Safety steps
Arrests are typically rare at protests with a high degree of First Amendment protection (see above), but police can act unpredictably (and often outside of the bounds of the law). Brushing up your digital security is a must; consider your degree of risk and evaluate whether creating an arrest safety plans makes sense for you.
Here’s a digital security checklist for you to complete before running out the door to go protest. Lock down Signal chats, disable face and thumbprint unlocks, and set a strong passcode. Protect yourself and your community!
Here’s a guide on what you should bring to protests, how to evaluate your risks, and create a safety plan. (NOTE: The phone numbers provided in this resource are NYC-specific. Look up your local protest hotline contact here.)
Consider whether or not to wear a mask to protests. Masked protesters may be perceived as more threatening, so consider how this fits into protest objectives, but be aware that, even while you’re exercising your First Amendment rights, you are being surveilled. Note: A small minority of states/localities have enacted mask bans; check your local laws.
If possible, you should go to protests with a buddy. And if you expect that arrests may occur during the protest, you should have an emergency contact off-site. Page 28 of this Know Your Rights guide has information about what you should tell your emergency contact.
