This archive report was first published on 6 June 2020.
Published on June 6, 2020, the New York City police's use of 'kettling' tactics has been criticized for fueling protests and exacerbating violence.
For Axel Hernandez, 30, a peaceful protest at Cadman Plaza on Wednesday night turned violent when officers rushed into the crowd with batons, hitting people and causing chaos.
Experts say kettling is a technique used for decades, not just in New York City, but around the world, including Northern Ireland. In theory, officers surround protesters, cutting off exits until they tire, then let them disperse in small groups.
However, because demonstrators have nowhere to go, the maneuver often ends with a charge and mass arrests. Since the city put a curfew in place this week, the police have used the technique in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx.
“Kettling is basically when you take the crowd and drive it into a box, which is a great idea if you’re wanting to capture people,” said Dennis Kenney, a criminal justice professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. “It’s generally a way to greatly increase the likelihood of conflict.”
