One of the best lessons I’ve learned from FReepers is to carry a camera at any FReep or protest. Sometimes merely pulling the camera out will calm the opposition, and it’s handy to have documentation if they persist. One guy became so caught up in being in the pictures (when we protested the Texas Senators leaving the State in 2003) that he quit calling us names and spent his time moving in front of the camera, instead.
The best option is to have someone not clearly connected with the group some distance away with a video camera. If accosted by the enemy, he can always say that he’s ‘keeping an eye on the group’ and they’ll probably leave him alone. Next best would be the same setup with a still camera.