6.1. The tri-forces should be given intensive training on handling crowd control at civilian
protests, emphasising the difference in the treatment of civilians as opposed to armed
enemy belligerents.
6.2. Further, as per section 95(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act No.15 of 1979 as
amended, in carrying out the dispersal of the unlawful assembly, and any arrests and
detainments as needed, they shall use force as is reasonably necessary to diffuse the
situation.
6.3. The tri-forces should have a thorough knowledge of the chain of command of the police
and their respective chains of command.
6.4. Better coordination and communication should be facilitated between the tri-forces and
the commanding officers of the police.
6.5. If a junior officer wishes to raise an issue or submit any new information relating to
the protest (e.g. difficulties, the need for more personnel and equipment), he must
communicate the issue to the officer immediately superior in rank to him by the
hierarchy of seniority. This would go a long way toward ensuring that the chain of
command remains unbroken.
6.6. A report similar to the report recommended above for the police to compile should be
made by the commanding officers of the army, navy, and air force at the site of the
protest after the fact. It should be handed over to his direct superior, who should ensure
the report reaches the highest level of the hierarchy, to ensure accountability.
6.7. Any allegations of officers breaking ranks without the lawful command of their
commanding officer or any other form of misconduct must be investigated thoroughly.
As
needed,
the
offending
officer
should
be
subject
to
internal
disciplinary/administrative action and legal action.
6.8. As a good chain of command is indispensable for implementing crowd control
operations to maintain law and order, it is of the utmost importance that every officer
from the police and the tri-forces be aware of the chain of command with absolute
certainty. No excuses or compromises whatsoever should be made regarding this
matter.
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