"A Strong Military Appearance": Are These the NYPD's Disorder Control Unit Guidelines?

By Julianne Escobedo Shepherd; November 26, 2011 - AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/739723

Allegedly, an arrested Occupy Wall Street protester was able to snag a copy of the NYPD's "Disorder Control Unit Guidelines," aka a cheat sheet for riot cops. The full image can be viewed here.

Most of it is pretty unsurprising — "Do not engage in unnecessary conversation" is on there, in case you're wondering if the riot cop stone-face is an order from above. But the number one rule is the most interesting. It reads:

"Your appearance is critical. The impression we make on disorderly and violent groups has a profound effect on the outcome of the incident. Therefore, ensure your uniform and required equipment are neat and in proper working condition. Always have disorder control equipment, including helmet and baton, ready for immediate use. A strong military appearance, with sharp and precise movements, is a force multiplier and a psychological advantage to us."

[Emphasis added.]

There are no guidelines [for] dealing [with] peaceful and orderly groups, unfortunately, which would explain outcomes such as this: