Law Journal of the National Academy of Internal Affairs

The actuality issues of counteraction to massive riots by operative subdivisions is investigated. The measures that should be applied by operative subdivisions in combating riots are considered. The classification of these measures on the basis of criminological criteria is carried out. The problems of legislative regulation of such measures are determined. The ways of solving these problems are given. The measures of operative subdivisions to combat mass riots are divided into measures: detection, prevention, suspension and investigation. The first group of measures includes: a) law enforcement monitoring of social networks and activities of the media in terms of revealing open and hidden calls for mass protests, incitement to destruction of social accord, the use of these networks for the organization of protests; b) analysis of information from publicly available and confidential sources regarding: appropriation significant bill of funds to formal and informal non-governmental organizations; the acquisition and production of flags, tents, printing products, as well as items that can be used as an instrument of crime; c) measures to obtain initial information about the preparation of the riots. The second group of measures includes: a) informing the relevant state bodies about the facts and data indicating a threat to the security of society and the state; b) sending the collected materials, which recorded evidence of preparations for the riots to the respective pre-trial investigation in order to start and implement preliminary investigation under the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. The third group of measures includes: a) collection and immediate information transfer about the behavior and intentions of the crowd, the most active participants in the riots to the subdivisions whose competence is to provide public order by force; b) disinformation and disorganization of the crowd by operatives which previously applied in criminal dangerous environment, both through social networks, or directly into the crowd. The fourth group of measures includes all procedural actions carried out by operatives by power of attorney of the investigator, prosecutor.