Not only does the situation effect how this would be handled but the location as well. Big city versus small town versus resort town. In each you will find some basic differences as to how any situation is approached.
From my experience at working the night audit shift (11pm-7am) I have had to call the police for different disburances. I can tell you that although they take every precaution to insure their safety as well as anyone else in the area of the altercation, that they try to talk the situation down and calm everyone down. Nothing pisses off tourist more than getting arrested for disturbing the peace.
