The head of the State Police, Ma Sale, has issued a detailed standard operational procedure (SOP) for the administration of the crowd on events and mass gatherings. This comes against the background of Stampede in front of the M. Chinnaswama stadium in Bengalur, who killed 11 people on June 4.
In circulation, Mr. Sale said that “police answers must prefer life safety, rights protection, property damage, and de-obesity of potential conflicts” and that “timely planning, coordination with participating parties and minimal use are essential to conductors”. He said “Modern gatherings are often spontaneous and influenced by social media, which requires adaptive strategies”, which encourages SOP.
SOP emphasizes planning before the event: predict the size of the crowd and directs the police to simulate behavioral and spatial analyzes to move the crowd, identify narrow places and potential high -risk areas using available tools. The circular also requires the police to audit the safety of a place that should include capacity limits, input/output routes, emergency evacuation plans and communication infrastructure. “No place that fails in safety audits must not be approved for events with high tracks,” the circle said.
SOP also directs the police to consider the possibility of countermeasures and demonstrations, a risk for essential installations in the area, past behavior in similar events and the availability of emergency services.
Control access to places
SOP requires the development of the administration crowd/Operational plan approved by the Commissioner/SP, which needs to be spread between the staff. In addition to emphasizing clearly defined roles for placed staff require SOP, where it is possible to check access to places where possible. “Use digital ticket sales and reserved seating to streamline the item. Implement checkpoints with metal detectors, scan QR code or biometric systems,” says SOP.
SOP emphasizes centralized but open communication with the crowd via a public address system and provides updates in real time in waiting times. It manages medical emergency services to be connected to the PA control room to respond immediately to any challenge.
The SOP is directed by police staff to use barricades to check and organize queues, ensure separate access stripes for VIPs, otherwise akaled, the general public and employees to have spacious and organized crowds to enter the crowd and clearly designate all emergency exits and maintain them.
“Avoid confrontation, use minimal force if necessary”
SOP clearly directs police staff to avoid confrontation or provocation, maintain professional behavior and avoid involvement with protesters, unless necessary. If the crowds need to be distracted, the police should first explore endless methods. They were ordered to insulate and retain only violent or disturbing individuals if possible.
The SOP orders the staff to provide three structured warnings, identify the offense and severance routes before the scatter. They even order officials to record warnings using a sound visual device if possible. “Keep the logs of key decisions, warnings and behavior of the crowd. Record the crowd activity through sound/video for responsibility and evidence,” SOP says.
Published – 1 July 2025 9:57
