The recent riots and chaos in Ferguson, MO remind us that public demonstrations and protests can spiral out of control almost instantaneously. Civil unrest is sometimes a taboo subject in emergency management because it’s unsettling, to some extent, to believe that a peaceful and functioning society and its people operating under a set of laws and principals can change so drastically. The term “mob mentality” is often used to describe this shift in behavior of the public when an overwhelming influence is present, whether good or bad. Many people that would normally not engage in illegal or unethical behaviors do simply because everybody around them is and there is a perceived lack of order and a temporary “new normal.”
Civil unrest/disturbance has been seen on both a local and national scale throughout history. Some of these events occur in isolated bubbles while others pose a chain reaction in other parts of the country. They can be organized or unorganized; planned or impulsive. It’s not uncommon for groups with a common purpose to use high profile trial verdicts, Supreme Court rulings and new laws as a means to initiate riots. However, we’ve also witnessed civil unrest following victories in professional sports, during parades/celebrations, at concerts and other events that are intended to be enjoyable for the public. Civil unrest has taken place outside of government buildings in large metropolitan areas, through the streets of small towns and even on the grounds of colleges and universities.
The UCI Police Department has managed many protests here on campus over the years and has policies and procedures for responding to these types of incidents. However, with each one it is recognized that no two events are the same and that anytime you have a large group of individuals in this type of a situation there is a potential for high volatility. As such, civil unrest has been ranked third on the campus Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA) which examines the risk, impact and vulnerability of a variety of events. Therefore, we believe it is important for our community to understand what to do if/when they find themselves at the scene of such an event whether it is on campus or in their home community. Consider the following recommendations:
• Use common sense.
• Understand that these situations are volatile and can change quickly.
• Do not get involved, add to the size of the group, or go near the event out of curiosity.
• Leave the scene and find a safe place for you and your loved ones until the event is over.
• If there is no law enforcement presence, dial 9-1-1.
• Follow the instructions of law enforcement.
• Stay informed by watching the news, social media, etc.
• If you decide to evacuate, take your “go bag” and valued possessions. Then, lock your doors and windows before you leave.
We encourage the community to partner with the UC Irvine Police Department to prevent or report crime by calling (949) 824-5223. If you wish to remain Anonymous, call “OC Crime Stoppers” by dialing 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227), text "OCCS" plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or use the website http://occrimestoppers.org/
Receive updates directly via email by registering at Nixle.com and search for "UC Irvine Police" or text "UCIrvinePD" to 888777 to receive text message alerts only. Standard text messaging rates may apply depending on your calling plan.
UC Irvine Police Department
(949) 824-5223
http://police.uci.edu/
http://facebook.com/UCIrvinePD
http://twitter.com/UCIrvinePD
http://youtube.com/UCIrvinePD
http://nixle.com/University-of-California-Irvine-Police-Department
