During the past several years, most managers have seen or read about flash mob antics and the sudden fun that people have when they are dancing or performing together in one location. More recently, however, this convergence of people has turned into something more menacing.

The December PM cover story, “Flash Mobs: The Newest Threat to Local Governments“ explains how flash mob crime and violence have increased over the past year. “Flash robs” are now a growing public safety concern. Author Linda Kiltz, assistant professor of public administration at Texas A & M—Corpus Christi, has been studying this latest trend.

She notes that law enforcement leaders are closely examining the issue and determining how best to use social media tools and technology to assist in presenting and responding to criminal activity. Here are some of the tactics that law enforcement agencies are using:

• Enforcing curfew ordinances
• Increasing police presence in youth gathering spots
• Monitoring social media websites for flash mobs.

To find how communities are responding and what websites have more information, read the cover story on PM’s website.