Riots or unlawful assemblies occur when crowds[?] of people have gathered and are committing crimes or acts of violence.
Dispersing violent crowds is typically a task for the police, although widespread rioting may require military support. One reason unstable countries typically have paramilitary forces is because without them, rioting would be a daily occurrence.
To control riots often non-lethal weapons are used, such as water cannons[?], rubber bullets, flexible baton rounds and riot control agent.
Deadly force is used in some repressive countries to stop riots, particularly if martial law is declared or in a country at war. This is generally permissible under the laws of war so long as nonparticipating civilians are not intended targets. Collateral damage is a usual result.