Which of the following is NOT among the five crowd control formations typically used?

• A. Skirmish line
• B. Wedge
• C. Circle
• D. Line abreast

Answer: (D)

The concept being tested is how crowd-control formations are categorized by their tactical purpose. In typical training, formations are defined by distinct objectives: a wedge to penetrate and direct a crowd, a skirmish line for a flexible contact front, a circle to contain and protect those inside, and a line (or block) to form a solid barrier. Line abreast describes officers walking side by side across a wide front, which achieves a broad barrier but is generally treated as a variation of the line formation rather than a separate formation with its own tactical role. Because the training framework lists five separate formations by clear tactical purposes, line abreast isn’t counted as one of the distinct formations, making it the option that does not fit the set.