Perceptions of Public Order Policing (POP) officials on the factors that contribute to the escalation of violence during protests

This study investigates the perceptions of law enforcement officials on factors that escalate violence during protests. Violent protests have caused extensive damage and loss of life, yet early prediction of such violence remains unclear. The research aims to identify contributing factors to improve risk assessment, prevention, and response strategies, particularly given rising unrest linked to socio-economic inequality and inadequate service delivery. This study used a qualitative, phenomenological approach to explore individuals' lived experiences of violent protest escalation. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and analysed thematically to uncover patterns and meanings. Guided by an interpretivist paradigm, the research focused on understanding participants’ subjective realities while maintaining objectivity and minimising bias during analysis. This study ensured trustworthiness by applying key qualitative criteria: dependability, credibility, transferability, and confirmability. Strategies included an audit trail, reflexive journaling, member checking, and rich contextual descriptions. Though source triangulation was limited, theoretical triangulation was used. Reflexivity was maintained to minimise bias, ensuring findings were accurate, credible, and grounded in participants’ lived experiences.