When interacting with a non-hostile and non-violent crowd, what action should officers avoid?

When interacting with a non-hostile and non-violent crowd, it is crucial for officers to maintain a calm and respectful demeanor to prevent escalating tensions. Therefore, avoiding actions that could provoke fear or anxiety among the crowd is important. Not pushing the crowd aligns with principles of de-escalation, where the objective is to maintain peace and order while respecting the rights of those present.

Pushing a crowd can be perceived as aggressive or confrontational, which may lead to misunderstandings and escalate an otherwise peaceful situation. Officers are trained to engage with communities in ways that promote trust and cooperation rather than instilling fear.

In contrast, using a protective shield, joining forces with the group, and giving verbal warnings may be appropriate in certain contexts depending on the situation, but these actions do not directly contribute to maintaining the peace as effectively as refraining from physical aggression towards the crowd.