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GENERAL PROTEST GUIDELINES
- Always assume that you may be arrested when going to a protest. Make contingency plans in case you are in jail for a few days (let a friend know you are going & your employer/family phone number if applicable)
- Write your “one phone call” number on your arm in Sharpie, as well as your NLG (National Lawyers Guild) number. In Ohio, it is 614-NLG-OH77.
- If you are arrested, DO NOT SAY ANYTHING. “I would like to evoke my right to remain silent — I would like to speak to an attorney.” Then don’t say anything else!
- Do not film/publicly distribute images of protesters’ faces; however, make sure to record police misconduct. If you are recording the cops, have your phone sync automatically with the cloud in case your phone gets destroyed, and bring a portable battery charger if possible as video is battery-draining.
- Do not wear contacts in case of tear gas or pepper spray. Try to cover as much of your face as possible to prevent face ID, and as much as clothing as possible without overheating in case of tear gas.
- Make sure to stay hydrated!
- Use Signal to communicate. Texting with other apps can be intercepted by police.
- Use the buddy group/pod system. Make sure to periodically check in on each other. Create a Signal group chat.
- Leave in groups of two or more in case of police interference after the protest. Have a pre-planned, specific plan to leave the vicinity with your group.
- Don’t use face ID, pattern locks, or fingerprint security on your phone. Cops can technically force you to unlock your phone this way. Use a digit code.
- If you take medications on a regular basis, bring a few days worth with you in case you are arrested. However, keep them in the original bottle with your name on it, or they are more likely to be confiscated.
- If you are tear gassed, ONLY USE WATER. Rinse out your eyes as if you had a chemical burn, and do not rub your eyes.
- If it looks like an arrest is likely, we would like white folks to use their privledge to help protect the BIPOC community. White folks can literally surround Black protesters & provide a shield. Do not antagonize the police; this is especially dangerous to Black folks.
- LISTEN TO BLACK LEADERSHIP
- Please don’t kneel with, march with, or otherwise take part in cop photo-ops