SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Nothing says cease and desist better than a crowd of officers in riot gear pounding their shields while slowly marching forward.
There isn't a science to it either, Savannah-Chatham police Mobile Field Force Unit commanders said during a Tuesday training session. Their goal is to scare people into submission.
"It's one of the few occasions where we can intimidate people," said metro Lt. Harry Trawick, commander of the unit. "And that's the biggest part of what we do."
The field force unit met at the Coastal Empire Fairgrounds in Tatemville to brush up on crowd-control skills just in time for St. Patrick's Day, Lt. Trawick said.
The unit trains six times each year. The training includes marching in formation while wearing torso and leg protection equipment similar to that of a baseball catcher. Each member also wears a Kevlar helmet outfitted with a projectile-resistant face mask.
On Tuesday, the group members used batons to pound their clear plastic shields while marching, creating a deep, commanding drone.
As the unit moved forward, other officers ahead of them hurled smoke bombs and tennis balls, creating a rough simulation of what an unruly situation could look like.
Although the force hasn't gone against a disorderly crowd, it received plenty of training before the 2004 G8 Sea Island Summit.
"We trained so much then that now it's kind of like second nature," said metro Sgt. Henry Brown as he placed his riot gear in the trunk of his cruiser. "A lot of the officers who were there for the G8 Summit are still with us, so we're fairly strong."
At least 52 officers from across the department make up the unit. Applicants are evaluated to make sure they have a calm temperament, said Lt. Don Lee, who is also a unit commander.
"We take a lot of verbal abuse from time to time and we need to make sure they can handle that," Lt. Lee said.
Lt. Trawick said the unit has a variety of tools used to subdue a crowd, from tear gas to 12-gauge shotguns firing less-than-lethal ammunition.
Each situation is different and physical contact is a last resort, he said.
The unit has a trailer designed and constructed by officers to house things like protective gear and first-aid supplies. Most weapons and ammunition are held elsewhere, he said.
After taking on the flurry of smoke and tennis balls, the marching group pushed its mock offending officers from the large fairground parking lot.
"Notice how we were able to herd the crowd any way we wanted," Lt. ick said. "The key here is that they didn't say anything. Verbalizing won't work."
The Augusta Chronicle ©2010 Morris Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
nothing says st. patricks day like some stick time. ;O)
Lt. Trawick is a wise man. The last sentence of this story conforms his wisdom. Hopefully, all schoolteachers will read these words from the lieutenant and benefit therefrom.
What a sad statement that this is about our general population.
Don't kid yourselves,folks. This is most likely preparation for a worsening economic outlook. It's going to get ugly.
reader54 - Glen Beck stated he has an upcoming program on "FEMA camps". I googled the subject, and there are rumors out there that law enforcement may in fact be preparing for exactly what you mention. Since the 60's riots are more of an option for folks than it was during the depression era. All the guns sold/being sold, gun permits and ammunition sales may be for more than one reason. Martial law in America?
Tnt:They are preparing vacant military bases for detention camps.Now,I'll let you tell me why. I think you know.
reader54 and others of your ilk: Please seek psychiatric assistance. Your paranoia has reached dangerous levels.
Midwest:Have you researched it or are you waiting for a Government newsletter ? Talk about Sheeple !
"The British Are Coming, The British Are Coming!"
maybe it's the chinese
No, it's probably the Republicans....lol. Just don't take the mark.
OMG ... what a shame that they would have to even anticipate needing this for St. Patrick's Day in Savannah. I went there for about 5 or more years straight with friends and partied our butts off. The worse that ever happened was you may have to carry a drunk friend down River Street and back to the motel to sober them up for more partying!!! Everything has to turn to [filtered word]!!!
Why can't Disgusta have a big St Patrick's Day festival like Savannah?
We do have a St. Patrick's Day festival. Our Irish Catholic community, which is much larger than most other cities in this part of the country, has mass and then conducts the parade. Considering that Savannah has one of the largest St. Pat's parades on the planet, no I guess we wouldn't have one that big.
Hillguy, Savannah is the 2nd largest gathering on St. Patrick's in the Country, so it's unlikely that we will ever have one that big, and with this kind of press, I honestly hope we never do, either... Our Parade and festivities are designed to be more family friendly, and hopefully, it is....