Establish Communication Protocol for Demonstrations

In the instance of spontaneous demonstration:

• Initial law enforcement response shall be as minimal as safety permits, to assess the situation, attempt to identify a “leader” and to initiate communication (if safety permits.)
• Law enforcement shall designate a liaison and/or tactical command person to communicate with the leader or demonstrators’ designated points of contact and ensure lines of communication are open, especially in the event the situation escalates.
• Law enforcement shall make every effort possible to keep the lines of communication open throughout the duration of the event. In the instance of planned demonstration:
• Law enforcement shall make every effort possible to communicate with demonstration leadership prior to the event with the intent to open a dialogue and identify the purpose of the event and the actions that are planned.
• Law enforcement shall designate a liaison and/or tactical command person to communicate with the leader or demonstrators’ designated points of contact and ensure lines of communication are open, especially in the event the situation escalates.
• Law enforcement shall make every effort possible to keep the lines of communication open throughout the duration of the event.

The State of Missouri shall institute a limit on the number of consecutive hours an officer can be on duty in these specified demonstration circumstances, in accordance with the U.S. Department of Justice’s research on the efficacy of limiting the total number of hours an officer should work within a 24-48 hour period, including the maximum number of hours an officer should work in a high-risk or high-stress environment.