How to Survive an American Riot

When Peaceful Protests Go Violent

Democracy is under threat. Originally published in 2021, recent events mandated a major overhaul of this online program.

Millions of our neighbors are taking to the streets. Thus, this online program facilitates your political activism, while supporting peaceful protest and enhancing individual and team safety.

How to Survive an American Riot: When Peaceful Protests Go Violent has three main objectives:

1. Awareness: Introduce the learner to concept of peaceful political activism. This is especially true in the context of today's increasingly volatile political landscape.

2. Basic Training: Explain the potential threats and challenges encountered by peaceful protesters. We suggest safe, practical responses for your consideration.

3. Self-Confidence: Build the learner's self-confidence. You are not alone. This course amplifies that little voice in your head-- "You got this..."

   NOTE: Law enforcement may feel increasingly empowered because of rhetoric coming from the White House. Lawless, excessive actions-- including excessive force-- are increasingly obvious. How to Survive an American Riot is updated expressly within this context.

Topics include, but not limited to:

• The strategic and tactical value of peaceful protest

• The importance of this moment in history- your role

• "Best Practices" and lessons learned from past events

• What to take. What to wear.

• The importance of a unified, rational message.

• Have a partner or belong to a team. Don't go it alone.

• The crucial role of planning-- and the after-action debrief.

• Your First Amendment Rights. What are they?

• What is not protected by the First Amendment?

• Common examples of how and why freedom of speech can be regulated

• Understanding public vs. private property-- and its implications

• Helpful organizations: civil rights, legal, humanitarian.

• Common misunderstandings regarding free speech

• Bad Actors- i.e. counter-protesters, false-flags, etc.

• Operational Security- The OPSEC paradox.

• Ten critical points for when interacting with the police

• Simple, plain-talk scripts when communicating with the police.

• Introduction to less-than-lethal weapons- chemical agents, "flash-bangs," Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD) and "stink" projectors.

• Your Smart Phone: Understanding Benefits and Risks

• Response and Decontamination of chemical agents

• Understand the differences between tear gas and pepper spray

• Decon and the "Milk Myth." Get the facts.

• Tactical Practical: Use the "tactical stance" for increased safety

• Tactical Practical: Consider the modified Ranger File when your team needs to move to safety.

• Old School: Manage your info like a fighter pilot.

About the Instructor: Cole Morris is board certified in security management. His background includes a 20-year military career, leadership positions in the corporate security sphere- including high-tech, Fortune 500 organizations. Cole has served in healthcare security as well as high-risk government contracts. Internationally published, he has also served as an adjunct faculty member for Webster University where he taught graduate students in security management. A recognized security educator, Cole also delivers Udemy's best-selling course, How to Succeed in Your Security Career.