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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'm a trained Legal Observer, have gone through non-violent direct action trainings, and have gone through de-escalation trainings.
While I haven't had to use these skills too too often, the times that I have they've been invaluable.
While I haven't had to use these skills too too often, the times that I have they've been invaluable.
In my experience, if can, it's always best to start with your video rolling: you can always delete footage later, but you can't re-capture what wasn'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'm doing, I usually say something like "I'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't have to answer the cops' questions; that said, I've found that being mildly and calmly communicative is a good way to avoid extra tension.
When in doubt, I just repeat what I've already said in a softer than normal, steady voice.
When in doubt, I just repeat what I'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'm there for their well-being, ask what the situation is, and ask how I can best help them.
Personally, I don'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'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's, and be realistic with yourself about your capacity before intervening.
If you know you can't stay calm / might be targeted, try getting someone else to intervene.
If you know you can't stay calm / might be targeted, try getting someone else to intervene.
Of course, none of this ensures that things don'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' well-being from police violence.
Right now especially, we gotta do whatever we can to try and ensure our communities' well-being from police violence.
Here's a pdf of the National Lawyers Guild Legal Observer training. Even if you can'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-content/uploads/2016/05/Legal-Observer-Manual.pdf
I don'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'all
Stay loving, stay compassionate, and stay caring, y'all
