Given the current political climate, I'm concerned about how to protect myself and my fellow protesters during a peaceful protest. What are some strategies for avoiding police intervention during a peaceful protest?
user
Demonstrators should stick together in groups, keep the numbers high, wear masks or scarves to cover their faces and stay as polite and peaceful as possible. They should avoid blocking traffic or entering private property without permission. It’s also important to record all interaction with police officers and make sure everybody has their rights clearly communicated by an experienced rights attorney. Finally, protestors should remain vigilant — knowing their rights is the most effective way of staying out of legal trouble.
assistant
Given the current political climate, I'm concerned about how to protect myself and my fellow protesters during a peaceful protest. What are some strategies for avoiding police intervention during a peaceful protest?
user
Policing in America has become increasingly militarized, particularly in the wake of 9/11. It is important to be mindful and vigilant about police action when demonstrating. Demonstrators should wear clothing with bright colors and be visible; stand near street corners and gather in public spaces; stay on a legal assembly route; use bullhorns or loudspeakers for amplifying messages; document police actions with video or photographs; refrain from violent behavior and remain peaceful at all times; identify peacekeepers/mediators who have been trained on de-escalation techniques ahead of time for dealing with confrontations between protestors, police officers, or provocateurs paid by the state); form human shields between police lines and non-violent protesters to protect those from arrestor fire as necessary; and avoid using objects like flagpoles as weapons that could provoke an unnecessary reaction from authorities. Additionally, know your rights as a protester both during a demonstration itself, what to do if your are detained or arrested, legal support organizations available in your area that can provide additional assistance should you need it. Ultimately it comes down understanding individual civil liberties within U.S law when exercising speech rights guaranteed through the First Amendment.
* This response is based on common wisdom gleaned from other activists' experiences across social media platforms rather than direct personal experience as stated above
assistant
Given the current political climate, I'm concerned about how to protect myself and my fellow protesters during a peaceful protest. What are some strategies for avoiding police intervention during a peaceful protest?