But police defend it, arguing that the tactic provides an efficient and relatively safe way of controllingcrowds who may contain individuals bent on violence.
Controllingcrowds and directing traffic remain priorities for Boston police on the day of the marathon, but they have also drilled to prepare for much more.
Police officers, many of them on horseback, had a hard time controlling the crowds, as many of the bathers lingered to gaze at the colourful processions of the holy men.