The ability of a formation to both deny access and clear a street best describes which crowd control formation?

The line formation is particularly effective for crowd control because it allows for a unified front in managing and controlling crowds. This formation is arranged in a straight line, which enables officers to present a solid barrier and deny access to a certain area. By maintaining this formation, officers can effectively control and contain crowds, directing them as needed.

In addition to restricting access, the line formation offers the advantage of maneuverability in clearing a street. Officers organized in this way can push forward as a cohesive unit, applying physical presence and directing crowd movement with greater effectiveness. This combination of capabilities—denying access while also having the ability to advance and clear an area—makes the line formation a preferred choice in various crowd control scenarios.

Other formations—such as the wedge, circle, or diamond—while useful in specific contexts, do not provide the same balance of denial and crowd-clearing ability that the line formation offers. The wedge can lead a charge or disperse a crowd from the front, the circle can provide a defensive posture and protect individuals or assets, and the diamond is typically used for protection and maneuvering. Each has its strengths, but the line formation stands out for simultaneous access denial and the ability to clear a street effectively.