Can we say maintaining the order of the crowds?

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #83 [color=blue]“Save Our Animals (3)”, question 9

A police officer on horseback was the crowds and she found herself being gently moved by the horse.

(a) controlling
(b) maintaining
(c) conducting
(d) driving

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #83 [color=blue]“Save Our Animals (3)”, answer 9

A police officer on horseback was controlling the crowds and she found herself being gently moved by the horse.

Correct answer: (a) controlling

Your answer was: [color=red]incorrect
A police officer on horseback was maintaining the crowds and she found herself being gently moved by the horse.
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Can we say “maintaining the order of the crowds”?

thanks.

Yes, you could say something like that, but I think it would be ‘maintaining order in/among the crowds’.