Attending A Protest
This is not everything, but these are some important basics for safely attending a protest.
Educate Yourself
Learn about what you are protesting ahead of time and understand exactly what you will be arguing; don't expect others to educate you when you get there.
Know Your Rights
You have the right to attend a protest, but there have been many instances where rights are violated by police, so understand what your rights are. Read more about your rights protesting Here.
What to Bring
Wear closed toe walking shoes, dress according to weather, cover any identifying tattoos, cover dyed hair, and wear non-descript clothes. Bring water, id, basic first aid kit, snacks. You can and should bring your phone, but make sure your location is off, your phone is on password lock only, and that Siri is disabled.
Be Prepared
Be prepared to be arrested: don't bring anything you wouldn't want the police to catch you with, carry an id, lock your phone. Don't consent to searches, don't accept gum/cigarettes/ anything they can get DNA from, don't agree to or sign anything without the presence of a lawyer. Only give your name and id card. You don't have to say anything else, but make sure to disclose that you are utilizing your right to stay silent.
Be prepared to record: Record arrests, record police interactions. Police can not delete anything from your phone and you have the right to record. Record injuries, violence. If you are recording the protest, make sure not to record anyone's face or post anything without their consent; it's rude and could also compromise their safety.
Be ready for retaliation if you participate in civil disobedience.
Stay Calm
DO NOT RUN: Always walk slowly with a group. This is for a multitude of reasons: Running causes panic and other people will start running too; The police might react if you run from them; You could injure yourself or others. Stay Calm if violence occurs and make sure to move away from it if possible.
Buddy System
Don't go to a protest alone; always have a trusted friend or group you will be going with so that you can be held accountable and so that you have witnesses/ can stay safe. There is safety in numbers, especially at a large event.
Have A Plan
For if you get separated, decide on a meet-up spot. If you become unsafe, plan an escape route. If you need to leave quickly, plan that out ahead of time. Never leave yourself in a situation where you don't know where to go or what to do.
Use Privilege
If you have white privilege, you should be prepared to use it to help shield those around you from police violence, be it with your body or with your presence. Protect those around you if you can.
