What is the primary defensive use of the Diamond formation in crowd management?

The primary defensive use of the Diamond formation in crowd management is to provide security within an area. This formation creates a protective barrier and allows for better visibility and control of the environment, enabling officers to effectively manage crowds while ensuring the safety of both law enforcement personnel and the public. By positioning officers in a diamond shape, the formation can efficiently cover more ground and respond to developing situations while maintaining a defensive posture.

In contrast, options such as moving into a crowd for an arrest, clearing a street, and encircling a group of protestors focus more on offensive operations rather than defense. The Diamond formation's strength lies in establishing a secure perimeter and managing crowd dynamics, making it less suited for direct confrontational tactics that those other selections imply.