North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What are the three main types of riots?

1. Organized/planned, Guerrilla, Spontaneous

2. Escaped, Acquisitive, Aggressive

3. Peaceful, Civil, Labor

4. Expressive, Aggressive, Reactionary

The correct answer is: Organized/planned, Guerrilla, Spontaneous

The classification of riots into organized/planned, guerrilla, and spontaneous types provides a useful framework for understanding the nature of these events. Organized or planned riots involve premeditated actions by groups of individuals seeking specific goals, often with a level of coordination and strategy. These can include political demonstrations that escalate into violence or targeted disruptions. Guerrilla riots typically manifest through hit-and-run tactics, where participants engage in disorderly behavior sporadically and unpredictably, making it challenging for law enforcement to respond effectively. This method often emphasizes mobility and surprise, as opposed to conventional confrontations. Spontaneous riots arise suddenly in response to a specific event, such as an incident of perceived injustice or an emotional trigger. Without prior planning or organization, these riots reflect collective emotional reactions and can escalate quickly. The other options do not adequately cover the classifications of riot behavior. Acquisitive and aggressive types focus more on the motivations behind the actions rather than their organizational structure. Peaceful, civil, and labor classifications primarily describe types of gatherings or protests rather than riots. Expressive, aggressive, and reactionary classifications, while addressing some behavioral aspects, do not encompass the important distinction of organization or spontaneity that aids in effective law enforcement response and management.