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(THREAD) So, one thing I just had intimate experience with: it seems cops everywhere, not just in actively rioting cities, are pretty fucking jumpy right now.
So as best can given my limited experience, I wanted to share some thoughts on how to intervene as a bystander.
So as best can given my limited experience, I wanted to share some thoughts on how to intervene as a bystander.
Background: I& #39;m a trained Legal Observer, have gone through non-violent direct action trainings, and have gone through de-escalation trainings.
While I haven& #39;t had to use these skills too too often, the times that I have they& #39;ve been invaluable.
While I haven& #39;t had to use these skills too too often, the times that I have they& #39;ve been invaluable.
In my experience, if can, it& #39;s always best to start with your video rolling: you can always delete footage later, but you can& #39;t re-capture what wasn& #39;t recorded.
If can, make your presence known to the community member and the cop(s), but do so in a calm voice to avoid agitation.
If can, make your presence known to the community member and the cop(s), but do so in a calm voice to avoid agitation.
As quickly as can, record the car/badge numbers and send them to someone you trust in case you forget / evidence is tampered.
Additionally, send any photos/videos to that person as quick as can / when can in case the cops go through your phone to erase evidence.
Additionally, send any photos/videos to that person as quick as can / when can in case the cops go through your phone to erase evidence.
When the cops ask what I& #39;m doing, I usually say something like "I& #39;m a trained legal observer / community member just recording information and ensuring the well-being of a fellow community member."
IME, focusing on safety & the non-cop makes cops less likely to be as reactive.
IME, focusing on safety & the non-cop makes cops less likely to be as reactive.
Remember that you don& #39;t have to answer the cops& #39; questions; that said, I& #39;ve found that being mildly and calmly communicative is a good way to avoid extra tension.
When in doubt, I just repeat what I& #39;ve already said in a softer than normal, steady voice.
When in doubt, I just repeat what I& #39;ve already said in a softer than normal, steady voice.
As much as can, I try to make it clear to the person being harassed that I& #39;m there for their well-being, ask what the situation is, and ask how I can best help them.
Personally, I don& #39;t leave until I get a verbal affirmation from the community member(s) that they feel safe & comfortable with me leaving; sometimes this is after the cops leave, sometimes this is while they& #39;re still there.
If the latter, I try to hang in the area just in case.
If the latter, I try to hang in the area just in case.
My biggest advice is to remain as calm as can, keep your voice softer than the cop& #39;s, and be realistic with yourself about your capacity before intervening.
If you know you can& #39;t stay calm / might be targeted, try getting someone else to intervene.
If you know you can& #39;t stay calm / might be targeted, try getting someone else to intervene.
Of course, none of this ensures that things don& #39;t escalate / go from bad to worse, but it far more often does more good than harm.
Right now especially, we gotta do whatever we can to try and ensure our communities& #39; well-being from police violence.
Right now especially, we gotta do whatever we can to try and ensure our communities& #39; well-being from police violence.
Here& #39;s a pdf of the National Lawyers Guild Legal Observer training. Even if you can& #39;t get proper certification, it has a lot of useful information.
https://www.nlg.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Legal-Observer-Manual.pdf">https://www.nlg.org/wp-conten...
https://www.nlg.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Legal-Observer-Manual.pdf">https://www.nlg.org/wp-conten...
I don& #39;t have any on-hand resources for de-escalation training, so if anyone does please let me know so I can include them in this thread!
Apologies for any typos/grammar errors in this thread; still a little shaky after dealing with the cops.
Stay loving, stay compassionate, and stay caring, y& #39;all
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Stay loving, stay compassionate, and stay caring, y& #39;all
