What must a peace officer do when dispersing a riot?

A peace officer is empowered to take decisive action when confronted with a riot in order to restore order and ensure public safety. Commanding the individuals in the crowd to disperse is an essential step in managing such situations. The law provides officers the authority to either issue commands for individuals to leave the area or make arrests if those commands are not followed.

When a peace officer issues a command to disperse, it is not only about maintaining order but also about protecting individuals from potential harm that can arise in riotous conditions. Officers are trained to assess the situation and determine the most appropriate response, which may include making arrests if the crowd does not comply. This proactive approach is necessary to prevent the escalation of violence and to safeguard the community.

Other options, such as waiting for the crowd to disperse on their own, may lead to increased chaos and danger. Informing the media can be important for communication, but it does not directly address the immediate need for crowd control. Utilizing non-lethal means, while potentially useful, is not a primary requirement compared to the command to disperse and the authority to make arrests if necessary.