Demonstrations Incident Management

Incident Management Guidelines

Many groups will use public demonstrations to gain media exposure, as well as impede business activities. Demonstrations may be singular events lasting hours, or may be protracted, lasting days to months and evolving into site occupancy (e.g., tree sitting). Demonstrations are typically nonviolent and involve chanting, banners, and costumes. Demonstrations may also involve the symbolic burning of items, or the leaving of obstructive or unpleasant items such as tree stumps or manure. In the most extreme cases, demonstrations may lead to an escalation in violence and may turn into riots.

In the event of a demonstrations incident occurring, the following points should be addressed:

Action Points

1. Stand up the Incident Management and Crisis Response Teams using the SAD CHALETS system.
2. Establish the temperament of the demonstration: Is it violent, disruptive, intimidating, or peaceful?
3. Establish the agenda and objectives of the individuals or groups: Who are they, what do they want to accomplish, and how?
4. What risks are presented to personnel directly, or as a result of secondary hazards?
5. Lock down the facility or work site; alert personnel and move employees to safe areas or safe havens if necessary.
6. Raise the alert status and security posture of the facility to the predefined planning level and mobilize security staff, closing down access control points and securing buildings.
7. Mobilize security personnel to secure access points and high‐value areas; all area movements are to stop until response measures are completed.
8. Conduct security sweeps and searches to locate any acts of sabotage, as well as search for demonstrators.
9. Alert law enforcement agencies to manage demonstrators; indicate whether any unlawful acts have been conducted and the temperament of the demonstration.
10. Cordon off the affected area or resources in order to contain the demonstration where possible and appropriate.
11. Document and photograph the demonstration in case an investigation or legal action is required post event.
12. Provide an IMP Risk Assessment Report as soon as possible.