Can't We All Just Get Along: Civil Support and Interagency Cooperation in the 1992 Los Angeles Riots

摘要

Civil Support--military assistance to U.S. civilian authorities -- is a key component of the Department of Defense's (DoD) participation in Homeland Security. Execution of the civil support mission becomes legally and politically sensitive during responses to civil unrest, when military forces may have to be employed in a domestic law enforcement role. Adherence to the principles of legitimacy and restraint, as well as effective coordination and cooperation with civilian agencies at all levels of government, is necessary for successful completion of such a mission. This paper examines the operational issues and considerations involved in the use of military force to assist civil authority in restoring order following large-scale rioting or insurrection, using the 1992 Los Angeles riots as an illustrative case study. It examines legal considerations including the restrictions contained in the Posse Comitatus Act and the unique status of the National Guard in domestic operations as well as rules for the use of force and the relationships between federal, state, and local officials. Finally, the paper recommends areas of consideration for military or civilian officials involved in similar situations of civil disorder.