Halloween Riot Crime Problems Essay Example

acts culminating in a riot with extensive criminal harm, fights, armed officers, and looting of businesses.

According to Kochel et.al (654), it was the first time in approximately 30 years that Madison Police used tear gas to disperse a noisy crowd. This incident had been occurring on State St. in downtown Madison since around 1977, connecting the University of Wisconsin campus with the State Capitol. From 1979 onwards, the Wisconsin Student Association, a student organization at the University of Wisconsin, took responsibility for organizing and supporting the Halloween celebration on State Street.

Despite the rain and poor weather conditions, the main WSA Halloween events experienced an increase in participation (Kochel et.al 654). In 1980, alcohol sales became a significant factor and the number of attendees reached 20,000. It was in 1981 and 1982 that Halloween became a major public health concern for the MPD due to the WSA organizing large-scale entertainment plans. The crowds swelled to approximately 90,000. This unsanctioned status continued on State St., usually on the closest Saturday to Halloween.

According to Kochel et.al (654), the 2002 Halloween on State Street event was significant as it marked a turning point. It was during this year that the event was recognized as a problem that needed attention. The problem consisted of various violent criminal acts, resulting in a disturbance referred to as a riot. The riot occurred within a specific timeframe and location in Madison. The consequences included numerous complaints of harm caused by the use of chemical agents by the police, approximately $25,000 in property damage sponsored by twelve companies, around $8,370 lost to looting after shop windows were shattered, approximately $2280 in damage to a

police squad, and reported injuries by ten officers.

There were only a few captures.

Analysis

Various types of repeated analysis were used including Video examinations and officer observations to emphasize the role of group development. Geographic data analysis by the problem analyst. Examination of yearly arrest data showed that the individuals arrested were males aged 18-25 from Wisconsin and nearby states (Earl et.al, 601).

The majority of those captured were legally intoxicated, with over 66% having a college Alliance. According to the 2002 investigation, it was found that the most aggressive behavior was exhibited by heavily intoxicated individuals who brought their own alcohol into the area. It was acknowledged early on in the study that the bars on State St. were not solely responsible for supplying intoxicated individuals, as the number of available seats did not match up to the number of drunk people. Additionally, it was observed that bringing in one's own alcohol was a common occurrence (Earl et.al, 601).

The investigation also found that the lack of law enforcement resources or another appropriate authority for the criminals contributed to a situation where property damage and personal injury could occur. One problem that arose in the planning was the attempt to predict when the Halloween celebration might take place. The post-action report noted that at least five different dates were not considered for increased police staffing due to the possibility of a spontaneous Halloween celebration. Several distinct groups conducted parallel investigations. Much of the planning was completed and led by law enforcement.

The two main law enforcement groups were the Central District and the Special Events Team (Earl et.al, 601). The Central District team

was responsible for working with the external community partner group, the expanded city staff, supporting law enforcement strategies such as traffic control, and arrest processing, and the polling of the larger event area.

Response

The research was conducted on what had been used in other areas experiencing similar issues, and models of community behavior and theory were explored. After initial security was restored with policing responses, the tipping point for success was reached with changes to a fully gated event area with an admission fee charged and entertainment on multiple stages (Cant et.al 329). At the end of the event, the fencing was adjusted to direct the attendees away from the problem area of the past.

The use of exhaustive policing techniques was also employed to promote the growth of community away from problem areas. The chosen responses addressed the issues that emerged during the investigation. Increased efforts were made to determine the date of the event. This was followed by communicating the date with the community. There were significant increases in law enforcement staff (Cant et.al 329). Modifications were made to arrest protocols and tactical support was provided to remove offenders from the event area.

Extended occasion region readiness involves removing various articles that could be used as weapons. The City has implemented a resolution prohibiting the use of glass in the event area. This ban is limited to a specific area and time, and violation results in forfeiture.

Assessment

There has been a significant decrease in Halloween-related arrests, particularly for alcohol-related offenses and disorderly conduct, in recent years.

According to Cant et.al (329), the participation in the swarm has reached a safe level, resulting in the disappearance of wounds

for both participants and officers. Additionally, there has been minimal property damage and a decrease in the impact on surrounding neighborhoods. Most importantly, the event concluded peacefully around 2:00 a.m.

The evaluation and resulting examination for the preparation of 2007 had identified a potential winning formula. The subsequent efforts to improve the response were related to the city providing additional arrangement elements to the private sector for entertainment planning, basic event-type security, and obtaining higher quality entertainment that justifies the nominal fee charged to enter State St. The post-entertainment plan was adjusted.

Conclusion

The Halloween riot can be mitigated if law enforcement addresses the problem of alcohol and drug consumption among young people.

This case is significant because it causes property damage and injuries to people. I strongly discourage people from attempting similar instances in future events. Halloween has been regulated, and we expect the situation to improve in the upcoming future.

Reference

• Earl, J., Soule, S. A., ; McCarthy, J. D. (2003). Protest under fire? Explaining the policing of protest. American sociological review, 581-606.
• Kochel, T. R., Burruss, G., ; Weisburd, D. (2016). Assessing the Effects of Hot Spots Policing Strategies on Police Legitimacy, Crime, and Collective Efficacy.

NCJ, (249-747).

J. (2014). The policing of reproduction by hidden threats in a cooperative mammal is discussed in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,

111(1), 326-330.