This two-part training equips law enforcement supervisors with the legal knowledge and operational guidance needed to manage protests and public gatherings lawfully and effectively. Participants will explore recent legal standards shaping protest response and gain insight into nationally recognized public order practices. The course blends legal foundations with real-world operational strategies to ensure leaders are prepared to uphold constitutional rights while maintaining public safety.
Segment 1: Crowd Management & Public Disorder – Legal Considerations
Instructor: Attorney Eric Daigle
Explore the current legal framework governing crowd control and protest management. Supervisors will gain a clear understanding of:
- Time, place, and manner restrictions under the First Amendment
- Legal definitions of hate speech, passive resistance, and imminent threats
- Case law and trends shaping law enforcement’s authority and limitations
- Constitutional considerations when developing or enforcing agency policy
This segment ensures supervisors are legally grounded in the principles guiding use of force, protest engagement, and response planning.
Segment 2: Public Order National Standards
Instructor: Captain Spencer Fomby
Building on the legal foundation, this segment focuses on effective operational planning and public order strategy, including:
- Tactics and training models used by agencies across the country
- Protest policy development and supervisor roles during unrest
- Insights from the field: lessons learned from high-profile events
- Leadership in dynamic situations where crowd behavior can shift rapidly
Captain Fomby brings a wealth of experience as Chair of the NTOA Public Order Section and former Berkeley PD official, offering practical guidance to help supervisors plan, lead, and adapt during public events.