PROTEST SAFETY MEGATHREAD!

LEGAL SAFETY: Read  @GBCMANCHESTER's key messages and download a copy of their latest bustcard.

LEGAL SAFETY: You do not have to give personal details under ANY stop and search power, so don’t. If you have been arrested and taken to the police station you may wish to give your name, address and date of birth at the custody desk to speed your release.

LEGAL SAFETY: Police Liaison Officers (PLOs) wear blue hi-vis and are the ‘public friendly’ intelligence-gathering arm of the police. They are not our friends.

LEGAL SAFETY: Remember that if cops or Police Liaison Officers approach you, say ‘no comment.’ You do not need to answer police questions, so don’t.

LEGAL SAFETY: if you are arrested, don’t take the duty solicitor; they are unlikely to have the relevant knowledge and resources. Call Robert Lizar solicitor’s GM-based 24/7 line 07900 998999. Write that # on your arm or leg before you come.

LEGAL SAFETY: if you witness an arrest, call  @GBCMANCHESTER protest helpline and inform a Legal Observer. Get details off the arrestee and try to get them a bust card. Remind them: no comment, no duty solicitor; call Robert Lizar. Do all you can to track down where they are taken

LEGAL SAFETY: do not accept a caution without good legal advice! These are often given when cops have no grounds to pursue charges but stay on your record and can affect future employment.

LEGAL SAFETY: Ask “What power?” to challenge the police to act lawfully. Some police officers rely on you not knowing the law. If you are asked to do something by a police officer, ask them what power (i.e. what law) they are using and why they are using it.

LEGAL SAFETY: We will have a small Police Station Support team, who will look to support anyone who is possibly arrested. Please keep an eye out for yourself and others around you.

COVID SAFETY: if you, or anyone you have had contact with in the last 10 days, have had symptoms of Covid-19, STAY AT HOME (& get better soon! Lots of fluids!)

COVID SAFETY: maintain social distancing, wear a mask, bring a spare mask, bring hand sanitiser, don’t shout into others’ faces or unmasked. Covid transmission risks outdoors are low but not 0.

PROTEST SAFETY: Try to come with at least one other person! Ensure you have a plan on how to get home. If you can, don’t bring any ID with you (that includes things like bank cards). Wear warm, comfortable clothing. Bring snacks and drinks.

PROTEST SAFETY: We will have a very small amount of First Aid kits in addition to Mental Health First Aiders, who can give you support numbers to call. Please take care of your emotional well-being during this event. Plan in some aftercare.

PROTEST SAFETY: don’t post identifying pictures of protestors online nor of yourself attending. Don’t post publicly about your individual involvement. You have the right to cover your face at a demonstration.

PROTEST SAFETY: most of all, take care of yourself and one another. These are suggestions to increase all our safety. This movement exists with a culture of care. We keep each other safe.