What is the primary duty of a magistrate or peace officer when a riot is occurring?

The primary duty of a magistrate or peace officer during a riot is to disperse the assembly. This responsibility is rooted in the need to restore public order and ensure the safety of individuals involved, including both participants in the riot and bystanders. When a riot occurs, it often leads to potential harm to people and property, so the swift action of dispersing the crowd is essential to prevent escalation of violence and mitigate any risks to community safety.

The authority to disperse is also typically supported by legal statutes which empower officers to act to prevent disturbances and maintain public peace. Additionally, they may have the option to provide guidance or warnings before taking direct action, but the ultimate goal remains to disband the assembly causing disruption.

Other options do not reflect the primary responsibility in situations of public unrest. Observing and reporting would be passive and insufficient during a chaotic event. Making arrests focuses on law enforcement after a crime has occurred rather than preemptively addressing the disturbance. Securing the area might imply a focus on controlling the environment, but without actively dispersing the assembly, the situation could remain volatile. Therefore, the emphasis is on dispersing the assembly to proactively manage and resolve the incident.