Civil Disturbance Unit (CDU)

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Since 1999, the Civil Disturbance Unit (CDU) has been a group of officers specifically trained to handle large-scale protests or acts of disorderly behavior. This unit responds to protests or demonstrations where the likelihood of civil disobedience or a riot exists.

Training

CDU training involves much more than using gas masks and pepper spray. Officers also study:

  • Crowd dynamics
  • Damage control
  • First Amendment protections
  • First-aid/CPR
  • Intelligence gathering
  • Protestor tactics
  • VIP protection and many other related topics

All are necessary to protect the interests of property owners, protestors, and the intended targets of their message.