In crowd control, safety and trust hinge on using force that matches the situation, giving clear instructions, and communicating openly, while avoiding escalation with hostile individuals. Proportional force means applying the minimum necessary level to achieve safety and control, which protects both the public and officers and helps preserve legitimacy. Clear instructions help people understand what’s expected and how to behave, reducing confusion and the chance of unintended clashes. Transparent communication—explaining actions, intentions, and the reasons behind decisions—builds trust with the crowd and bystanders and helps prevent rumors or misinterpretation from taking root. Steering away from engaging with hostile participants prevents escalation that can draw in more people and endanger everyone involved. Indiscriminate force undermines safety and trust and can cause unnecessary harm. Engaging only with the most aggressive person ignores the broader dynamics of the crowd and can escalate tensions. Waiting for the crowd to disperse on its own often leaves people at risk and can allow the situation to worsen before any dispersal occurs.