MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

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What is the primary role of police during civil unrest?

Arrest any violators without question
Preserve the peace
Change the crowd's behavior
Assist in the investigation

The correct answer is: Preserve the peace

The primary role of police during civil unrest is to preserve the peace. This involves maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of both participants and bystanders. Police are tasked with managing situations that may escalate and can potentially lead to violence. Their presence is meant to reassure the public, deter criminal behavior, and create a safe environment for peaceful demonstrations. While law enforcement has the authority to arrest individuals who violate laws, this action is secondary to their essential duty of maintaining order. Efforts to change the crowd's behavior might be a part of their strategy but are not the principal responsibility. Similarly, assisting in investigations is more of a follow-up role after a disturbance has occurred, not the primary function during the unrest itself. The focus remains on preventing escalation and ensuring that the rights to peaceful assembly are respected, which is central to the notion of preserving the peace.