Will mass demonstrations increase in the future?

Mass demonstrations often arise from an array of social, technological, economic, environmental, and political triggers - from gender inequalities and technology-induced unemployment to environmental crises like climate change or political grievances such as civil rights suppression - that come together to spark public protest. Smart phones, social media and the Internet mean that controversial police use-of-force go viral almost instantly and create anger and frustration with the police regardless of where the incident occurs or which police agency it involves.

Knowing that demonstrations are going to happen, police leaders must preemptively respond by cultivating transparency, community engagement and trust; providing bias-sensitive training for officers while upholding free speech rights as well as supporting community initiatives bridging divides. These and many other strategies are key steps toward maintaining trust and confidence in the police during public demonstrations.

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