark (1998). Troubled Tiger: Businessmen, Bureaucrats, and Generals in South Korea. M.E. Sharpe. p. 159. ISBN   0765601419.
  9. ↑ Bell, David (2009). Riots in Literature. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. pp. 83–84. ISBN   1443811912.
  10. ↑ Magennis, E. (2000). Crowds in Ireland, c.1720-1920. Springer. pp. 233–245. ISBN   0230288057.
  11. ↑ "British Battle Chinese Mobs in Hong Kong". Evening Independent. Associated Press. October 11, 1956. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  12. ↑ Cook, Adrian (2015). The Armies of the Streets: The New York City Draft Riots of 1863. University Press of Kentucky. p. 102. ISBN   0813162556.
  13. ↑ "Bayonets and Tear Gas Used in Strike Riot". Medord Mail Tribune. Associated Press. August 11, 1935. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  14. 1 2 Scheips, Paul (2005). The Role of Federal Military Forces in Domestic Disorders, 1945-1992. Government Printing Office. p. 414. ISBN   0160723612.
  15. ↑ "Retention of the Bayonet" (PDF). Fort Benning. U.S. Army . Retrieved January 26, 2022.
  16. ↑ Hensley, Thomas (2010). Kent State and May 4th: A Social Science Perspective. Kent State University. p. 18.
  17. ↑ Mangels, John (May 2, 2010). "Police crowd-control tactics have changed dramatically since Kent State protests". Cleveland Plain Dealer . Retrieved December 29, 2016.
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