January 10, 2012 | Categories: Crowd Control

There are many proven crowd control methods utilized today, ranging from queuing systems of posts and ropes to electronic queuing. Recently, the growing trend of online marketing has given rise to the idea that social media can be used to help calm and control crowds in the event of an emergency.

The easiest way to reach a large group of people instantly is via the internet, and police and crowd control authorities are beginning to understand how this can help them in their pursuit of safety. One main catalyst for an emergency is when communication breaks down between those responsible for crowd control and those actually being "controlled." This stimulates a downward trend that could lead to total confusion in the worst case scenario. But by posting updates on websites such as Twitter or Facebook, authorities are able to get official messages and information out to the public if the situation requires it. According to Guardian News, the South Yorkshire Police in Sheffield, U.K. have used social media to diffuse several critical situations involving miscommunication, providing a peaceful and safe resolution.

Imagine a major hurricane barreling toward a coastal area. Thousands of people would be purchasing supplies in anticipation of the storm, and through social media, businesses could provide estimated queue times or crowd information by posting it online. Police handing out emergency gear or setting up aid stations could let the public know when stockpiles became depleted. In the event of an evacuation, emergency workers could provide public guidance to designated safe zones or temporary housing. Such effective communication would dramatically reduce the dangerous queuing time associated with such extreme weather.

Brazil and the European Union are currently partnering on a research grant that allocated almost 13 million dollars toward evaluating the relationship between social media and crowd control. The idea of "digital broadcasting" is critical in the event of a high-risk scenario, and the study aims to create a clear definition on the subject. In an era where the internet has infiltrated almost every aspect of international culture, stanchions and sign posts may no longer be enough to provide safety information to the public. By monitoring and using social media websites, authorities can often prevent dangerous situations before they even occur and keep the populace up to date during an emergency.