Which policy evaluated below is most likely to reduce the formation of violent temporary norms during an escalating crowd event?

• A. Encouraging bystanders to join violent acts to increase participation and thereby normalize the behavior faster so authorities can justify stronger measures later.
• B. Complete absence of communication or leadership so that no one can be blamed for escalation, therefore temporarily dissolving the possibility of any normative behavior emerging.
• C. Immediate and indiscriminate use of extreme force by authorities because maximal coercion has no downstream costs and will always deter norm formation regardless of social context.
• D. Rapid establishment of visible nonviolent norms communicated by trusted community leaders and immediate, proportionate de-escalation policing techniques can undercut social proof for violence and reduce norm adoption.

Answer: (D)