GB2166225A - Riot control - Google Patents

Abstract

A riot control net 4 is carried on a vehicle 2 and is connected at its leading edge to powered projection means, for example rockets fired from launchers 7 which project the net ahead of the vehicle to descend upon and restrain rioters. Alternatively, other filamentary means not formed into a net may be used, e.g. a single filament projected as an expanding helix to entangle one or more rioters. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Riot control method and apparatus The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for use by security and law enforcement authorities, for the passive control and more importantly, the deterrance of riots or civil unrest.

The control of a rioting crowd is usually attempted in the first instance by the police or other authorised persons, at a distance, by using the remote riot control apparatus at present available to them since close contact between rioters and police almost inevitably leads to physical violence, with injuries to both parties. The apparatus for and methods of remote riot control used at present are varied but all are aggressive in their application in that they generaly involve projecting a crowd dispersal agent such as a water jet, tear gas or other noxious substance, a missile such as a 'Baton Round' commonly known as a 'Rubber Bullet' or 'Plastic Bullet' or, in extreme circumstances, the use of 'Bird Shot' or live ammunition.If these methods fail, then the police or security forces have the only alternative of either a mounted horseback charge, with the use of riot sticks, or an advance in considerable numbers, using riot protection shields, with drawn truncheons. These aggressive methods tend to increase crowd alienation, with the escalation of physical violence and consequential injuries.

It must be assumed in a modern civilised society, for a riot control method to be acceptable, there must be potentially little or no risk of injury to the rioters or the paid servants of that society i.e. something that is passive but effective. This requirement is difficult to meet when using a remote riot control method that involves projecting a missile, the whole intent of which is to physically injure. Regrettably, this has been more than amply demonstrated in a number of countries by the deaths and injuries caused by the use of live 'Bird Shot' and 'Plastic Bullets' and in recent times, when large numbers of police officers have been involved in controlling disruption and disorder by baton charges.

These aggressive confrontations are shown on television all over the world and can arouse resentment and hostility against the police or security forces in people viewing them.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a passive means of remote riot control which minimises the risk of possible injury both to the rioters and the police and at the same time, allows the police to arrest a higher proportion of the riot leaders.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a riot control method which includes the step of effecting the powered projection of a net made of lightweight nylon or similar material, above head height, towards the rioters to be controlled. The range and distance can be pre-controlled by the amount of power supplied and the overall length and width of the new used, so that the net descends and thus entangles and restrains the rioters.

Ideally, those in the net are the riot leaders and once the activities of the leaders have been curtailed and possibly arrested, it is much more likely that the remaining rioters will disperse when the possiblity of arrest is shown to be very apparent Clearly, the risk of injury to any entangled rioter from the net is negligible, while this net will greatly reduce the ability of a captured rioter to offer physical harm to an arresting officer.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the riot control apparatus is mounted on a vehicle, thereby making deployment very rapid and allowing the police or security forces equipped with such vehicles to respond very quickly to a possible riot situation. The equipment may be a permanent fixture on the vehicle, remaining in a folded or inoperative state so as not to be a hindrance to the vehicle during normal operations. The police or security organisations do not, therefore, have to purchase specially designed vehicles for riot duties which have no other use.The deployment of only two or three vehicles so equipped in the early stages of a riot situation would allow possible entanglement, capture and arrest of individual rioters and would have a strong deterent effect without the necessity for the police to come into close physical proximity of the rioters until entangled and thus reduce the likelihood of any form of retaliation. Preferably, the nets so used are approx. 5 Metres by 3 Metres in size, although other sizes are of course possible and the mesh size is for example 100 mm square.

Various other novel aspects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of an example, of one form of vehicle mounted riot control apparatus, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 depicts the use of the vehicle-mounted riot control apparatus to restrain the leader of a rioting crowd; Figures 2 and 3 are front and side elevations respectively of one form of vehicle equipped with riot control apparatus in its deployed state; Figures 4 and 5 are similar views of the same vehicle with the apparatus in its inoperative state; Figure 6 is a side elevation of another form of vehicle equipped with riot control apparatus in its deployed state; and Figure 7 is a top plan view of the vehicle shown in Figure 6.

Figure 1 depicts a rioting crowd let by three individuals 1 who are throwing stones at a police vehicle 2.

Mounted on the roof of the vehicle 2 is a launch structure 3 from which a net 4 has just been projected towards the riot leaders 1 by firing rockets or other projectiles (not shown) secured to at least the leading corners of the net. The net 4 may be made of lightweight nylon and measure 3 x 5 m., the mesh size being 100 mm square.

Typically, two projectiles are used to project the net 4 from the vehicle 2, which projectiles may be rockets which are capable of pulling the net through the air for a distance of 25 to 30 m before burning up and allowing the net to descend. The leading edge 5 of the net 4 is preferably slightly weighted to ensure that its momentum prevents the net from closing up on itself after the rockets have burned up.

As the net descends over the riot leaders 1 they become entangled in it without suffering any injury and not only are they prevented from throwing stones or other missiles they can also be readily apprehended by police 'snatch' squads.

As can be seen from Figures 2 to 7, the launch structure 3 comprises a horizontal mesh platform 6 and one or two rocket launchers 7. The platform 6 is made up of a central portion 8 and two side portions 9 pivotally mounted on the central portion.

The latter has a square hollow section steel frame 20 with angle steel cross members 21 cut to a length equal to the width of the vehicle 2. The central portion 8 is either immovably fixed to the roof of the vehicle 2 or may be pivotally mounted on the vehicle roof for movement through 360 . The rear part 22 of the central portion 8 is formed as a walkway for use by the loader when the net 4 has been laid in position on the forward part and access to the walkway can be obtained via a retractable ladder 23 which is normally stowed horizontally on the walkway with its upper end slidably mounted in two of the cross-members 21.

Readily releasable means are provided at opposite ends of the cross-members 21 for locking the ladder in its stored position and in its operative position in which it extends vertically down one side of the vehicle 2. As an alternative or in addition to the ladder 23 access to the walkway may be obtained from inside the vehicle through a hinged trap door 24 or sliding door which is suitably weatherproofed and could be used by a second member of the team for passing nets, missiles and other equipment required for the loader without having to leave the vehicle.

In the inoperative state of the apparatus, the two side portions 9 are folded inwards on the central portion 8 and held in that position by springloaded retaining pins (not shown) which are readily releasable to enable the side portions to be swung outwards from the position shown in Figures 4 and 5 to the operative position shown in Figures 2,3,6 and 7 in which they project beyond both sides of the vehicle.In the apparatus shown in the drawings, each side portion carries a launcher 7 for a rocket or other projectile and these launchers each comprise a cradle 25 pivotally mounted at the outer end of an arm 26, the inner end of which is pivotally mounted on the forward frame member of a side portion for movement through 90 between a horizontal position shown in Figures 4 and 5 and a vertical position shown in Figures 2,3, 6 and 7, means (not shown) being provided for releasably locking the arm in its extreme position. The side portions 9 are preferably so dimensioned as to provide a distance of about 3.2 m between the launcher arms in their operative position, thus allowing for the use of a net 3 m wide.

The invention is not limited to the use of two launchers 7, it being envisaged that a single launcher would in certain circumstances be sufficient. At the present time, however, it is thought that two rockets or other projectiles, if fired simultaneously, would be more likely to ensure that the net travels in a straight line.

The rocket carrying cradles 25 may be of either circular or round steel section, with the top cut open for heat relief or of angle steel section, there being less frictional drag on an angled section cradle, as the surface contact is tangential to the cylindrical rocket body which will be beneficial in keeping the initial inertia of the rocket propulsion to a minimum. Each rocket cradle may be mounted on an adjustable arc locking plate to allow for a steeper angle of fire to increase the effective possible range, or the angle of fire may be fixed so that if two-rocket projection is used, there will be no possibility under extreme pressure, of the two cradles being set at different angles. With the rocket cradles 25 at predetermined fixed angles, different ranges will be obtained by different size rockets.In this connection a stock of rockets of different ranges, each denoted by a different colour, may be issued to each vehicle equipped with the apparatus, each rocket also having its actual range printed thereon in bold figures in a colour contrasting with the colour of the rocket. Similarly, each net may be provided on its protective wrapping with the colour of the rocket required to project that paticular net the required distance, or range i.e. Yellow: 30 Metres; Blue: 50 Metres; Red: 100 Metres.

To help the vehicle crew deduce the required range, a transparent film may be secured to the inside of the vehicle windscreen, on the passenger side of the vehicle, which film is printed with a series of straight horizontal lines of the same colour as the rockets and alongside each set of lines, a number in the same colour to show the required range, so that on looking through the transparent film and windscreen, the area seen between the lines of the same colour, will be the target area attainable, relative to that colour.

The net, which will be prepacked and folded in a plastics sleeve, will be provided, on packing, with a very lightweight paper membrane between each fold to prevent possible entanglement, during further handling, each membrane being flung off as the net unwinds on firing. The overall net size will be shown on each containing wrapper in bold figures, as also will the colour of the rocket necessary to project that size net the required distance. The front leading edge of the net 4 will have weided to it across its whole width a Bowden cable towing line provided with a preformed loop at one or each end large enough to go over the tapered nose and body diameter of the rocket, be it a one or two rocket model. The towing line is preferably of sufficient length to be slack prior to firing and when fired, to provide sufficient distance in flight between the rockets and the net to prevent any of the flame or heat from the or each rocket from melting or otherwise damaging the net fabric.

With the apparatus in its deployed position, a rocket or rockets of the required range are selected and placed in the rocket cradles and connected to the ignition firing circuit. The ignition of the rockets is controlled by a common electrical circuit, not illustrated, operated from within the vehicle cab.

The rocket body with a tapered nose is ideally made from lightweight cardboard, with a cardboard collar of large diameter, around the base of the nose. This collar will prevent the rocket slipping too far down the cradle 25 but will also be a 'stop' for the Bowden cable loop which will be of a standard diameter larger than the largest rocket diameter. The larger diameter of the cable loop will allow for the rocket body to fall away from the cable once it has finished firing. The collar will also act as the pulling agent of the rocket once the net is in flight. The leading edge of the net may be parabolic in shape and not necessarily straight as the rocket action may induce the sides of the net to be pulled along at a faster rate than the rest of the net in flight, induced by the consequential air drag factor.Since the front edge of the net has the Bowden cable across its width it will therefore, be heavier than the trailing end of the net and thus have greater kinetic energy, ensuring that the momentum of the net in flight prevents it from closing up on itself after the burn up of the rockets. The added weight of the Bowden cable towing lines and the cable welded to the net will give a slight 'nose dive' effect during descent.

The mesh size of the net may be increased to keep the weight of the net to a minimum and also to increase the chance of the arms and legs of those entangled and enmeshed to become more entangled, especially when several are struggling to get out. With a large mesh net the arresting po- lice officers are able to make the captive rioters walk while still encapsulated in the net.

The rockets are fired well above head height so that no one is actually in the line of fire and when the rockets are burnt out they will fall out of the larger diameter loops of the towing lines and being made of lightweight cardboard, will do no physical damage on their fall. As the net descends over the riot leaders these and possibly others, are entangled therein but without injury and can be readily apprehended by police 'snatch squads' without being able to offer much resistance or violence.

Any rioters not caught by the net will be cautious of coming to the aid of those who are or offering violence, even by stone throwing since they would have to retreat far enough to be outside the range of the nets deployed ready for firing and having seen their colleagues caught would not wish to be caught themselves.

The above described arrangement of the apparatus permits its rapid deployment by the vehicles so equipped in the event of a riot situation and the use of the vehicles for normal duties at other times, with the apparatus folded down and secured in position, within the original width of the vehicle and adding only a few centimetres to its overall height. Each loading operation simply requires two rockets of the required range to be placed in the launchers connected to the firing circuit and a new net of the required size to be placed on the platform and connected by the cable and formed loops to the rockets. A reload time of the order of two or three minutes is anticipated but this could well become shorter with training and experience in use.

Similarly, if the generally fast moving events of a riot situation demand the redeployment and repositioning of the vehicles it will only take a few minutes to unload the net and rockets, fold the side portions back onto the centre portion of the platform, release the vertical arms of the rocket lauchers and fold down and relock them in the lowered position. After climbing down the ladder when in use it is only necessary to lift it vertically out of its retaining slot, lift the ladder horizontally and slide it back into the platform frame within the vehicle width and lock it in position with the quick release clip. The vehicle can then operate normally and proceed to its next required position, where, if necessary, the apparatus can be again quickly deployed for further use.

As can be seen from the foregoing description, the vehicle mounted riot control apparatus is passive in its use and appiication, is highly mobile, does not require high capital spending on special types of vehicles, permits the forces of law and order to rapidly adapt to the generally fast-moving events of a riot, with the possibility of injury to po- lice or rioters minimised. Preferably, two or three vehicles equipped and provided with the apparatus could be used as a combined team so that immediately after a net has been fired by one vehicle to catch a group of rioters one or more vehicles are on hand ready to fire and thus deterring other rioters from becoming too closely involved with the police or from helping the rioters already caught in the net as they themselves could get caught as a result of subsequent firing.Furthermore, the presence of two or more vehicle avoids the high vulnerability periods during the reloading of the apparatus on any of the vehicles.

It should be noted and appreciated that the method and apparatus herein may be varied without departing from the scope of the invention claimed. For example, the rocket or rockets could be replaced by a mortar type of projector, a compressed air or spring-actuated launcher or a spinning cylinder which employs centrifugal or centripetal force to project the net. Furthermore, a manually operated portable version of the apparatus could be employed having a single rocket or mortar in a central tube mounted in a larger carrying tube with the net prewound and contained within the two tubes.

Although in the embodiment described and illustrated a net has been used to trap and entangle rioters it would be possible to use other filamentary means, not formed into a net, for the same purpose. Thus, for example, a single filament projected as an expanding helix would serve to entangle one or more rioters, or other attackers, particularly if this filament were sticky. This would be a particularly safe way of restraining and entangling aircraft hijackers while the aircraft is in flight without the danger of the aircraft cabin becoming de-pressurised other than by the use of the hijacker's weapon which he would find difficult to deploy if entangled in a sticky filament. Similarly, it could be developed as a passive form of personal antimugger device for physically incapacitating an agressive person sufficiently long enough for the potential victim to escape.

From the foregoing it can be seen that the present invention envisages not only the passive retraint of rioters by using a projected net but also the restraint of other types of attacker using projected filamentary means of any suitable form to provide a method of temporarily handicapping one or more persons effecting the powered projection of filamentary entanglement means towards said person or persons to entangle the latter therin.

Claims (16)

1. A riot control method including the step of effecting the powered projection of a net or a quantity of filamentary material towards rioters to be controlled such that the net or material descends upon and restrains the rioters.

2. A method according to claim 1, in which the net or material is projected by rockets or other powered projectiles attached thereto.

3. Riot control apparatus comprising a- net of a quantity of filamentary material and projecting means arranged to project and deploy the net or material over rioters to be controlled.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, in which the apparatus is mounted on a vehicle and the projecting means are arranged to project the net or material ahead of the vehicle.

5. Apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, in which the projecting means comprise one or more powered projectiles attached to a net.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, in which the or each projectile is a rocket designed to project the net a predetermined distance and to burn out before the net falls to the ground.

7. Apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, in which the net is attached to two projectiles at opposite ends of a leading edge of the net.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, in which the leading edge of the net is weighted.

9. Apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, in which the projecting means comprise a compressed air or spring-powered launcher.

10. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, in which the projecting means comprises a mortartype launcher.

11. Vehicle-mounted apparatus for controlling a riotous assembly by projecting a restraining net towards and over the rioters, comprising a platform mounted on the vehicle roof to receive a net to be projected and at least one powered launching device pivotally mounted on said platform to receive a projectile for attachment to said net.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, provided with two projectile launching devices mounted at opposite sides of said platform.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said platform is provided with two lateral extensions pivotally secured to opposite sides of the platform and carrying said launching devices at their outer ends, said lateral extensions being pivotable between an inoperative position in which they are folded inwardly on said platform and an operative position in which they project laterally from opposite sides of the vehicle.

14. Apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said launching devices constitute cradles pivotally mounted on the free ends of arms which are pivotally mounted at their other ends on the sides of the platform for movement between an inoperative position in which they are folded inwardly over the platform and an operative position in which they extend vertically upward from the platform.

15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the rear of said platform constitutes a walkway for an operator to which access can be obtained via a retractable ladder andlor a door in the roof of the vehicle.

16. Riot control apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.