Crowd Control, Personal Security and Defensive Techniques
Crowd behaviour and space
This domain tests crowd control, personal security and defensive techniques that stay within the law. The aim is to prevent crushing and conflict, not to win fights.
Core rules
- Plan flow before the event: separate entry and exit, use barriers and queuing lanes, keep exits and fire lanes clear, and monitor density at choke points.
- Communicate calmly and early. Use clear announcements, open extra lanes and slow inflow before a surge develops.
- Personal security starts with awareness: keep distance, identify escape routes, avoid turning your back, and never chase into an unlit or isolated area.
- De-escalate: lower your voice, keep hands visible, create space, listen and offer choices. Use defensive blocks and breakaway techniques only to escape, with minimum force.
- Detain only where lawful and safe; call police. Never search, slap, kick or use a weapon unless authorised and lawfully justified.
Worked example
A queue surges at a stadium gate. The guard stops new arrivals, opens a second lane, moves barriers to widen the approach, announces that entry is being staggered, and watches for people at risk of crushing. Reasoning: reducing inflow and increasing capacity relieves pressure. Pushing back against the crowd increases panic.
Traps that cost marks
Blocking fire exits to manage the queue; grabbing or shoving people; chasing a pickpocket alone; standing in front of a moving crowd; and using force after the threat has passed.