It is every American’s inherent First Amendment right to organize and attend peaceful demonstrations and protests with fellow citizens to display their sentiment about an issue or issues. The First Amendment does not protect protests or citizens when a situation escalates to violence, destroys property, or further violate laws or ordinances. Illegal actions outside of the lawful right to peacefully assemble may lead to consequences.
In this document you will find information which may help you or others prepare for a demonstration. This should assist you to set expectations, manage the unexpected, and deal with more significant issues should they arise. We have identified precautions to consider and gear you may choose to carry along with several other key pieces of information. These are designed as precautionary and should be considered in the event you are engaged in a demonstration that experiences violence.
Clothing and supplies to consider wearing/carrying should you choose to assemble and protest:
Nondescript, solid color, layered clothing
Heat resistant gloves to protect against fire and tear gas
Masks and eye protection
Avoid ski masks or anything the cover the entire face, instead opting for masks that cover your mouth and nose only
These are especially important in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic when social distancing cannot be maintained. Tear gas and pepper spray cause you to cough which may make it easier for the virus to spread
Cell phone
Bring only if absolutely necessary
Ensure the device is encrypted and your information is well protected
Keep Bluetooth capabilities turned off
Turn on airplane mode unless cellular service is needed
Emergency contacts
Write these on your body with a permanent marker under clothing so as they are not visible
Consider including the name and number of a local law office in case you are arrested
A written list of your rights in the event you are detained or arrested
See Miranda Rights for more information
Hair ties to keep long hair out your face and from being caught or pulled
Water for drinking and treatment of tear gas/pepper spray
Portable snacks such as granola bars or trail mix
An appropriate amount of cash and proper identification
Consider utilizing a money pouch or money belt for safe storage
First aid supplies
Bandages, Gauze, and first aid ointment
Sunscreen
Small amounts medication you may need (in the event you are arrested)
Ear plugs
Avoid bringing:
Jewelry or other valuable items
Anything you don’t want to be arrested with
Contacts (they can cause blindness if there is contact with tear gas or pepper spray)
Bags which may be searched if you are stopped
Creating Distance:
Attempt to keep 5-10 ft of space between you and others, if and when possible continue to scan and assess the space of 25ft and closer to you. These distances encompass the immediate environment that is most likely to impact you if it changes.
Remain vigilant to quickly changing situations
Look for increased police presence
Listen for sounds of violence (i.e. breaking glass, sirens, screaming, etc)
Be aware of traffic patterns (closed roads, intersections, lights, and signs)
Breaking glass, Alarms, gunshots, screams etc may all be immediate indicators of a rapidly deteriorating environment
Know your egress points and maintain an active exit plan
Stay near the outskirts of the demonstration area
Avoid approaching media which may become targets of interest by large groups of protestors or law enforcement
Indicators of Escalation:
Aggressive show of force by participants and law enforcement
Law enforcement wearing riot gear and/or approaching in large formations
Participants throwing objects and/or displaying weapons
Use of dispersing agents such as tear gas, pepper spray and/or flash bangs
Arrival of counter protestors
Interactions between protestors and counter protesters that begin to draw a crowd
During Egress:
Comply with local law enforcement if you are stopped
Avoid remaining at demonstration sites after dark and comply with curfews
Avoid parking near demonstration sites, instead opting for alternate transportation
Have a backup plan and meeting place, if you are with a group and get separated
Recovery:
If you are tear gassed or pepper sprayed:
You may experience/feel:
Difficulty breathing
Temporary blindness
Burning and swelling in eyes, nose, mouth, and throat
Nasal and sinus discharge
Coughing and chest tightness
Headache and Nausea
Avoid wearing contacts or makeup
Remove yourself from the area to cease exposure
Note: You do not have to be directly sprayed to experience the effects of pepper spray or tear (CS) gas
Pepper spray: use water or diluted baby shampoo to flush eyes and dish soap to relieve burning on the skin, fresh air flow (such from a fan) may help relieve pain.
Burning may last for several days and you may expect some residual burning when showering
Tear gas: use water to flush eyes
Seek medical attention if symptoms remain
Individuals with asthma, pneumonia, and/or pulmonary conditions are at a higher risk of complications from exposure to pepper spray or CS gas
If you are near a flash bang:
You may hear/experience (these are usually temporary but may have lasting effects in some cases):
Ringing in the ears or hearing Loss
Disorientation
Loss of balance
Disturbance in vision due to the bright flash
If you see it coming, look away, open your mouth, cover your ears, and create distance
If you are arrested:
Comply with law enforcement and know your rights
Contact your attorney if you are arrested or charges are pursued
If you are injured:
Seek medical care as soon as practical and safe to do so
Know the locations of the closest treatment centers and/or first aid stations
Disclaimer: LSDS compiles information from numerous sources and makes recommendations for you to consider. All decisions must be weighed and made by you. We cannot predict where your choices will take you and only wish to provide information for you to consider.