During a civil disturbance, actions regarding arrests are most productive when directed toward whom?

During a civil disturbance, directing actions toward the leaders of the group is the most productive approach for several reasons. Leaders often hold significant influence over the group's behavior and actions. By addressing the leaders, law enforcement can potentially de-escalate the situation more effectively, as leaders can aid in communicating the police's intentions to their followers.

Targeting leaders can disrupt the coordination and motivation of the group, potentially causing them to reconsider their actions. This can lead to a more peaceful resolution to the situation, as leaders may be more receptive to negotiation and dialogue with authorities. Engaging the leaders also allows police to address the root causes of the disturbance directly, which can be more effective than engaging with numerous individuals who may not be as influential.

In contrast, focusing on all members of the group, passive participants, or only bystanders may lead to further escalation, increased tension, and could create a perception of indiscriminate enforcement, which may not resolve the underlying issues and could exacerbate the situation.