In the late 1960s and early 1970s, many countries faced significant social and political upheaval. Protests, demonstrations, and civil unrest were becoming increasingly common, and law enforcement agencies were struggling to respond effectively. In response to these challenges, the British government established a working group to develop a comprehensive manual that would provide guidance on maintaining public order.
Crucially, the manual included intricate footwork diagrams (like dance choreography for riot control) and whistle commands. A single long blast followed by two shorts meant “seal the cordon.” A siren wail with alternating pitch meant “prepare for gas” (though CS gas was rarely deployed in mainland Britain at this time). public order manual poman 1971
to manage civil unrest and maintain national security. While it remains a core technical guide for specialized units like the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) In the late 1960s and early 1970s, many