What is the nature of the Johannine characterization of Pontius Pilate at the trial of Jesus? Did John portray Pilate as a strong and competent leader, a weak and compromising leader, or some combination of the two? These questions have been the subject of much scholarly debate. The goal of this paper is to explore these issues in light of ancient Roman policing strategies, specifically, those aimed at mollifying angry crowds. The paper will determine if John characterized Pilate as engaging in behavior that was consistent with the actions of other government officials dealing with hostile crowds in the early imperial period.