Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Practice Exam

Which type of crowd is characterized by individuals gathered at a shopping center?

1. Causal

2. Cohesive

3. Expressive

4. Aggressive

The correct answer is: Causal

In the context of crowd types, a causal crowd is one that forms in a transient manner, often without a common goal or purpose beyond the immediate reason for gathering. This is evident in settings such as shopping centers, where individuals are primarily there to shop or browse but are not necessarily interacting with one another or united by a specific objective. The nature of a causal crowd is often passive; members are typically focused on their personal activities rather than collective interaction. Other types of crowds, such as cohesive or expressive, involve a higher level of interaction and shared purpose among individuals. A cohesive crowd has a defined purpose and stronger social connections among its members, while an expressive crowd usually gathers to express emotions, often related to a shared cause or sentiment. Aggressive crowds are characterized by hostility and conflict, which does not apply to the typical scenario at a shopping center. Thus, the characterization of individuals gathered at such a location aligns best with the definition of a causal crowd.