PART IV.  POLICING SITUATIONS Spontaneous assemblies Sometimes assemblies gather spontaneously to protest, for example, service delivery issues, a decision by the authorities or in response to an event or incident, even in another country, and sometimes to protest the actions of law enforcement officials. Spontaneous assemblies by definition mean the authorities have not been notified, but this does not mean they cannot plan for it. In fact, law enforcement officials who are well embedded in the communities they serve will probably be aware of discontent about a certain issue. PROTESTING AGAINST THE POLICE Sometimes spontaneous protests arise to protest against actions of the police, such as a wrongful police assault or custodial death. Because the message is directed at police officers, who are simultaneously the targets and the regulators, such protests often lead to a violent response. It is recommended to organize for the immediate arrival at the site of senior law enforcement officers who are not connected with the original act, which triggered the protest, as it might be better to communicate with the protesters. With spontaneous assemblies, the decision whether or not to allow the assembly, or place restrictions, and the enforcement of that decision, are taken at the same moment and probably by the same person and this decision can only be reviewed afterwards. As a basic principle, as long as these assemblies are peaceful and there is no criminal activity, they should be permitted, and authorities should facilitate them just like planned assemblies. It is considered good practice to have the right to assemble spontaneously explicitly covered in law. When dealing with spontaneous assemblies, the authorities will have to rely on their general training and operational preparedness. It is especially in this situation where it is important that law enforcement officials be well versed in how to protect the right to peaceful assembly and have a sound understanding of their responsibility to facilitate this right.247 Public order management during sports, music, and other events Other major events also pose distinct challenges for law enforcement, such as major sports events, especially when they are likely to involve violence initiated by supporters, and social gatherings with many people who may be affected by alcohol. Social media has added to this dynamic by facilitating the ability of people to assemble quickly. Such situations differ from other public assemblies in that they usually do not have the objective of conveying a particular message, and they may present public order challenges, which the vast majority of peaceful assemblies do not. Nevertheless, the same principles apply. It is important to prepare for the event, based on sound knowledge, including intelligence, and draft an appropriate tactical plan. Police should reach out to the supporters prior to and during the event and establish dialogue, differentiate the different participants in the crowd and respond accordingly. 247  Ibid. 115