Public Order Manual Poman 1971

The original POMAN 1971 was a restricted document (though declassified decades later). It ran to approximately 200 pages, divided into four distinct color-coded sections: Strategic, Tactical, Logistical, and Legal.

The manual standardized riot formation drills. public order manual poman 1971

The enduring relevance of POMAN 1971 is a testament to a dark truth about public order: the fundamental physics of crowds have not changed. Humans in large groups still tire, panic, and escalate. Police still need to form lines, make arrests, and protect property. The original POMAN 1971 was a restricted document

The implementation of POMAN 1971 was not without controversy. Human rights organizations and civilian review boards later criticized the manual for: The enduring relevance of POMAN 1971 is a

POMAN 1971 introduced several concepts that are now staples of modern public order policing, though they were revolutionary—and frightening—at the time: