3 basic formations used for riot control

There are three basic formations which may be used in riot control. This is a wedge which is used to penetrate or split a mock. It may be modified into a diamond when allaround security is required. But the diamond formation is not desirable when troops are greatly outnumbered as it could result in their being surrounded. The echelon formation is used to turn a mob in either open or built up areas, to force riers away from an obstacle or building, or to direct the mob in a desired direction. The line formation is used to push or drive a mob straight back across an open area or along a city street. The use of these riot control formations provides maneuverability and flexibility. One tactic which can be of great value is for a support element to be ordered to break through suddenly and capture a mob leader or other person of interest.