Thread for first time protestors ;

I talked abt this on my IG live but here’s a list of some things I use for various actions I’ll keep adding as I remember https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/38HL9XPY4YOOH?ref_=wl_share

KNOWING YOUR RIGHTS

1st Ammendment: freedom of speech (slander & obscenities/incitement not protected), freedom of assembly, freedom of the press and right to petition the government of any grievances

4th ammendment: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures; YOU CANNOT BE SEARCHED WITHOUT A WARRANT, if an officer asks to search you say that you do NOT consent to any searches

5th ammendment: YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT! You do NOT have to talk to cops even if you are arrested. Affirm your right to silence and if arrested ALWAYS ask to speak to an attorney. Do NOT speak unless an attorney is present.

To expand on the 5th, assert your right to remain silent to avoid self incrimination and to avoid incriminating others

6th Ammendment: right to a speedy and public trial AND to have assistance of counsel for your defense (your lawyers)

IF YOU’RE STOPPED BY AN OFFICER AT AN ACTION

• Assert your 5th Ammendment right, YOU DON’T HAVE TO SPEAK TO THEM
• If they ask to search, ask for a warrant
• Ask if you are being detained, if not ask if you are free to leave (if you are not being detained you have that right)

•Do NOT argue or be rude bc you don’t want to give any reason to use excessive force
•Do NOT run away or make sudden movements
•YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ABT YOUR IMMIGRATION STATUS
•Undocumented folks, ALCU has a section on their website on immigrant rights

•After any interaction w an officer WRITE DOWN their NAME, BADGE NUMBER & Take any pictures you can. In case of miss conduct, forward that information to internal affairs or the police commission

•Make sure to VERBALLY not consent to any searches
•Officers can only pat search if they have a suspicion you’re carrying arms
•Officers can only stop you if there is reasonable suspicion of a crime
•It is COMPLETELY LEGAL to film officer conduct in public spaces

The difference between being detained and being arrested https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/arrest-vs-detention-how-tell-whether-you-ve-been-arrested-simply-detained.html

IF ARRESTED

•An arrest cannot occur without reason; they need probable cause for it to be valid
•Be mindful of any tickets or outstanding warrants for your arrest because those can be used against you

•DO NOT RESIST especially if you’re Black, please do not give them any reason to try to use excessive force
•Keep your hands visible, again do not give them ANY REASON
•Assert your 5th ammendment right and REMAIN SILENT
•Ask for an attorney

•Always assume you are being recorded
•Do not talk about ANYTHING or ANYONE related to the action to avoid self incrimination and to avoid incriminating others or putting others at risk

•If you are 15 & under they have to let you call a lawyer

Here is some information for juveniles planning to attend https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/constitutional-rights-juvenile-proceedings-32224.html

•Be mindful of police tactics. They are trained to get information out you in any way they need to do be mindful that some of the things you’re told might not be the truth.

WHAT TO BRING

•Water
•Snacks
•Cash (not cards)
•Mask
•Gloves
•Glasses/Goggles
•Hoodied or something to cover your head/face if needed
•Washcloth in case of tear gas

•Wear sneakers/running shoes
•Wear plain clothes w no logos because they’re harder to identify
•Hats can also be used to cover your face

•Do NOT talk to the press
•Cover your face in front of cameras for your safety
•DO NOT GO ALONE
•Be mindful of who you speak to because people could be undercover cops

PHONES

•Turn your cellular data OFF
•Turn ANY location services OFF
•Turn Face ID or Touch ID OFF

If you are arrested, you just gave the cops your mugshot and finger prints, those are NOT protected by the constitution & can be used to unlock your phone

•If your password is your birthday, change that just in case

The government can also tap your phone for 48 hours WITHOUT A WARRANT under certain circumstances involving immediate death or serious injury, national security or activities classified as organized crime. Be mindful.

Do NOT record other activists https://twitter.com/silknymphe/status/1266102184875352064?s=21 https://twitter.com/silknymphe/status/1266102184875352064

This thread also has many helpful resources https://twitter.com/vantaemuseum/status/1266101875251843087?s=21 https://twitter.com/vantaemuseum/status/1266101875251843087

The ALCU has many helpful resources if you’d like to look further into them. You can also call and ask for ALCU Legal Observers to be present at any actions to observe and document events.

I will keep adding to this thread as I remember things!