How to protest safely

First and foremost

Stay warm! Bring multiple layers, a hat, gloves, a scarf, a hot water bottle, a blanket - anything and everything you'll need. Expect to be outside for some hours, and it's not a good look to go into a corporation shop during a protest for a Starbucks hot chocolate or Tesco meal deal, which brings me to my next point...

Protest Safety

This is the serious stuff. Going to a protest can seem exciting, especially if it's your first time, but it can be potentially risky. Knowing the dangers and how to combat them is tantamount to knowing CPR (which is also useful for a protest).

Whether you like police or not, they do not like you during a protest. If they stop you, you can verbally withdraw consent, or if they try to make you give them information, you are not legally bound to do so. You can say 'No comment' and move on with your day.If you are a white person - woman or man - at the protest, use your white privilege to protect your Black and Brown peers. Same goes for cis and trans, straight and queer, able-bodied and disabled people.A lot of the time, police will be filming protests. I have personally seen officers with a camera on a long stick at a trans rights protest. To avoid being identified by the camera, wear bland, non-flattering clothes (all black is ideal) and wear a mask and/or sunglasses and/or a hat. Trad goth and juggalo makeup have also proven effective to avoid being scanned successfully.Police may also attack protesters. In case of gas attacks, do not wear contact lenses. The chemicals can linger in the lenses, potentially blinding you, or seriously affecting your vision. If they attempt to arrest you, sit down. When they try to pick you up, make your body 'floppy'. Tensing your body makes it easier to manoeuvre you. Act tired. If someone points a camera in your face during arrest, make a statement of what you're doing (the innocent, legal act of peaceful protest against a violent crime).ALWAYS have a group of people with you on the way to, at, and on the way home from a protest. Plan an alternative, safe route away from the protest if things go wrong (e.g. police attack, violent counter-protest, violent hecklers). Tell someone who is not going (close friend or carer) where you will be, and what time to expect you back for. If you are not back at that time with no communication, they should check the hospital and police station.Make sure to have important phone numbers (emergency contact, and other recommended contacts below).If you witness an arrest, want support, or have legal questions about protest, contact:
[email protected]
07946 541 511Legal observers are independent volunteers who gather evidence on behalf of protesters and act to counter police intimidation and misbehaviour. Read more about your rights and protest legislation:
www.greenandblackcross.orgAfter arrest and/or if you have a court date and want advice, email:
[email protected]

advice on arrest

Say 'NO COMMENT' to all police questions during casual chats, 'booking in', and interviews. At the police station, you may wish to give your name, address, and date of birth to speed your release. For your protection, and that of others, don't answer further questions.Do NOT accept a CAUTION without advice from a recommended/hired solicitor. This is an admission of responsibility and goes on the police national computer.You have the right to FREE LEGAL ADVICE at the police station. Duty solicitors don't always have experience with protest law. Instead, ask the police to contact:
HJA (Hodge Jones & Allen): 0808 274 8226
Ison Harrison: 0113 200 7400 / 0113 399 6181 (out of hours number)
ITN (Irvine Thanvi Natas):020 3909 8100You have the right to have someone informed of your arrest (make that the PROTEST SUPPORT LINE, unless otherwise arranged: 07946 541 511). You have the right to an interpreter if English is not your first language. If you are or appear under 18, an appropriate adult should be called.