negotiated management

Negotiated management is a strategy used in crowd control, primarily by law enforcement. This approach involves police and protest groups willing to negotiate to manage an event. Its success hinges on the availability of group representatives who can communicate with the police. This method is most effective with organized groups like political protesters or labor unions, where leaders are readily identifiable.

While escalated force, involving increasing levels of force until a crowd disperses, was the traditional method, negotiated management emerged as an alternative in the 1970s. However, violent confrontations at international meetings in democratic countries at the start of the 21st century have shown that escalated force remains prevalent. Other strategies include militarized police units and command and control tactics, which involve crowd fragmentation and the use of technology to manage public spaces.1

Attempts to control collective behavior vary based on whether the goal is change or stability. Advocates of change aim to manage countermovements, while those seeking stability focus on controlling crowds that threaten public order. Identifying spokespeople who can influence a crowd and opening negotiations with them is crucial, especially during the initial stages of a crowd's formation. Making symbolic concessions can help de-escalate tensions and create a period for more comprehensive measures to relieve underlying issues.2