Things, aren’t the best around the country right now, havoc caused by mass government layoffs by doge, natural disasters, and two reports of legal men, one of which a United States BORN man (Lopez Gomez), and the other (Kilmar Abrego Garcia) obtained legal status a while ago. We the people aren’t happy, some of us aren’t anyway, and more protests seem to be breaking out day by day. So here is a guide on how to keep yourself safe at a protest.
To bring a phone? Or not to bring a phone?
Simply put, don’t bring one. Police presence has never been stronger in some places, your phone, even turned off, can send out pings to a tracking device, known as stingray. It is used to track and identify who went to a protest. Remember law enforcers are agents of the state, not the people. And remember, you’re protesting the government most likely, so they will not be your friends.
The concern of recording may come up or emergency contacts. To record, invest in getting a camcorder, or other easy to maneuver recording device. They are sold all over online. You’ll find one I’m sure.
As for emergencies, bring a card with the numbers of emergency contacts instead of bringing your phone. Of course if you have a health condition that needs it, bring your phone or some other monitor.
An idea to ensure safety without having to reach out, let three people who will not be partaking in the event know where you are going, and when you plan to be back. Write their numbers down and ensure they will answer any number that calls.
If you must bring it, disable any face ID or fingerprint unlocking, in certain states the police can force you to unlock your phone for them with those.
What do I wear?
Simple. You’re not here to look good, but to send a message. Wear basic clothes, plain color, preferably black. C O V E R Y O U R F A C E. Face masks, hats, and masks do the trick. The police do NOT care. If they are called to break up a protest, there will be recordings, and they are called for anything despite it being violent or not. Cover anything that makes you identifiable, bright hair, tattoos, piercings, and so on.
If you suspect that there may be tear gas used to suppress in some way, bring a squirt bottle of water NOT MILK. People say milk will help, and yes the pain will be gone faster but it can lead to a more painful infection later. The bottle is for washing out your eyes. Wear face masks with a proper filter, and cover as much skin as you can. A common misconception is that it only hurts the eyes. WRONG.
Oh and, wear shoes you can run in.
How might local authorities respond?
Listen. YOU CANNOT, expect police to behave in a way that protects you or your rights, they can, have, and WILL violate your rights if given a chance. Police will be there. It is a fact. Ideally if they did their job they are only there to ensure safety and your right to protest. In practice it gets blurry. If ordered to break up a protest, peaceful or not. It is highly suggested to comply with what they say and do the following:
- Keep calm. Your distress may lead to police escalating and endangering your life,
- Keep your hands visible
- Don’t argue, resist, or obstruct the police even if you think they are violating your rights
- If it is safe to do so, state this protest is protected by the first amendment and not disrupting anything
- If you believe you are being detained, ask, and if they say no, then you can leave immediately
The police have authority to search you if they have reasonable suspicion, that you are involved in criminal activity, or suspicion you have weapons. They will frisk your outer layers to search. Searches can be refused, and unless they prove something with suspicion, then they cannot search you.
That is all for now, there is more but this is a short and sweet basic guide. Research more if you have questions, this was a very simplified explanation and guide.
