What should an officer do when encountering a hostile crowd?

When an officer encounters a hostile crowd, the most effective course of action is to assess the situation and ensure safety. This approach allows the officer to evaluate the circumstances, including the emotions and behaviors of the crowd, the potential for violence, and any immediate threats to themselves or bystanders.

By prioritizing safety, the officer can make informed decisions on how to de-escalate the situation, safeguard civilians, and protect themselves. Assessing the situation provides crucial information that can inform subsequent actions, such as calling for backup or implementing crowd control strategies.

In contrast, directly engaging the crowd can escalate tensions, while ignoring the crowd may allow a dangerous situation to develop. Calling for backup is important but should typically follow an initial assessment to ensure that additional units respond appropriately based on the situation's dynamics.