What advantage does a wedge formation provide?

A wedge formation is particularly effective in crowd control situations as it allows personnel to create distance between themselves and a potentially unruly group while simultaneously establishing a foothold. This formation is designed to split the crowd, effectively creating two separate groups. This division can help to minimize the risk of a large-scale confrontation and can also provide a tactical advantage by containing the crowd's movements.

By splitting the crowd, team members can manage each section more easily and use their resources more efficiently. It also reduces the concentration of individuals in any one area, which can help to de-escalate potential threats from individuals who might otherwise act in solidarity within a larger group. The wedge formation, therefore, enables the team to control the situation methodically rather than facing a united front, promoting safety and order during crowd management operations.