“Public Perceptions of Police: Mob Psychology” In the Academy, we were given an overview on how to address an angry mob. We were taught that most groups of protestors that gather are attracted by the dynamics of the crowd itself. Usually there are a few, or maybe even only one, who initiates an action against a perceived enemy.   This may seem a tongue in cheek example, but let’s look closely at this image. It demonstrates the concept perfectly. You see two individuals dressed in business suits, surrounded by Groundskeeper Willie, several housewives and teenagers, and Chief Wiggum and his son Ralphie. Obviously, the Chief shouldn’t be on THAT side of the crowd, but it does show how easily an otherwise law-abiding citizen can fall victim to the emotions of the moment. Here's what really happens. A handful of individuals set about to rile up the crowd against a target. They recruit a group of individuals who distribute themselves within a crowd and “push their but...